Instructions
Note when your dog is prone to continuous barking. If it occurs when you arrive home after a day at work, your dog may simply be greeting you happily. If your dog barks when people or other animals are near the house or yard, he may be claiming his territory and warning others to keep off. If you are unsure why your dog is barking, seek the help of a canine behaviorist.
Teach your dog to obey a quiet command. This will provide you with more control over your dog's barking and will also bring your dog's attention to you quickly. It takes time to train a dog from barking, so work with your dog in small steps. When your dog engages in barking, don't shout, as your dog may interpret it as barking on your part, encouraging him to bark even more. Calmly say the word "quiet," holding a treat in hand. If your dog ignores your command, gently cover his muzzle for a moment, saying the command at the same time. He will, over time, learn to associate the word "quiet" with keeping his mouth closed.
Pay attention to his body language when you are in a situation where your dog tends to bark. Dogs will tighten their bodies and sometimes growl under their breath before they bark. When your dog appears to be working up to a bark, stand in front of him and command him to sit using a treat. Say the word "quiet" and reward your dog for obedience. If your dog doesn't give his full attention, take him away from the situation.
Use systematic desensitization to get your dog to stop barking at people who visit or dogs that walk nearby. Elicit the help of friends to come over to the house with treats and have them give treats when your dog stops barking at them. Do the same with friends with dogs, but be cautious, as other dogs can interpret barking as aggression and will respond accordingly.
Train a dog who barks in response to separation by leaving him alone briefly and rewarding with treats and praise for not barking when you return. Start with 2 to 3 minute increments, slowly building up to an hour and more. Never yell at or punish a dog who barks due to anxiety, as it will only make him more anxious. Don't comfort your anxious dog either. This only reinforces the anxiety and does not allow the dog to develop self confidence.
How to Stop Continuous Barking
Barking is a primary form of communication for dogs, but when it's continuous, it can be an annoyance for you and anyone else who hears it. Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including boredom and anxiety, but some dogs simply bark more than others because they're happy or excited. Barking is instinctual, but you can learn ways to modify your dog's barking behavior so he does it at times when it is acceptable.