How to teach your dog not to bark

close up photography of dog barking

Your dog has every right to bark but how to Teach your dog not to bark? If he does it all the time, yet, it can be a problem for you and him: here’s what to do!

How to teach your dog not to bark
Photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash

If your dog is always barking

Let’s clarify one thing first: a dog has every right to bark, even the law says so! Therefore, intolerant neighbors from all over the world have to put their minds in peace, some “bau” is more than legitimate.

 However, if your dog barks continuously, there is probably a problem that goes beyond any annoyance. Understanding the source of this problem and being able to fix it. Will allow both you and him to feel more comfortable, so it’s worth understanding why your dog is always barking and how to stop it.

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You will need to be patient and it may take some time, but it is possible to teach your dog not to bark excessively and in any situation. There are many reasons why he does this: from stress to boredom to neurological problems. So let’s try to understand why your dog barks all the time and what to do.

Why my dog is always barking

If your dog barks a lot, it’s important to figure out why and help them stop before it becomes a big problem. This is true for both puppies and grown-up dogs. Let’s look at some common reasons dogs bark a lot:

  1. Dog barks when alone: Sometimes, dogs bark when they’re by themselves. It’s common, especially for puppies who are used to being with their moms and siblings. We need to teach them it’s okay to be alone and make sure they have things to do so they don’t get bored.
  2. A dog barks at night: Dogs might bark at night to protect us or get our attention. We should try to stop this habit early on so it doesn’t become a regular thing.
  3. Dog barks at people: If your dog barks at people, it might be because they feel threatened. A visit to a behaviorist can help us figure out if it’s a quick worry or if our dog is stressed.
  4. Dog barks at nothing: If your dog barks at nothing, it could be a sign of a health problem, especially if they’re older. It’s a good idea to see the vet if this happens.
  5. A dog barks a lot in different situations: If a dog barks a lot in various situations, it might be because they’re stressed. This could be due to a busy life or frequent travel. We should try to help them relax and feel comfortable.

Remember, understanding why your dog barks a lot is the first step to helping them be happy and calm!

photo of short-coated black puppies
Photo by Tucker Good on Unsplash

How to teach your dog not to bark when alone

If your dog barks when you’re not home, you can try leaving some music or a radio on with familiar sounds. You can also leave fun games for your dog to play with while you’re away.

When you’re back home, spend time playing with your dog to make them happy and feel better. If your dog gets lonely, leaving something that smells like you, like a piece of cloth, can also help them feel more comfortable. This way, you and your dog can enjoy your time together and reduce any worries your dog may have when you’re not around!

How to train your dog not to bark with a command

A good way to teach your dog not to bark with a command is to distract him every time he barks. Use something very loud, like a can full of coins, to get his attention, and then say the command “silence” very firmly.

When your dog stops barking, reward him. Never raise your voice when you want it to stop as it could cause anxiety and impair learning. As we have said from the beginning, it takes a little patience. It is also possible that your friend may get confused if he thinks you are “barking” too: yelling only reinforces the habit of barking.

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close up photography of dog barking
Photo by Robert Gramner on Unsplash

How to tell your dog not to bark: don’t encourage him

If you want to be able to teach your dog not to bark, you will need to stop encouraging all kinds of barking. You know that your furry friend often barks to get attention, so in this case, the first step is to stop giving him what he wants every time he says “wow”. 

But first, try to figure out if he is barking because he has to go to the toilet – in which case he has every right to be heard! – or if it is simply a whim like getting on the sofa. In the second case, don’t indulge his whims: any concession from you will convince him that by continuing to bark he can get whatever he wants!

How to train your dog not to bark: reward him for behaving well

When your dog starts to stop barking, praise him and reward him for his silence. The point is to make him understand, over time, that if he keeps quiet he gets more advantages than when he barks. For this, have some special treats on hand to give him as soon as he stops barking, and be ready to shower him with compliments. After all, he deserves them!

white and black short coat dog running on water during daytime
Photo by Angelo CARNIATO on Unsplash

When your dog learns that being quiet gets them rewards and barking means they get ignored, you can make it even better!

Make the time they have to be calm longer before getting a reward. To help them understand better, sometimes wait a short time and sometimes a bit longer before giving them a treat. This way, your dog will learn to be calm and patient for different amounts of time before getting a reward. It’s like teaching them the right way to behave little by little!

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