Sweet silence: How to train a dog to stop barking

Just as humans are capable of terrible singing, dogs can bark non-stop. This reaction is normal for pups, but excessive barking can become a big problem in some situations. More so for your neighbours if the barking happens all day while you’re at work! 

So how do you train a dog to stop barking? Stopping a dog from excessive barking requires addressing long-term behaviour and identifying why your dog barks. For example, is your dog barking out of boredom, separation anxiety, or something else?

Read on for some possible solutions for dealing with your dog’s barking and helping your fur-buddy understand why silence can indeed be golden!

How to train a dog to stop barking 

Several approaches can be highly effective when coupled with basic training techniques. Try the reverse of the “speak” command and teach your dog the “quiet” command. The idea is to reward your dog for silence. 

1. Expose your dog to their triggers and perceived threats, such as the doorbell or another dog barking. 

2. Give your dog a treat as soon as they stop barking. While this may seem like you are rewarding the barking, your pup will soon associate the reward with their silence.

3. Always couple the reward with a command like “quiet” or “enough.” 

We also recommend the following methods along with the quiet command to help with a barking issue.

Tip #1: Ensure plenty of exercise and socialisation

When dogs receive adequate physical and mental exercise, they’re more likely to rest at home. Opt for plenty of walks throughout the day or an indoor dog treadmill for times when walking isn’t suitable. Your dog has plenty of energy to expend, so you should make sure they get plenty of playtime!

Dog parks are not only a great form of exercise for your pup, but they allow for socialisation which can also tame barking. Dogs that are not well socialised will likely bark excessively at people and other dogs. 

Positive experiences with people on bikes, children, and other dogs will make your fluff-friend less likely to bark at them. You can also introduce your dog to the mail delivery person so your dog understands they are not a threat!

Tip #2: Give your dog plenty of toys

Like humans, dogs will get bored when they have nothing to do. Opt for interactive dog toys to keep your pet busy and distracted throughout the day. 

A great example is any toy in which you can place treats. Your dog will spend countless hours working on getting the treats out, and this means less time spent barking at anything that moves out of boredom!

Tip #3: Fill the silence when leaving your dog home alone

It can help to keep some sort of sound on in the background when you leave your dog home alone. From playing music to leaving the TV on, the goal is to mimic the household sounds when you are around. This trick may help relieve a dog with separation anxiety. 

You can also close the blinds to prevent your dog from seeing anything outside that will tempt them to bark while you’re gone.

Tip #4: Avoid unintentionally rewarding your dog for barking

Make sure to find a delicate balance between our first tip (the quiet command) and unintentionally rewarding your dog for barking. When your dog barks excessively because they want something, it can be difficult not to just give in.

You’ll have to teach your dog that barking isn’t the way to get what they want. Instead, only mind your dog or give them a treat once they are calm. This process can take time, but your pet will soon learn the correct behaviour to get your attention.

With time, your fur-friend will calm down

As with any type of dog training, your patience is the key. Avoid aggressively or physically reprimanding your pet when they bark excessively. Dogs are creatures of habit and routine, and they will eventually learn how to behave the way you would like. 

But suppose you’re finding it hard to curb your dog’s compulsive barking. In that case, you may want to consider a professional dog trainer. We’ve put together this handy dog training cost guide to help you understand how much this service may cost. 

Spend quality time training your dog, keep them healthy, happy and well-exercised, and over time you can save the barking and howling for sing-a-longs in the car!