5 Best Ways to Stop a Dog From Barking

Dogs communicate in various ways, and barking is one of their primary ways to express themselves. To expect your furry companion not to bark at all is the same as expecting a newborn not to cry. How else can they tell you what they want?

However, in some cases, excessive barking can become a real problem for pet parents and their furry friends, as it can lead to heightened stress levels, strained relationships, and even neighborhood disputes. In this guide, we'll help you end the barking blues and create a harmonious home for you and your companion.

How to Stop a Dog From Barking

Canines are simple creatures; they do what works. If, for example, they bark to get your attention and it works, they’ll do it more often. And the more often the behavior happens, the more annoying and difficult it is to deal with and change.

The good news is that you can work on this behavior and use their adaptability to your advantage. You can modify unwanted habits with the right approach. So, let’s talk about some practical steps on how to get a dog to stop barking. 

Step 1. Discover the reason why your dog barks

Barking serves multiple purposes in the canine world. Dogs use it as an alert mechanism to inform them about someone approaching and defending their territory from intruders. 

Apart from that, canines may also bark out of frustration (e.g., when not used to being home alone) or out of fear (e.g., a sudden noise has startled them), and even because of pain (if the behavior has appeared suddenly and there’s no apparent reason, make sure to consult your vet).

Some breeds (Toy breeds, Beagles, Huskies, German Shepherds, Spaniels, Dachshunds, etc.) are more predisposed to excessive vocalization. If you own one of these, you just need to be aware and pay more attention to their needs-based training, socialization, and environmental factors. If you need a personalized training plan, download the Woofz app and set yourself up for success!

Another common cause of excessive barking is a call for attention or attention-seeking barking. Boredom makes canines seek human interaction, so if you respond to vocalization by paying attention to your furry companion, expect this behavior to become more prominent. Bored canines often bark to make you let them out, get more food or water, or simply encourage you to play with them. 

Step 2. Don’t reinforce barking behavior

This tip is beneficial for attention-seeking barking. Your interaction is a powerful reinforcer of this behavior. If a barking dog makes you stop whatever you’re doing and pay attention to them, in their eyes, it works! 

What should you do instead? First, try to remain calm and ignore them when they bark. Then, reward the times when your companion stays quiet. This way, your dog learns that excessive vocalization doesn’t lead to quality time with you.

Step 3. Work on separation anxiety

Canines are social creatures, and they crave interaction with others. Leaving them alone for a long time can often trigger barking out of boredom and anxiety. Of course, modern, fast-paced life usually leaves owners no choice but to leave their pets at home during the work day.

If you suspect the behavior stems from separation anxiety, try to reduce the time your furry companion stays alone. You can hire someone to walk them or play with them during the day. In extreme cases, consulting a certified animal applied behaviorist can help tackle separation anxiety.

Step 4. Improve your dog’s ability to control impulses

Obedience training can help control and modify unwanted behaviors in dogs. Teaching basic commands such as “Watch Me” or a reliable recall can help redirect your dog’s attention. As a result, your dog stops barking when needed. You can also use positive reinforcement to teach your companion that staying quiet results in rewards, motivating them to control their impulses. 

Step 5. Consult a certified professional dog trainer

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dog continues to bark excessively. In this case, looking into the option of professional training makes sense. Certified applied animal behaviorists and professional trainers specialize in dealing with persistent barking. 

Need some professional assistance? There's no need to step outside! Simply download the Woofz app and schedule a call with a dog trainer today!

They can teach you how to modify your training methods to make them more effective. They can also guide you on removing barking triggers and provide sufficient mental stimulation to reduce barking. You can also consider consulting a vet to ensure underlying health issues are not at the root of the problem.

How to Train a Dog Not to Bark

You can teach your dog to remain quiet on your verbal cue to stop barking in situations when the behavior isn’t welcome. Use positive reinforcement methods only to encourage staying quiet. Additionally, ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing the habit. 

More Tips on How to Stop a Dog From Barking

Now, let’s examine more specific scenarios when your dog is barking. In many cases, environmental modifications can help remove barking triggers. We’ve collected some extra advice on correcting the behavior.

• Cover the view to the street: For many canines, the desire to bark is provoked by what they see outdoors. This is the part of the alarm barking ingrained into their instincts and the need to protect their territory. They bark at passersby because they believe they can scare them away. Blocking the window with curtains can be an effective way to make your household quieter. 
• Separate them from your guests: The best way to stop a dog from barking at visitors is to physically remove them from the situation. You can send your pet to their place or crate, or use a baby gate to keep them in a separate room. 
• Offer plenty of mental exercise: Keep your dog busy by offering fun activities to reduce boredom and anxiety. A tired canine is usually one who won’t bark excessively. 
• Avoid punishment: Your dog barks due to instincts, so punishing them for normal and natural behavior should be off-limits. Punishments can only make a canine more anxious and cement unwanted behaviors. We also strongly advise against the surgical debarking procedure or shock collars.

Wrap Up

To wrap it up, tackling excessive barking in your furry friend is crucial for a happy bond between you and your canine companion. Consistent training typically brings noticeable improvements in as little as two weeks. So, be patient, stay consistent, and use positive reinforcement to help your pup bark less and understand you better.

Frequently Asked Questions