How to Stop a Dog From Barking at Passersby

Barking is a way for dogs to communicate. Sometimes barking means they are afraid, and other times they are trying to protect their territory. Although barking is occasionally an acceptable practice, if your dog is barking excessively, it can begin to wear on your nerves; if he barks at passersby, you may find your patience waning. Luckily, you can teach your dog not to bark when people walk by outside.

Things You'll Need

  • Curtains
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Aluminum can
  • Metal
  • Tape
  • Bark collar
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Instructions

  1. General Steps

    • 1

      Determine if your dog is barking out of fear. According to the Humane Society, a dog that is afraid will have his ears pinned down and his tail between his legs. Skittish dogs may be frightened by unknown people, and barking is their way of saying "stay back." If your dog is afraid of passersby, reassure her that everything is OK. If possible, take your dog out to see the person walking by to see that he is not a threat.

    • 2

      Keep the curtains closed. Removing visual stimulation is often enough to discourage barking. Although some dogs may bark at the sound of someone outside, removing the ability to see passersby may eliminate the problem.

    • 3

      Bring your dog inside. Do not leave your dog unattended outside if she has a barking problem, or she may bark unrestrained.

    Distraction

    • 4

      Use soap and water to clean the inside of an empty aluminum can. Turn the can upside down and allow it to dry completely.

    • 5

      Fill the can halfway with some form of loose metal--pennies, nails or bolts.

    • 6

      Cut a piece of paper or cardboard the size of the top of the can. Place it onto the top and cover with tape. Electrical tape or duct tape works well. Make sure that it is secure and will not fall off.

    • 7

      Distract your dog with the can. When he begins to bark at a passerby, shake the can. This will pull his attention from the passerby and onto the can. If you notice your dog is afraid of the noise or becomes aggressive, discontinue its use.

    Bark Collar

    • 8

      Decide which of three styles of bark collar you want to use. A citronella collar will shoot a puff of citronella spray under your dog's nose when she barks. A shock collar issues a small shock, similar to static electricity, when she barks. The third type is an ultrasonic collar that issues a high-pitched noise to distract your dog when she barks. All three collars will activate when your dog barks. The choice is up to you whether you want a collar that gives a physical correction, an audio correction or an aromatic correction.

    • 9

      Remove other collars from your dog's neck. Place the bark collar on and adjust it so it is snug. Make sure you can fit a finger between the collar and your dog's neck. Position the collar so that the bark control device is against your dog's throat.

    • 10

      Turn your collar on. Follow the instructions provided with your collar's model.

    • 11

      Do not leave your dog alone with the collar on for the first 48 hours to ensure he does not exhibit aggressive behavior and is not sensitive to the device. Some dogs may have a skin reaction to bark collars. Monitoring your dog makes sure the collar functions safely.

    • 12

      Discontinue use of the collar once your dog has learned not to bark at passersby.