How to Teach Your Dog to Stop Barking: 7 Dog-Training Tips

Your dog’s feelings or needs will determine the way they bark. Some common reasons that a dog will bark are:

1. 1. They are saying hello. Some dogs get excited when they see other people or dogs and will wag their tails while barking or whining as a greeting.
2. 2. They are territorial. Territorial barking occurs when guests or strangers (like the mailman) approach the dog’s space, or even appear within view of it. Whether it’s the dog’s home turf or the dog owner themselves, territorial dogs will defend their personal space and bark at anyone they deem a threat.
3. 3. They are afraid. Certain dogs will bark at any stimuli that come their way, regardless of setting. Alarm barking is often a fearful response, as the dog is continuously triggered by the sights and sounds of the environment, and will bark as a way to defend themselves.
4. 4. They are seeking attention. Sometimes, a dog uses a bark to communicate their need for attention. A dog will start barking when they want treats, playtime, or to be pet.
5. 5. They have separation anxiety. Dogs who feel anxious without their owners will sometimes bark compulsively, repeating the same bark over and over. These barks are sometimes accompanied by repetitive movements.
6. 6. They are social barking. A dog’s bark may be a display of social barking behavior. This behavior occurs when your dog hears other barking dogs nearby, which triggers them to bark themselves.
7. 7. They are frustrated. A dog can become unsettled when they’re tied up or unable to play, and may resort to barking to express this frustration.
8. 8. They are sick or in pain. A dog suffering from illness or injury may bark or whine to indicate they’re in pain. If your dog seems sick and has been barking excessively, take them to a veterinarian before attempting to curb their barking.

Excessive dog barking can become a nuisance for dog owners and their neighbors, so it is important to learn effective quiet commands or strategies for this behavior. For training tips on how to curb excessive barking, check out some of the guidelines below:

1. 1. Determine the cause. Not all barking is a sign of bad behavior, so before you can train a dog to be quiet, it is essential to identify the cause of your dog’s barking in the first place. Determine where and when the barking occurs, and if there are any triggers facilitating your dog’s reaction. After you’ve figured out the reason for the excessive barking, you can train your dog accordingly.
2. 2. Remove stimuli. If your dog is barking over their territory, remove or obscure the triggering sounds or visuals that are upsetting your dog. Removable plastic window film near your dog’s guard spots or opaque fencing outside can hinder their view of troubling stimuli.
3. 3. Distract. If you are out walking your dog or at a pet-friendly restaurant and can’t get your dog to stop barking at everyone who passes by, a distraction method may be effective. Use dog treats to hold your dog’s attention until the other people pass by, only rewarding your dog if they don’t bark. If you’re in your home, teaching your dog to go to “their spot” when people approach the front door will also help distract them, while establishing a pattern of staying quiet when visitors arrive.
4. 4. Ignore. If your dog is excessively barking for attention, a way to undo this behavior is to ignore them. However, you will have to do more than not pet them, as even eye contact or scolding them can be interpreted as play or positive reinforcement. Use your body language to show your dog that their attention-seeking behavior is not going to work—turn your attention to the wall or the ceiling, and do not engage with your pet. When the dog stops barking for a moment, use that time to reward them for being quiet. If they resume barking after the treat, repeat the process again until they understand that only quietness will be rewarded.
5. 5. Change their confinement. Some dogs develop compulsive barking issues and become fixed in this habit. Sometimes changing the way that you confine your dog can impact their behavior. A dog who is tethered may stop barking if allowed to run free in a fenced-in yard. A dog who stays inside most of the day may bark less if they get more outdoor exercise or mental stimulation.
6. 6. Play music. If you don’t want your dog to bark when they hear other dogs barking, you can play music, white noise, or turn up the volume of the television in order to discourage your dog from barking along.
7. 7. Obedience training. Teaching your dog to sit and stay promotes impulse control, which can help curtail your dog’s excessive barking. Spend time doing obedience training sessions with your dog to foster good behavior and discipline.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially—”no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.