Tips on Training a Puppy to Stop Barking

Barking is a normal part of the way that puppies communicate, but if they bark too much, they can be a nuisance to their owners and to the neighborhood. Controlling a puppy's barking should be a part of the puppy's socialization and training, and there are several tips that can help guide you towards keeping your puppy polite and quiet.

  1. Ignore Attention Barking

    • Sometimes, puppies will bark because they want your attention. If you give in and play with your puppy when it barks, you are letting it know that barking is acceptable behavior. Instead, ignore your puppy until it stops barking.

    Offer Treats

    • When a dog is barking, allow it to bark for a few moments and then show it a treat, as you say "Stop barking" or "Quiet." The appearance of the treat will make the dog quiet for a moment, and when it gets quiet, give it the treat and praise it.

    Identify the Cause of the Barking

    • Some puppies only bark under certain circumstances. If their barking is triggered by the appearance of something that disturbs or frightens them, it is important to identify what it is and to get them used to it. They might be triggered by something like people walking by or vacuum cleaners and other common household objects.

    Crate the Puppy

    • Crating puppies can keep them calm and happy when you are not playing with them. The crate is a den where they can feel safe and enclosed, and though puppies might whine or bark when they are first put into the cage, they can be taught that the crate is a place for quiet.

    Use an Electrical Collar

    • There are no-bark collars that send a small electrical burst to your puppy when it is barking. Though these collars cannot be the only method used for training your puppy, it can help reinforce the point.