How To Train Your Dog To Stop Barking

Dogs will be dogs, which means they sometimes bark, but you can teach your dog to control their barking so that it’s not disruptive. These three tips will make your training easier and more effective.

The video above walks you through how to train your dog to not bark during common situations, like when another dog is nearby or when someone knocks on your front door. Each scenario has specific tips, but there are a few shared tricks:

• Be Consistent: Reacting the same way each time your dog does or doesn’t do what you want helps him better learn how to respond to your commands. Like always turning away and not giving attention when he barks or jumps.
• Reward Quiet: When your dog is quiet, like when he stops barking while in his kennel, reward him with praise and treats. Over time, he’ll associate not barking as a positive behaviour that gets him attention and food.
• Exercise Patience: Some dogs take longer to train than others, and even quick learners are likely to take a few tries to understand what you’re teaching them, so be patient. Know that the time you invest in training your dog will eventually result in the behaviour you want, even if it takes them a while to learn.

Create phases or milestones to mark the progress your dog makes so you know when to step up their training. For example, if you’re training your dog not to bark while in their kennel, the first phase would be to stand near their kennel with your back to them until they stop barking, then reward them with a treat and praise. After they understand that being quiet nets them a reward, move on to training them to be quiet for longer periods of time or with you out of sight. Eventually, they will be happy to stay in their kennel without barking.

How to Teach Your Dog to Speak (and Stop Barking) [Howdini (YouTube)]