Dogs bark for various reasons, like being hungry, frustrated, bored, stressed, unwell, or seeing a stranger. Excessive and loud barking is a nuisance for dog owners and neighbors. It is called noise pollution, and laws are in place to protect other people from nuisance barking.
The good news; you can make your dog stop barking instantly and train him not to bark excessively or too loudly at every moving thing he sees.
Let’s learn how you can get a dog to stop barking!
Train your dog not to Bark
The most effective way to make your dog stop barking is to teach them the “quiet” command. It takes some time but gives the best results. You can do it yourself or hire a dog trainer to do it for you. Trained dogs are great to play with; you can let them stay inside.
Reward your dog for Staying Quiet
Reward your dog with a treat when he stays quiet. It acts as a positive reinforcement and gradually develops into a habit. Once trained, your dog will not bark excessively.
Use Stop-Barking Devices
The easiest and quickest way is to use barking control devices. These devices emit ultrasonic sounds that only dogs can hear. The sound is slightly annoying but not harmful and makes your dog stop whatever he is doing.
Make the Dog Comfortable
Dogs bark excessively and loudly when they are not comfortable. The common triggers include hunger, frustration, boredom, pain, or an underlying medical condition. You can stop excessive barking by getting to the root cause of the problem.
Give them an Active Lifestyle
Dogs that stay happy don’t bark too much. You can keep your dog happy by spending time, playing, taking them out, treats, toys, and fun activities. It also strengthens your bond with your dog and refreshes your mind too.
Socialization
Some dogs may bark at people or other dogs when they don’t socialize too much. Dogs with positive experiences with different people and other dogs don’t bark when they go out or someone comes to your home. Hence, taking your dog out, making him meet people, and rewarding positive behavior is important.
Toys and Puzzles
There are plenty of dog toys and puzzles that keep your dogs engaged. You can leave the puzzles and toys around your dog when not at home. You can also hide treats in the puzzles, so your dog learns that solving puzzles will get him treats.
Avoid Things that make your Dog Scary
Many breeds bark frantically when they are scared. You can control this behavior by removing things that scare them.
You can pull the curtain if your dog barks at passers-by through a window. If they bark when alone, give them toys to play with or leave them with a pet sitter or dog walker. You can consult your vet if you cannot find out what scares your dog.
Ignore the Barking
Ignore your dog if he is barking just to get your attention. Your dog will soon believe that excessive barking will not get them your time and will try to get your attention by other means.
Don’t Yell or Shout Back
Dogs understand what you tell them, but yelling or shouting won’t stop barking. They’ll just sense that you are angry and may start barking louder. Yelling at dogs make them confused or scared, and these two are common reasons why dogs start barking in the first place.
Familiarize them with the Trigger
Some dogs start barking loudly when they see some specific triggers. The best you can do here is to familiarize your dog with the trigger. You can keep the stimulus at a faraway place where your dog sees it but doesn’t start barking. Treat them for not barking and ignoring the stimulus. Move the stimulus slightly closer and treat them again. You’ve moved too close if the dog starts barking after moving close to the stimulant.
Step-Wise Guide to Train a Dog to Stop Barking
- Investigate the Cause: Start by checking why your dog is barking. You may need to consult a vet if your dog has a persistent barking problem.
- Training Program: Start a training program yourself or hire a dog trainer. Train your dog to obey “quiet” command and give him treats as positive reinforcement.
- Don’t Punish or Yell: Training collars that deliver electric shock must not be used. It is cruel and may backfire if your dog barks due to fear, agitation, or stress. Yelling or shouting doesn’t help too.
- Consult a Vet: You may need to consult a vet if your dog is barking due to a medical condition. The medication will cure the disease and stop excessive barking.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking at People?
- Teach them the “quiet” command.
- Familiarize with other people by taking them out, meeting people, and rewarding positive behavior.
- Use stop-barking devices.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking in Crate/Kennel?
Dogs may bark excessively and show restlessness when crated inside or in their kennel outdoors. Here are a few tips to make your dog comfortable in his crate/kennel.
Make the Crate/Kennel Comfortable: Make the crate/kennel comfortable by checking inside or placing a mat at the bottom. It is also a good idea to cover the crate from 3 sides so outside interference is reduced and your dog feels at home.
Use Treats: Place treats inside the crate/kennel to keep your dog occupied. You can hide the treats inside toys, under the mat, or at the entrance to motivate your dog to go inside.
Give him Meals Inside: Give your dog meals inside the crate or kennel. This practice positively associates crate/kennel with your dog.
Limit time inside Crate/Kennel: Dogs get bored inside a crate/kennel. Do not leave them longer there as it builds up negative energy, and your dog will soon start barking/howling.
Bed Routine: If your dog sleeps in a crate or kennel, ensure his bedding is clean and comfortable. Dogs may start barking if they get uncomfortable while sleeping.
Feed him well before putting him in a Crate/Kennel: Check your dog is not hungry or thirsty before you put him in a crate. He can’t go out on his own and will start barking to let you know that he is hungry.
Stool Break: Don’t put your canine friend in a crate unless he’s done with pee and stool.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking at Night?
- Tire your dog by taking him to an evening walk or play session to use build-up energy.
- Use white noise to make him sleep.
- Give him a treat or aromatherapy aid to soothe him.
- Check that your dog’s bedding is clean, dry, and comfortable.
- Use pet training devices to stop barking.
- Teach them the “quiet” command.
- Develop an evening/night care routine.
- Hire a dog trainer.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking At Other Dogs?
- Take your dog out at less busy times of the day, so he doesn’t encounter dogs frequently.
- Your dog may be scared to see other dogs or trying to tell you that he wants to play with other dogs. Many dogs also sneeze while playing with other dogs.
- Continue walking if your dog starts barking when he sees other dogs.
- Use stop-barking devices or teach them the “quiet” command.
- Reward him with treats if he doesn’t bark at a passing-by dog.
- Take your dog to a training class if the above tricks don’t work.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking When You Leave?
Many dogs bark when you are leaving or not home. It is a nuisance for neighbors, and you can be penalized as per the laws on excessive dog barking. Here are a few tips to keep your dog quiet when you aren’t home.
- Tire your dog before you leave by taking him for a morning walk or exercise. Tired dogs won’t bark much and want quiet time. You can also hire a dog walker to take them out midday.
- Give your dog toys and puzzles to keep them busy while you are away. You can keep treats in puzzles to keep your pet busy.
- Leave the TV or radio on when your dog is alone. However, this only works if your dog is accustomed to such sounds.
- Use anti-bark devices that automatically emit high-pitch sounds that only dogs can hear. The sound makes your dog stop barking.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking at You?
- Investigate the reason your dog is barking at you. Dogs bark at their owners when hungry, frustrated, bored, need a pee break, or simply get your attention.
- Vets recommend ignoring your dog if they are barking only to seek your attention; instead, reward them for staying quiet when you are around.
- Teach your dog the “quiet” command and use anti-bark devices.
- He may bark at you if you miss something from his daily routine, like a walk, exercise, or treats.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking at the Door?
- Teach your dog the “leave” and “quiet” commands to stop barking at doors.
- Train your dog to go to bed/crate or kennel when visitors arrive. You can teach him this behavior by taking them to bed and rewarding him with treats whenever you have guests.
- Take help from friends or family to stimulate the knocking behavior and teach them “leave” or “quiet” commands.
- Use an anti-bark device for quick results.
How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking Outside?
- Train your dog on the “quiet” command.
- Use an anti-barking device when outside with your dog.
- Take your dog out and normalize seeing, bikes, wheelchairs, cars, and other dogs. Treat him with rewards when they stay quiet after seeing barking triggers.
Why do Dogs Bark too much?
Dogs may bark due to several reasons. Here are a few of them.
- Intruder alert
- Excitement
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Stress
- Attention seeking
- Pain, rashes, and itches
- Sacred
- Hunger
- Being alone
How can I stop my Dog from Barking in Seconds?
- Divert their attention.
- Offer a treat.
- Use an anti-bark collar or ultrasonic device.
How can I stop my Neighbors’ Dogs from Barking?
Talk to your neighbor about excessive barking. You can also file a complaint if the dog owner doesn’t do anything. Many people install outdoor dog barking devices with a long-range to quiet neighbor’s dogs.
