Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle of water
- Metal coffee can filled with some pennies
Instructions
Walk or run to the puppy while he is barking, or immediately after he has barked, and loudly shout "no" or "Stop barking!" at him. Do this every time he barks when he should not.
Spray the puppy in the face with a mist of water immediately after shouting at him. Again, make sure to do this every time he barks unnecessarily.
Shake the metal can of pennies at the puppy immediately after spraying him; he will find this unpleasant and startling. Do this only after he barks.
Avoid rewarding the puppy with anything he wants during or after barking. Otherwise, he may equate barking with receiving attention and continue the behavior.
Praise the puppy and give affection immediately when he stops barking on a consistent basis. That will help him equate the praise and affection with stopping the barking.
Provide plenty of toys and exercise for the puppy to keep him from getting bored, which can cause unnecessary and excessive barking.