How to Keep a Puppy From Barking in Their Kennel

A puppy barks to send a message. To keep a puppy from barking in its kennel, you must interpret the puppy's message and act accordingly. This typically involves meeting any specific needs the puppy has and training the puppy not to bark. While you can lessen how often a puppy barks through behavioral training, you cannot stop it from barking completely without invasive surgery.

Things You'll Need

  • Water bottle
  • Toys
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Instructions

  1. Meeting Basic Needs

    • 1

      Play with, exercise and socialize your puppy prior to placing it in the kennel. A puppy with a full belly, water and plenty of attention has fewer reasons to bark.

    • 2

      Take your puppy for a walk so that it can eliminate any wastes before entering the kennel.

    • 3

      Add a water bottle to the kennel. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests a water bottle rather than a bowl because it leads to less mess.

    • 4

      Put the puppy's favorite toys in the kennel. This keeps the dog from becoming bored.

    Training Not to Bark

    • 5

      Choose a command word, such as "quiet" or "silence."

    • 6

      Wait until the puppy begins to bark. The puppy should not be in the kennel when you begin its training.

    • 7

      Say your command word in a calm, firm voice. Do not yell or use an overly harsh tone.

    • 8

      Grasp the puppy's muzzle. Hold it shut while repeating the command. Don't squeeze the muzzle; keep your grip light.

    • 9

      Let the puppy go. Feed it a treat, pet it and give it lots of praise after it quits barking. Continue praising the puppy until it begins barking again. Repeat the process.

    • 10

      Train the puppy every day until it understands what the command means. When the puppy begins barking in its kennel, say the command to get the puppy to stop.