Training a dog to perform any command, whether to sit, walk on a leash, or not to bark, follows the same techniques of being creative, consistent and patient. The most cutting-edge training techniques will be wasted, however, if you do not understand the CAUSE of why your dog is doing (or not doing) what you want. Traditional training involves food and positive reinforcement. Your voice, your training environment and what you do before and after training will result in success or failure of what you want accomplished.
Things You'll Need
- Food
- Favorite toy
Instructions
Identification
Identify if the dog is really scared of guests, or if there is another reason it is barking. Is it barking at strangers only? Is it really reacting to the doorbell, or the guests? New plants, new furniture, construction, a strange scent are all factors that could result in the dog barking.
Think of the common factors when your dog barks. Note discrepancies. Does your dog only bark at certain times? Does it bark when guests are wearing hats or sunglasses? Does it bark at kids and not adults? Determining what is causing the barking is the first step in eliminating the problem. If your dog is barking due to hunger, you may want to feed it before your dinner guests come. If the doorbell is causing the barking, perhaps it can be lowered in tone.
Begin a training schedule of about 15 minutes per day, once you have determined that guests are the true cause of your dog's barking. The most successful method of training has been use of food rewards and positive reinforcement to modify behavior.
Training
Simulate "guests" by asking a friend to walk in. Try wearing another person's clothes so your dog may smell a new scent and think you are a stranger. See if people on TV or a life-size poster of a person will cause your dog to bark also.
Ensure that you do not change the command. Always say it in the same tone of voice. The only consistent method of dog training is by doing the exact same action over and over until the dog learns how to get the reward. Try this exercise about 15 minutes every day. After about a week, try to keep the recording going, while you give the command. If it doesn't work, you must continue stopping the stimulant, giving the command and giving the reward (when it stops barking).
Consider a professional dog trainer. If you do not have the time and/or patience to train for many days, if your dog may hurt you or others, if your dog is old or just very difficult, it may be worthwhile to get professional help. Many trainers will work with the owner so you can learn the basics of training and do most of it by yourself.
Use reverse training. Here you use the techniques above to try to get your dog TO bark. Choose a command like "Bark" or "Speak" and find something that will make it bark. You can (assuming it will not bite) physically open its mouth after you give the command. After you get it to bark, say the "Quiet" or "No" command. If it remains silent, give it a treat. Train constantly and often to have it bark, and then be quiet. After time, it will understand these commands independently.