Ways to Keep Dogs From Barking

Teaching your dog not to bark at inopportune times is not very difficult. It does, however, take patience and understanding. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they do it to warn you of a possible intruder, even if that intruder is only a squirrel. To a dog, any being trespassing on what he perceives as his--and your--territory is in violation and needs to be warned to stay away. Sometimes they bark because they are trying to get your attention for other reasons, such as a need to be played with or simply boredom. Figuring out why your dog is barking is the key to getting him to stop.

  1. Barking At Visitors

    • Burglars don't ring the doorbell, but dogs don't know that.

      Burglars seldom ring the doorbell or knock, but dogs are not aware of this fact and so when someone comes knocking, your dog may feel the need to let you know. It's almost as if they think you didn't hear the doorbell. If this is your problem, there is a simple training technique you can use to stop this annoying habit. Allow the dog to bark once. Tell him "enough" and give him a treat when he is quiet. This is the one time in training that you do not treat immediately. Tell him "enough," wait for silence, then give him a treat and say "good dog" or "good quiet."

    Barking When Alone

    • If your dog is hungry or thirsty this could be the cause of his barking.

      If your dog is barking when he is left alone, most likely he is barking out of boredom. The solution to this kind of barking is a special toy meant to keep your dog occupied and busy while you are away. There are several versions of this toy and it is manufactured under a variety of names in different colors and styles. Basically, they all work the same way. Kibble is placed inside the toy in such a way that the dog has to move the toy around the house, batting it this way and that, in order to get the kibble to fall out of the openings in the toy. Puzzle toys, as they are sometimes called, will keep your dog busy for hours and help keep barking at a minimum.

    Barking To Address a Need

    • Dogs just want to be part of the pack.

      Your dog may be barking because he's hungry. Check the water and food dish to see if either is empty. If your dog is standing in the kitchen staring at the cupboard where his food is kept, chances are he's trying to tell you something. According to Dog Problem Solutions, dogs bark for many of the same reasons that babies cry--they want their needs met. If your "Rover" is barking, try taking him for a walk. It's possible he is trying to train you to understand that barking means "take me out."

    Gadgetry

    • A citronella collar may stop a dog from barking when you are not at home.

      There are gadgets on the market for your consideration if you cannot arrest the behavior with simple training techniques, games or walks. One such tool is a citronella collar. The collar is humane and effective, especially when you are not around. A small device attached to the dog's collar emits a spray of citronella, a nasty-smelling but harmless substance, whenever the dog barks. Some dogs, however, have learned to jump back, away from the smell, at the moment it is being dispensed, thereby avoiding the unpleasant smell. For most dogs, however, the collar works well.