How to Reduce or Stop Puppies from Barking

Barking is a puppy's way of communicating. A new puppy can bark for many reasons. It may miss its litter mates, or it may be hungry, bored, thirsty, hurt, frustrated or simply craving your attention. Harshly disciplining your puppy can scare it and send the wrong message. Allowing the behavior to continue also has an adverse affect. You have to take charge and use proper techniques to reduce and stop the barking.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid paying attention to your puppy when it barks and eventually the barking fades. If you give into your puppy's barking it will associate the behavior with getting the attention it craves. You are reinforcing its behavior. Your puppy will continue barking because it is getting what it wants --- your attention.

    • 2

      Combat separation anxiety which can trigger barking in puppies. Allow your puppy to sleep in your room, in its crate. Knowing you are present reduces separation anxiety and builds trust.

    • 3

      Teach your puppy the command "Quiet." When your puppy barks use the "Quiet" command to get it to stop. Have all family members use this same command to avoid confusion. If your puppy doesn't listen, spray water from a spray bottle in its face to reprimand it. It will learn that if it doesn't obey the command, it will get sprayed. A quick pull on your puppy's leash or making noise by shaking a can with coins are alternatives to the spray bottle.

    • 4

      Create a bedtime schedule for your puppy. Give it food and water and take it outdoors. Play with your puppy and allow it to relief itself. Let your pup run around and tire itself out before putting it to bed. Your puppy will be too tired to stay awake and bark.

    • 5

      Place toys in your puppy's crate together with a piece of your clothing when you leave the house. The scent of your clothes comforts your puppy and the toys will keep it from getting bored, which can trigger barking.

    • 6

      Cover a hot water bottle with a cloth and place it in your puppy's bed. Place a ticking clock next to the bed. The ticking of the clock and warmth of the water bottle resemble the heartbeat and warmth or the mother dog which soothes and comforts your puppy so it is less likely to bark.