How to Train a Dog not to Bark

Okay, so your dog yaps like crazy and you want to learn how to train a dog not to bark. Best case scenario your dog barks when she is excited or sees something passing by through the window. Worse case scenario your dog barks all the time and during the nights. You and your neighbors can’t sleep and you get complaints all the time. If this sound familiar then read this how to train a dog to stop barking post. Before I get into the actual training I’ve chosen to list of some of the top barkers. Please note that most of these breeds are smaller dogs.

Dogs that are known to be more vocal:

1. Beagle
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Crain Terrier
4. West Highland Terrier
5. Chihuahua

Why do dogs bark excessively?

While dogs are vocal animals, they are not excessive barkers unless there is an underlying factor. Many dogs will bark when they are bored, want attention or anxiety problems when they are left alone. Sadly enough, dogs barking is usually something that us humans have unintentionally nourished. By understands why your dog is exhibiting this behavior you will learn how to train a dog not to bark much faster.

Understanding your dog’s bark

While this lesson is about how to train a dog not to bark, you are not trying to completely eliminate a dog from barking. Your dog may be trying to warn you of some danger, they may be distressed or something else.

How to train a dog not to bark for attention

Some dogs will bark when they want attention. For example, let’s assume you notice that your dog wants to go outside but you are busy. Eventually your dog starts to bark and you take him outside. In this case you’ve just taught your dog to bark when they want something. Even yelling at your dog can teach him to bark some more. If you’re dog is not getting any attention and begins to bark for it and you yell, you are actually “not” training your dog not to bark. You are telling him that barking will get him noticed (whether bad or good). This is the first step to training a dog to stop barking… to actually completely ignore your dog when they are yapping and praise them when they are quiet.

How to train a dog not to bark when alone

Dogs that bark when left alone can a bit more tricky to handle. Some dogs simply didn’t learn how to be left alone. Finding out why your dog is barking is the hard part. First, make sure that you have all the necessary items such as food, water and a nice place to relax. If you’re dog goes hysterical every time you leave her alone she may anxiety problems that require the help of a professional. This is why it is important not to pamper your dog when you first bring her home. If you spend the first few months with your puppy without giving him any alone time you may have some problems later on.

How to Train a Dog not to Bark

Okay now for the part you’ve been waiting for… how to train a dog to stop barking. When your dog begins to bark you should use a stern and loud voice and give the “NO” command. Be sure to make eye contact with your dog so they understand that you are talking to them. It helps to also hold your hand out in front of you.

Just like most of how to train a dog posts I write, positive reinforcement works best. Once your dog stops barking after you tell him to stop you should give your dog some praise and a treat. If you have a problem dog that barks a lot, this means you have to carry the treats with you all the time so you can reward your dog as soon as he does what he is suppose to do (ie. stop barking).

A different approach to stop a dog from barking

Sometimes, just telling your dog to stop barking will not work. In extreme cases you can use a short “time out” session. What you are doing here is placing your dog in a room all alone as dogs are pack animals and will not like that. Keep these time outs short. After all you are not trying to be cruel but trying to prevent your dog from barking… remember the task. I should also mention that it’s important that when doing these time outs you should be silent. Don’t say anything when you’re doing it. Just take him to a room. If he quiets down then you can bring him back.

Just like other dog training techniques, you should remain patient and consistent and ask other family members to do the same. This is vital when training a dog to do something (or not do something).

A note about anti-barking collars and learning how to train a dog to stop barking

Here is a little something I found on Yahoo! Answers when someone asked about the use of the anti-bark collar and other similar devices that are meant to train a dog to stop barking…

“I don't like them at all either, but one of my dogs needed to use one. She barked all the time-day, night, it didn't matter and would just start barking at nothing. We tried everything for about 5 years. The cops were even called on occasions and the last time they said that the dog was becoming a nuisance and if she kept barking then she would have to be put down. That is when we tried the bark collar. It only did a shock when she would bark twice in a row. After about a day of having it on she barely barked. I tried the amount of shock on my wrist before I put it on her and it was more uncomfortable than painful. She only had to wear it for about a month. I would only use that type of collar as a last resort. Try everything possible first. There is also a surgery that can take out that part, but that seems way worse.”

I hope this helps answer any concerns about the anti-bark collar. Personally, I would only use it in extreme cases. If my Boxer wouldn’t stop barking for example, and my choices were to give him up, put him down or use an anti-bark collar… I’ll let you answer this one as it should be obvious.

Hopefully you’ve found my how to train a dog not to bark article informative and stay tunes for some more great posts.

Berto