Tips on training your dog to stop barking

Posted by Puppy Trainer on January 26th, 2010 filed in Dogs

A dogs bark is an instinctive reaction, which may be caused by something he has seen, like a bird or ball, or by a noise, like a dog barking or a phone ringing. They will bark to defend their patch, or to show frustration or anxiousness. They will bark as a means of displaying their dominance, or perhaps just as a way of drawing your attention.

Some dogs bark just because they like it!

If you’re trying to find more useful techniques to help you stop your dogs barking, take a look at Helpful tips on stopping dogs barking

To try to stop your dog barking entirely would be both difficult and slightly harsh on the dog - you don’t prevent your children from displaying excitment ! A much more advisable tactic is to gain complete command of your dog, who will then be more likely to remain obedient to your commands to stop barking.

You could set up a false scenario in which you would actually want your dog to start barking - during an attempted burglary for example. Invite a friend over to your home, and ensure that you will not be interrupted or disturbed. Make sure that your dog is in a relaxed state, then tell your helper to attempt to come onto the property in a way that an invited guest would never do, like through an open window. Now get your dog to bark at your helper, using a phrase such as ‘bark’ or ‘who’s that’. Now, command your dog to stop, by saying something like ‘quiet’, or even just ’stop’, and wave a food reward under his nose to get his attention. As the barking stops, give him the food reward and praise him for his good behaviour.

Don’t forget, there are loads more helpful tips on how to stop excessive barking in dogs at Learn how to stop a dog from barking

Repeat this exercise over and over, and ensure that you have your dog stay calm and attentive a little longer each time before giving him his reward and praise. In the end, you should be able to quieten your dog straight away,and hold his attention for a good minute or so. Stay in a calm happy mood when telling your dog he has been good, which will tell him that you are happy with his behaviour.

By practicing in a controlled situation, you will have a much better chance of maintaining control of his barking when something unexpected triggers it in the future.

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I trust that you have found reading this page beneficial - why not have at look at some more advice on how to stop a dog from barking, by visiting How to stop barking dogs