Skip to Content

How to stop a dog from barking

There are all sorts of scenarios where dogs really lose it and bark like crazy, so it’s hard to write about barking in general.

For this post I’m focusing on when you’re home with your dog or in the yard with your dog and he barks because he sees, smells or hears something.

If you’re looking for tips on how to stop a dog from barking when home alone, see this post.

And as always, I’d love to hear your ideas because it’s not like my tips are going to work for every single dog.

This post is sponsored by Green Bark Gummies.

Tips to stop a dog from barking at home

1. Keep your dog on a leash.

I don’t mean all the time, just when you know he’s likely to bark.

You should know what his “triggers” are by now. If not, make a list.

Keeping your dog on a leash when you know he’ll be tempted to bark will limit his freedom, making it easier for you to prevent him from barking or to re-gain control if he does start barking.

If your dog is on a leash, he’s less likely to charge the window or the fence or the door.

For example, even if you have a fenced yard, you can still take your dog out on a leash. Really, it’s OK. 🙂

2. Block your dog.

SONY DSC

If you know your dog is about to bark, step between your dog and the trigger and gently claim the space or get your dog’s attention so he looks at you.

3. Use treats and ask for a simple command.

While holding treats right to your dog’s face, ask him to do something easy like “sit” or “down” and reward that behavior.

Green Bark Gummies logoKeep rewarding the calm behavior for a few seconds or minutes.

If needed, you could put your dog in a down/stay on his dog bed or at your feet for a few minutes. Just don’t use it as a punishment; praise him for being calm.

Keep in mind, the treats should be good enough to interest your dog.

Green Bark Gummies is a sponsor of That Mutt, and I’ve been using the company’s treats lately for training Ace.

He is nuts over them, and that’s important with training. You have to find something your dog really loves, whether it’s cheese, ham, hot dogs or whatever.

I think all dogs will love Green Bark Gummies, plus they’re made with healthy ingredients, including chia. You can read more about the company in my review post here.

Did that sound too simple?

Good. It should be. Just having a clear plan and remaining consistent can really make a difference no matter what you’re teaching. If you repeat the above every day over several weeks and months, I think you’ll make some serious progress.

A few more ideas

Won’t the treats just ‘reward’ the barking?

No. You’re rewarding the “sit” or the “down.” Then, as your dog remains quiet and calm, you would continue to reward that with treats or praise. You’re rewarding good behavior.

SONY DSC

Sure, some dogs will learn they can bark once and then run over for a treat. You would just want to learn to time it better so you’re getting your dog’s attention right before he actually barks. Then, slowly increase your expectations.

What about scolding the dog?

I’m not against telling a dog no, believe me. But what I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t work so well when the dog is either in a fearful state of mind, super excited or possibly protective.

Telling him “no” just doesn’t do a whole lot. Let me know if you agree with me on that.

Plus, I don’t recommend scolding a dog who’s reacting out of fear. Instead, calmly show the dog a more appropriate behavior.

What about anti-bark collars?

Sometimes barking is a serious issue, and you have to get it under control for various reasons. Avoiding eviction, for example.

Anti-bark collars do work, assuming you buy a high-quality product that’s triggered by the vibration of the dog’s vocal chords and not just sound. How awful would it be if your dog were corrected whenever your other dog barked? This shouldn’t happen if you have a high-quality collar.

Like all tools, they’re an option for the right situation, and you should know why your dog is barking in the first place. I wouldn’t put an anti-bark collar on a dog who’s nervous or scared.

Final thoughts – all dogs learn at their own pace

If you have any ideas or questions about barking or anything else, let me know in the comments. If I don’t have an answer, hopefully someone else will.

What tips do you have for stopping a dog’s barking?

SONY DSC

Joy Olson

Saturday 28th of September 2019

My dog barks at 5:00 supper time. Internal clock. She won’t quit until I give her food. She starts the minute I take the can out of the refrigerator and won’t until I sent it on the floor. How can I stop it? I tried making her sit and wait to no avail. Please help as others around me can’t stand it and start yelling at her which only makes it worse. Thank Joy

Lindsay Stordahl

Saturday 28th of September 2019

I replied to your comment over on this post: https://www.thatmutt.com/2019/08/14/2019-summer-blogging-challenge/

Cristina Blanco

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

I have a very big problem here at home since I have 7 dogs of al sizes and mixed breeds. I love them all to death and they are. Great pack that play together and respect each other but I have a big problem with the barking habits. It starts all the time when my schnauzer mix barks...he barks at every little sound he hears inside the house that he doesn't recognize and also he barks at every sound he hears trough the windows...people passing by with or without dogs and the problem here is that when he barks, the other 6 bark as well and creates a commotion and that happens, no kidding, at least every half an hour and I work from home and sometimes I have to go and hide in my closet to make a phone call because they start barking when I'm on the phone. I have tried everything said in this post and I don't know what else to do because it is really creating a lot of anxiety, specially to the other people living with me because they are sleeping , etc.... what should I do?. Please HELPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!

Dana

Saturday 28th of January 2017

I have a 7 month old German Shepherd. I have just been away for 5 weeks and my niece and her boyfriend looked after her while I was away. I have returned to have been told by my neighbours that she barks all day. Since my return ythe barking has been at night. There does not appear to be any trigger she just gets into the middle of the back yard and barks, she does sometimes watch to see if I am around. The last 2 nights have been non stop. I have tried distraction, locking her inside, she then barks inside. I have used a husher once but she barked through that as well. I do not know what else to do. Please help. Dana

Lindsay Stordahl

Sunday 29th of January 2017

Hmm, could you put her in a kennel/crate inside? Or will she bark?

scott wollins

Monday 26th of September 2016

let them bark lol - it is good for them to express themselves - kidding a bit - I have Great Pyrnees & Border Collie mix - we are living in mountains now - she loves to run up the mountain-side and just bark her head off - it is a form of expressing her dominance and territory - she will stop on command - but I give her the leeway to play loudly as long as she calms down when asked..

Lindsay Stordahl

Monday 26th of September 2016

Hey, if you don't mind the barking, by all means let'm bark! :)

Jeri

Sunday 25th of September 2016

My problem is the dog barking at my husband. All. The. Time. If I am home, she will bark once or twice & run to "our spot" - sit quietly & get a treat. Then she quits barking at him (for that moment) I need to "block" for him if he needs to walk past her to go to another room or walk out the door - otherwise it's barking and nipping too. 7 years now this Chi-mix rescue has tortured him. Help?!