To start with, I have had dogs that bark for years. Both my own dogs and the neighbours. One of my dogs would go crazy every time someone walked past our gate. All my initial reactions were to shout ‘Shut Up!’ which only made it worse. However, I have learned over the years what will and won’t help.
Excessive barking can be really frustrating, but most of the time it isn’t bad behaviour. They will have a reason for barking. If you do the right things you can greatly reduce it.
Below are 10 methods that have helped me and thousands of dog owners.
Table of Contents
1. Know Why They Are Barking
This is the most important step and the one most people forget to do.
Dogs bark for many reasons:
- Alert – Someone is near the house
- Boredom – They don’t have anything to do
- Attention seeking – ‘Look at me!’
- Fear/Anxiety – Fireworks, strangers, being left alone
- Excited – When they see you or before a walk
- Territorial – They want to guard their space
If you try to stop them barking due to boredom, but they are actually barking out of fear, it won’t work. Try to observe them for a few days and note down why they are barking. Once you know why they are barking, you have already solved half the problem.
2. Don’t Reward The Barking
This is the part most dog owners get wrong (including me!). If you open the door, give them a treat to make them stop barking, talk to them or let them in when they are barking, you are teaching them it is effective to bark.
Instead, completely ignore them. Don’t look at them, don’t talk to them and don’t react. As soon as they stop barking (even for a few seconds) give them attention. It seems strange to do this but it can work really well.
3. Train The Quiet Command
This is one of the best things you can do.
Let them bark at whatever it is (e.g. the doorbell).
Say ‘Quiet’ calmly.
As soon as they stop barking (even for 2 seconds) say ‘Yes!’ and give them a treat.
Continue doing this. Gradually increase the amount of time they are quiet for before giving them a treat.
Don’t expect them to learn it straight away. Some dogs take a week to learn it, others take longer. It’s about consistency rather than how intense you are.
4. Get Them Tired
A tired dog will bark less.
Many dogs bark because they are full of energy. If they are a working breed (Labradors, German Shepherds, Border Collies etc.) and they are only getting 15 mins of a walk, they will look for other ways to burn off their energy. Usually this will be through barking.
Try to get them to:
- Go on longer walks
- Run or play fetch
- Swim if possible
- Have play dates with other dogs
I have had cases where increasing their exercise has reduced their barking by 60-70%.
5. Mental Stimulation
Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation is key.
Bored dogs will bark. Try to get them to do:
- Puzzle toys and treat dispensers
- Snuffle mats
- Training (Even 10 mins a day)
- Hide treats around the house
- Rotate their toys
One of my dogs would bark a lot in the afternoon. Once I started giving him a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter before I left, his barking had decreased a lot.
6. Environmental Management
Sometimes the easiest thing to do is just prevent them from seeing what is causing them to bark. If they bark at people walking past:
- Close the curtains
- Use window film
- Move their bed away from the window
- Play calming music or white noise
You can’t train your dog to not notice everything. However by limiting their sight it can help a lot.
7. Desensitisation
This is a bit time consuming but can be effective. This can help with things like the doorbell, other dogs or delivery people. For example with the doorbell:
Play the doorbell at a very low volume.
Give them treats whilst it is playing (As long as they are calm).
Gradually increase the volume over days/weeks.
This is teaching them that the doorbell means something positive will happen.
8. Calming Aids
Sometimes if your dog is anxious you won’t be able to train them enough. Things that have helped lots of dog owners:
- Thunder shirts/Anxiety wraps
- Adaptil diffusers
- Calming supplements. (Speak to your vet first.)
- Background music/TV.
These aren’t miracle cures but can help.
9. Be Consistent
This is a common mistake. If you are ignoring the barking but your spouse/children are giving them attention they will get confused. Everyone in the house needs to be consistent. Have a chat with your family and explain your plan.
10. Seek Help
If you have been doing the above consistently for a few weeks and nothing is changing or they are extremely excessive (Separation anxiety etc.) then seek help. A good trainer or veterinary behaviourist can spot things you may not. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Some issues can be deeper than simple training.
Common Mistakes
- Yelling – Usually makes them bark more
- Shock collars – Can make them more fearful/aggressive
- Expecting instant results
- Only training when you are frustrated.
Final Thoughts
Reducing excessive barking isn’t about making them stop completely. It’s about reducing unnecessary barking and teaching them when they can and can’t bark.
Start with one or two methods. Most dogs will greatly improve once they have had enough exercise, mental stimulation and training.
I know how frustrating it can be but if you remain consistent it will get better.
If they have a specific issue with barking (Doorbell, being left alone, other dogs etc.) let me know in the comments and I will try to give you more specific ideas.