How to train a dog not to bark?

Some dogs love barking more than others. Sometimes even the smallest things can make them bark like there's no tomorrow. Striving to be a responsible pet parent, means not wanting our dogs to annoy neighbours, as well as family and friends. But how do you train a dog not to bark?

Unfortunately, there's no single solution to stopping them from barking. Only training and hard work can help, which is not easy, but totally doable.

 To begin with, you need to find out the reason why they are barking. What’s the motivation? Then, you can take steps to address the problem with a training solution tailored to the drive.

Why Dogs Bark

Barking, like whining and howling, is a dog’s natural form of communication. Dogs might bark when they feel scared, when they want to play, when they need attention or to signal danger. Find out how to decode your dog’s bark.

Genetics can also play a part in your dog’s likelihood to bark. Some breeds are more likely to bark a lot, like Beagles and Terriers.

What Causes The Problem

There’s no single reason for barking. The reasons for it can range from dogs trying to keep scary things away to calming them down in times of stress. Keep in mind that some barks have crossover, meaning that an alarm bark can turn into a territorial bark, or an excitement bark can also have elements of frustration barking. 

How to Train a Dog Not to Bark

Because there’s no single reason for barking, there’s no “one size fits all” approach to treating it. The following suggestions are a mix of simple management solutions, which can be implemented on the fly, as well as training recommendations, which require ongoing practice.

Block Your Dog’s View

If your dog reacts to activity they see outside, simply change their vantage point. Close the blinds during high-traffic times or use temporary stick-on opaque privacy film. Place the window film a few inches above your dog’s line of sight, then gradually lower it down inch by inch over the course of several weeks, before removing it completely. Blocking their view is only a temporary solution though, as it doesn't fix the main reason they are barking.

Provide Busy Toys

Management solution: helpful for attention seeking/demand barkers, boredom barkers and separation distress barkers.

Boredom barkers and separation distress barkers can benefit from staying occupied with hard rubber toys that dispense treats. Treat dispensing toys can also help with attention-seeking barkers who react when you’re on the phone or computer.

Turn on a White Noise Machine

A white noise machine’s steady unchanging sound can mask possible alarm barker triggers, like garbage trucks and other dogs barking. (I’ve used a white noise machine with my dogs for years and it stops them from barking almost immediately!)

Try a Pheromone-based Treatment

Management solution: helpful for fear barkers and separation distress barkers.

Plug-in diffusers that mimic the “calming chemicals” given off by female dogs can help to soothe dogs who bark due to stress. While you might not see a dramatic shift in behavior–keep in mind that plug-in treatments aren’t prescription strength–diffusers are an easy way to make a scary scenario feel more secure.

Teach “Hush”

Teaching “hush” can short-circuit a dedicated barker.

Walk up to your dog while he’s barking with a high value treat in your fist and place your hand in front of his nose so that he can smell the treat but can’t get to it. Your dog will likely stop barking to sniff the goody, and once he’s quiet say “hush” (you’re “naming” the silence) then toss the treat a few steps away from him. Repeat the process until you can just say “hush”’ without needing the hand prompt in front of his nose, and then give him a treat.

Gradually ask your dog to do more in order to get the treat, like coming to you and waiting quietly. (This is the technique that I’ve used with my dogs, and they often police themselves; if one dog barks the other runs to me to get a treat for remaining quiet.)

Ignore the Barking

What’s the secret ingredient that many barkers want? Attention! Barkers who are trying to get a reaction from you, whether it’s to get you to throw the ball or hurry up and serve dinner, are looking for some sort of acknowledgement from you when they bark.

You can help your dog understand that barking doesn’t work by doing the opposite of what your dog wants when they bark; turn away, walk out of the room, drop the ball, put the leash down. Wait for a moment of quiet, or a calm sit, and then pay attention to your dog. With consistency your dog will bark less because they understand that quiet works and barking doesn’t.

Add More Exercise

Nearly every dog can benefit from more exercise, both mental and physical. A dog who has had a good workout will be less likely to be on alert for perceived interlopers or feel the need to pester you for attention. Take the time to wear your dog out every day with a game of fetch or tug, and get their brain activated by introducing mind-teasers like “find the toy” and hide-and-seek. Remember, a tired dog is a quiet dog!

Use help for training your dog

Sometimes training your dog not to bark at everything can be a real hassle. To make your life easier, consider using a professional dog training app that not only teaches your dog how to behave, helps with other things you (or let's be honest- your dog) may be struggling with.  This is the best way to make sure your puppy gets the best possible training possible.