Dogs bark. That’s how we communicate! We declare ourselves to be the neighborhood patrol. We may bark because we are trying to warn our humans of potentially dangerous situations. Sometimes we bark because other dogs start barking, you never know what might be lurking out there, right? Even a car door slamming may alert us, and we begin to bark.
Most of the time, our humans try to be reasonable, but they also don’t want us to annoy their human neighbors. Is it possible to train dogs to not bark? There are a few ways to train dogs to stop barking as much.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
Barking is like whining, howling, and growling, they are a natural form of communication for dogs. Dogs may bark if they feel threatened, if they sense danger, need attention, or just want to play. Genetics can also come into play as some dogs are more likely to be barkers than others. Beagles and Terriers, for example, are breeds that are more prone to be barkers.
When is Barking a Problem?
There isn’t just a single cause of barking problems. The reasons dogs bark can vary greatly from trying to scare something away to self-soothing when they are stressed out. Also, it’s not uncommon for barks to
crossover. The alarm bark might turn into a territorial one, or an excited bark might have some elements of frustration. Here is a table to help you identify some of the most reasons your dog barks.
| Type of Barking | Reason for Barking |
| Attention Seeking or Demanding | Barking to get something like your attention, toys, to go outdoors, or to get food. |
| Territorial | Response to someone or something that enters the dog’s “personal” turf. |
| Play Barking | Excitement about having fun with other canine or human friends. |
| Alarm | A response to being startled or a sudden unexpected noise. |
| Fear | Fear barking can sound scary, but they are an attempt to increase the distance between the dog and something scary. |
| Boredom | Dogs who do not have enough stimuli or exercise may bark to self-soothe, it’s their way of staying “busy.” |
| Excitement | This bark is triggered by enthusiasm for various activities, like meals, playtime, or a ride in the car. |
| Separation Intolerance | Barking short-term can indicate discomfort from being left alone. This is NOT separation anxiety, which is expressed by more extreme behaviors like drooling, panting, pacing, and potty accidents. |
Ways to Help Dogs Not Bark
Since there isn’t just one reason for dogs to bark, there isn’t just one approach to training dogs to not bark. Here are a few simple suggestions, which can be used as needed. We’re also providing some training recommendations, which will require continued practice to train your dog not to bark.
Block Your Dog’s View
Training Tip: for alarm barkers or territorial barking.
If your dog is reacting to some sort of activity they see outside, just change what they can see.
1. Close the blinds during times of the day when there is more foot or vehicle traffic. You can also use a stick-on privacy film to obscure their view.
2. Put the film on the window(s) a few inches above your dog’s natural line of sight. Over time, gradually lower it an inch or two at a time. It takes several weeks to lower it slowly before it is removed completely.
Using Busy Toys
Training Tip: for attention barkers, boredom barkers, and separation distress barkers.
The key to managing boredom barking and separation distress barking need something to keep them occupied. Chew toys are a good option, and treat-dispensing toys can help give them something to do while you are working on the computer or talking on the phone.
White Noise Machine
Training Tip: for alarm or territorial barkers.
White noise machines put out a steady sound that can mask some triggers like other dog’s barking or garbage trucks. It can also have a soothing effect.
Teach “Hush”
Training Tip: for alarm or territorial barking.
You can teach your dog “hush” to short-circuit their barking. Here are some simple steps to train your dog to not bark.
1. When your dog is barking, walk up to them with their favorite treat.
2. Place your hand in front of their nose and let them smell the treat, but don’t let them get to it.
3. To smell the goody, the dog will usually stop barking. Once they are quiet, say, “hush.” This gives the silence a name.
4. Toss the treat just a short way from the dog.
5. Repeat this process until you can say “hush” without putting the treat in front of their nose.
6. Gradually ask your dog to do more before getting the treat, like coming out toward you and then waiting. If you have multiple dogs, they may police themselves. If one dog barks, the other may run to you to get a treat for staying quiet!
Ignore their Barking
Training Tip: for attention-seeking, play, excitement, or frustration barking.
The main thing most barkers want is your attention. They bark to get a reaction from you, whether you want you to hurry up with their meal, want you to throw the ball, or want some sort of acknowledgement. You can help them understand that it barking doesn’t work. When you don’t perform their desired reaction, you can train your dog to not bark for attention.
1. Turn around and walk away, drop the ball, or just put the leash down.
2. Wait for them to get quiet or calm before moving.
3. After your dog has calmed down, then pay them some attention.
Staying consistent will teach them to bark less since they will understand that quiet works better than barking.
More Exercise
Training Tip: helpful for most barkers.
Almost every dog can benefit from getting more exercise, including physical and mental activities. Dogs that get a good workout is less likely to be on high alert or feel the need to bother you to get more attention. Playing a good game of tug or fetch can wear them out. A tired dog is usually a quiet dog.
About the Author: Hazel
Hazel is the head engineer at Pawer Lab. He develops and tests the latest pup-focused inventions for Pawer Lab. He is passionate about enjoying the small things in life. The border collie’s hobbies include riding in the car, stalking the mailman, and fetching tennis balls.
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