One of the best ways to teach a dog to stop barking is to first teach the dog to bark. In this way, you can then teach the dog the command to stop barking. Being able to bark on command is also a good trick and a good way to help stimulate your dog's brain.
Things You'll Need
- Lead
- Collar or chest harness
- Dog's favorite toy
- Treats
Instructions
Speak. Good Dog.
Choose a toy that you know to be the dog's favorite. This needs to be a toy that will get the dog very excited just from seeing it. If the dog is not motivated by toys, then try a favorite treat.
Place a collar or chest harness on the dog. A chest harness is best because it will not pull against the dog's throat.
Clip a lead to the collar or chest harness and then tie the end of the lead to a secure object, like a stair banister or a tree.
Stand just beyond the reach of the dog. Hold up the toy and say a command word like "speak." The dog will strain and probably jump up and down to get at the toy, but the dog will also begin to whine and, eventually, bark.
Give the dog the toy and unleash the dog the moment the dog barks. Repeat this lesson every day until the dog will bark just on hearing the command word or seeing the toy. Reward the dog with the toy or with treats.