Five Tips on Making a Dog Stop Barking

To a dog, barking is its way of communicating. To people, including those living next to dog owners, excessive barking can become a nuisance. Dog barking can be caused by many factors; ranging from separation anxiety to boredom. To stop your dog's barking, find the trigger and incorporate measures to stop it.

  1. Keep Your Dog Entertained

    • Dogs can start barking because they are bored. If you are at work all day while your dog is at home, provide it with a stimulating environment to avoid excessive barking. Give your dog toys to play with; food-dispensing toys can provide hours of fun. When your dog is playing with it's toys, it's too busy to bark, and once it's done playing, it's too tired to bark. Have a helper take your dog for a walk outdoors on a daily basis.

    Use Commands and Rewards

    • When your dog starts barking uncontrollably, use the "quiet" or "stop barking" command to get it to stop. Avoid yelling the commands at your dog, because it may think you're joining in on the barking; calmly tell your dog "quiet" or "stop barking". Wait a few seconds to see if your dog stops barking. If it does, give it a treat so it associates treats with the "quiet" or "stop barking" command. If it doesn't stop barking, shake a can of coins to startle it. Your dog will understand that if it doesn't stop the barking, it'll get startled.

    Use Automatic Noisemakers or Water Sprayers

    • If your dog constantly barks when it's in the backyard, position automatic noisemakers or water sprayers around the area. These devices are bark-activated. When your dog starts barking, the noisemaker emits a startling noise and the water sprayer sprays your dog. Out of shock, your dog may stop its excessive barking. When it stops barking while in your presence, make sure to have treats on hand to give to your dog.

    Block Your Dog's View

    • Dogs are territorial and when another person comes near their territory, they may start barking aggressively to chase the intruder away. The mailman often encounters this type of barking. Place your dog indoors, before the person that triggers the barking enters your property. If your dog can't see them, it may refrain from barking. Set up a solid fence around your backyard with no spaces that your dog can see through.

    Control Fearful Situations

    • Many dogs bark out of fear. While walking your dog, it may bark at traffic or at people passing by. To stop the barking, gradually get your dog used to different situations that normally trigger barking. Have a helper walk toward you and your dog. Make him stop at a safe distance, far enough from your dog so it doesn't bark. Have him throw treats toward your dog. Your dog will associate people with pleasant things. Have your helper come closer to your dog, while still throwing the treats. Eventually your dog's fear will reduce. Certain fearful situations, such as traffic, are best when avoided.