You Can Stop a Dog From Barking

There are many ways how to stop a dog from barking. Some dogs seem more prone to barking than others. Once a dog consistently starts barking, he’s more likely to continue that behavior. Barking feels good to a dog and is also a good stress reliever. Here are a few ideas how to stop a dog from barking:

1. Find out why your dog is barking in the first place. Is the dog being left outside for too long by itself? Does he bark all day because he’s home all day long and lonely? Who can blame a dog for that? It’s important that if your dog must be left home for long periods of time that you take precautions to help prevent the barking. It’s a good idea not to leave it outside for extended periods. The dog will naturally hear things and respond with barking. Also, if he is barking inside rather than out it is less likely to annoy your neighbors if he is in the house or garage. Another thing is to make sure he is getting enough exercise so when you’re gone the dog is tired. You can also leave a kong filled with peanut butter or cheese to help soothe him. You might also try leaving puzzle toys so your dog doesn’t get bored.

2. Teach your dog the command “quiet.” When your dog barks say “quiet” and as soon as he stops barking give him a treat and say “good quiet”. Eventually he will get the idea. I personally want my dog to bark when someone comes to the door or walks by, but I want him to stop when I tell him to. So quiet has been a good command. Some people use the word “enough” or “that will do.”

3. Teach “doggie zen.” Doggie zen is teaching your dog to make eye contact and keep it when you say “watch me.” This is a good way to distract your dog when you know you are coming to a situation when he will bark or to even help stop it once it’s started.

4. As a last resort, a bark collar will work. I do not recommend the shock collar. These can cause trauma to your dog that cannot be reversed. I used one on our large dog before I knew better and our dog is now terrified of the collar. He trembles in fear and once you put the collar on him he goes into what almost seems to be a seizure type state. Since then I was shown the citronella bark collar. We have used this on our Shih tzu with fabulous results. When the dog barks, a spray of citronella comes out and startles your dog to stop barking. It literally only takes once or twice and the dog “gets it.” We now very rarely even have to put it on.