How to Train a Puppy to Stop Barking at Its Owner

Behaviors such as barking that are cute in a puppy can become a nuisance if not corrected. These behaviors are best stopped with training while the dog is still young; it's more difficult to stop a learned behavior in an older dog. While it is natural for a puppy to bark when it needs something, you must address excessive barking or barking for no reason as quickly as possible. Instead of punishing bad behavior with physical force, many dog trainers prefer positive reinforcement that rewards a dog for proper behavior. Clicker training is effective in stopping nuisance barking.

Things You'll Need

  • Training clicker
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get a training clicker. This is a small device that produces an audible click when pressed. They are available at most pet supply stores, or you can make your own clicker out of a jar lid that has an air seal. The small depression in the middle of the lid can be used to make a similar clicking noise.

    • 2

      Practice with the clicker before training the dog. Getting your timing down is the biggest issue with clicker training. The clicking sound must occur at the moment the good behavior is accomplished to reinforce the lesson.

    • 3

      Begin training the dog. Wait for the puppy to bark and when it does, say "Quiet" in a firm voice. The second the puppy starts barking, click the clicker and reward the puppy with a treat.

    • 4

      Continue using positive reinforcement with the clicker. Depending on the puppy's intelligence level, it may catch on immediately or it may take a few tries to associate the reward with the command. It eventually learns, however, that if it is quiet on command, it gets rewarded.

    • 5

      Replace treats gradually with a rub on the head after sounding the clicker. Eventually, the puppy should realize that pleasing its owner is the best reward of all. Food treats are used initially because many dogs are motivated by food. Start alternating food treats with physical affection.

    • 6

      Phase out using the clicker. Once a puppy reliably begins to obey commands, you can phase out use of the clicker and just provide positive reinforcement in the form of physical affection.

    • 7

      Repeat clicker lessons if necessary. Over time, a puppy can forget its training. You may need to go back to the clicker if old behaviors resurface.