Instructions
Use positive reinforcement, which is one of the most effective methods to stop your puppy from barking. To do this, you must command your dog to "stop barking" every time he or she barks, and reward her when she accomplishes this task. At first, he might only stop barking for a second or two, but hat is enough to merit a reward. As he progresses, he should be required to be silent an increasingly longer period of time to receive the reward.
Introduce a treat for the puppy only to smell when you give the "stop barking" command because some puppies will not respond to positive reinforcement immediately. Puppies cannot smell and bark at the same time. If they puppy is having difficulty understanding the "stop barking" command, this technique might help him connect the action with the words.
Exercise your dog and provide entertainment. If your dog is bored, he will bark to attract attention or just to have something to do. Instead of having to use negative reinforcement, focus on avoiding the problem by providing ample play time for your dog so that he does not get bored in the first place. Plan daily walks, toss a toy or play tug of war. If your puppy is worn out, he is less likely to be a nuisance.
Socialize your puppy to avoid barking outbursts. If a puppy is familiar with being around other dogs, he will not be as likely to bark at other dogs. Take him to dog parks regularly, or have play dates with other dogs. Any kind of social interaction, with other puppies or with humans, is encouraged.
Use a household spray bottle to spritz your puppy each time she continues to bark after you give the command to "stop barking" if all else fails. You do not need to soak the puppy. A small spritz will get her attention and probably shock her into stopping immediately. If you continue to spritz her each time she barks, she will be discouraged from the behavior.
How to Teach a Puppy to Stop Barking
Teaching a puppy to stop barking can be frustrating and challenging. Puppies naturally bark for attention, bark at strangers, bark when they are bored and bark at other animals. Training them not to bark can be accomplished in different ways, but the underlying theme in all techniques is consistency. If you are not consistent with your training method, your puppy will just become more confused --- and will continue barking.