How to Keep a Puppy From Barking

It is natural for puppies to bark--this is their way of communicating. They have lived up to this point surrounded by a litter of other pups that they consider their pack. You have become their pack and your puppy wants to connect with you. This is all normal and the puppy is just following its instinct. However, when your puppy's barking becomes excessive and keeps you up at night, it is time to take action.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy crate
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Chew toys
  • Water squirt bottle
  • Soda can
  • Pennies
  • Treats
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the cause of your puppy's barking. It could be barking out of boredom, separation anxiety or pent up energy. Knowing why will determine how you tackle the problem.

    • 2

      Provide a good crate to make your puppy comfortable and warm. Do not take the puppy out of the crate if it is barking. Puppies learn very quickly and this will only reinforce negative behavior. Your puppy eventually will give up communicating in this way if you ignore it. Only let it out of his crate once it has quieted.

    • 3

      Leave your puppy alone for longer and longer periods during the day. Do not make a big fuss over it when you go. This could trigger the puppy to start barking and it will start up again as soon as you return. Enter the house when the puppy is not barking. Gradually your puppy will become accustomed to this routine and stop reacting to your departure with anxiety.

    • 4

      Walk your puppy at least one hour a day. A well-exercised dog sleeps more. Shake a soda can filled with pennies if it starts barking on the walk. The sudden noise will immediately stop the barking. Command the puppy to "Quiet!" at the same time. Praise it when this happens.

    • 5

      Enroll your puppy in obedience training. Pups love fun games that involve having to sit, heel and stay. This mental activity will tire it out as well as teach it to obey commands.