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How do I get my dog to STOP barking?

§        When your dog begins barking, get a good hold of his collar and firmly tug while issuing the command, “No—Shut!”  Or, with your hands closing his muzzle, look  him in the eyes and tell him, “No—Shut!”  Do this with your puppy when you first bring him home, every time he whines, howls, or barks.  When possible, accompany the “No—Shut!” command with a loud noise that will startle him (such as, clapping hands or banging on a hard surface).  If he is in a crate and begins to whine or bark, tap loudly on top of the crate and say, “No—Shut!”

§        Never strike your dog with your hands or a newspaper.

§        As the puppy grows and begins inappropriate barking, interrupt the barking and divert his attention by giving a command such as “Sit!” or “Stay!”

§        Training a few minutes every day is important to keep the dog listening to you so that when you say “No!” it means something, and he will respond accordingly.

§        Praise the dog when he is quiet.  After he has settled down, go to him with pats of approval and tell him, “Good dog!”

§        Change the dog’s environment.  If you leave your dog in the back yard unsupervised and learn from neighbors that he’s been barking, you know you have a real problem.  He should be put in a place that is familiar to him when you leave him alone.  Provide him with a quiet area inside the house, which is exclusively his, where he can settle down.  If you put your dog in a dog run outside the house, put a doghouse in the dog run so that he has a place to retreat.

§        If you have a dog that still persists in barking, get a toy water pistol, and at the same time you tell him, “No—Shut!” squirt the water into his face.  The secret here is not to let the dog see the pistol--there are some that are small enough to conceal in the palm of your hand.  Do this quickly and then walk away so the dog doesn’t realize it was you who squirted him.

·        When your dog isn’t barking, tell him “Good dog” without patting him and just go about your business.  Be ready, however, to squirt him and tell him, “No—shut!” if he begins barking again.

On occasion, barking is appropriate.  For example:

§        It’s natural for a dog to bark before mealtime.  If he’s on a feeding schedule, he’ll anticipate this meal.  About an hour before mealtime is best to walk or train your dog.

§        Dogs bark to let you know they need to go out or come in.  But don’t allow the dog to pester you with his demands.  Dogs can learn to stay in a crate or dog run.

§        Dogs bark when people or other dogs are nearby or if someone approaches the vehicle in which he is riding.  He is barking to warn you and guarding his territory.  Barking at such a time is only inappropriate when it goes on and on.  If this occurs, refer back to the ways described earlier in this article about controlling your dog’s barking.

There are other reasons that your dog may bark at inappropriate times.

§        Another barking dog can trigger your dog to bark.  Again, this becomes inappropriate when your dog refuses to stop barking.

§        Loud noises such as sirens and thunder can trigger a dog’s barking.  You need to be aware and alert to help your dog at such times.

§        Loneliness may cause a dog to bark frantically for no apparent reason.  However, often a dog will bark to get the attention he so desperately wants and needs.   Even negative attention such as a reprimand to “Stop that barking!” or a sound scolding may signify a positive thing to a lonely dog.  “Look—they’re paying attention to me!”  Sometimes a second dog can help a lonely dog but only if you are training both dogs individually.  You want a dog to bond with you—not with another dog.  And you don’t want an aggressive, destructive dog influencing or badgering a timid dog, so evaluate carefully before introducing a second dog into your home.

§        Separation anxiety can cause frantic barking.  When you first get your puppy or dog, you need to leave him in his “special place” both inside and outside the house.  Leave him alone while you are at home doing other things as well as when you are away from the house.  Start by short periods until your dog can tolerate hours of separation.  It may be helpful to leave a radio playing softly to comfort him.

§        Leaving and greeting sessions can trigger excessive barking.   If you have an excitable animal, come and go without a word, and then greet the dog after he is somewhat calm.  He will settle down as you soothe him.

§        Some dogs are more territorial than others, but don’t let this become out-of-control behavior.  Continuous, uncontrolled barking can be a nuisance to others as well as to yourself.

Older dogs that are established barkers will probably need more help.  Citronella spray collar can be used very effectively to quiet an established barker. 

The laws concerning barking dogs are becoming stricter.  Your County Animal Control Unit can advise you about fines imposed when dog barking becomes a nuisance to others.

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