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DOG BARKING

(Before beginning any training, it’s important to first read our article on Leadership.)

Why your dog is barking and what to do

Dogs bark to communicate, signaling anything from playfulness to aggression to alert to boredom. But what if your dog’s barking has crossed the line from communication to nuisance? The key to addressing your dog’s barking is understanding when and why he is barking.

GENERAL STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS BARKING

  • A well-exercised dog is a tired dog…and sleepy dogs tend be quieter dogs.
  • Reward your dog with attention, scratches, playtime and treats when he is exhibiting the behaviors you “like” to see – whether that’s lounging quietly or occupying himself with toys. If you’re only acknowledging the “bad” behaviors, you’re doing a disservice to yourself, your dog and your bond. You’ll notice “bad” behaviors more than the “good” behaviors, likely grow frustrated, and you won’t be giving your dog the positive feedback about his “good” behaviors.
  • Don’t punish your dog by raising your voice. It might shock him in the moment, but it’s not going to build the bond you want and may result in a more anxious dog (which can lead to other behavior issues).

Barking - territorial or greeting

Dogs may bark when they see people or dogs passing by your home, or when there’s a knock on the door. Over time, you can train your dog not to bark at triggers like this.

STRATEGIES

  • If you’ve taught your dog the "stay" command, utilize it when the doorbell rings. Reward your dog for staying in place. If she moves out of place, start again.
  • When there’s a knock at the door, get your dog’s attention with a high value treat (think cheese, hot dog, pepperoni, or his favorite snack) and lead him into a room away from the door. In time, the dog will begin to associate the sound with the treats in the new location.
  • Keep a spray bottle filled with water by the door. If your dog starts barking excessively, say “no” firmly and then squirt him right between the eyes. (Don’t forget the “no” just prior to the spray. That’s an essential part of the training.) The spray is annoying but not harmful, and your dog will learn that the barking leads to the firm “no” that is a precursor to the squirt. You can also try placing some coins in a plastic bottle and shaking it when your dog barks immediately following the word “no.”
  • Ask your neighbors, mail carrier, walkers with dogs or whoever is triggering your dog if you can introduce your (leashed!) dog to them. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of familiarity…and sometimes it takes repeated interactions over time to override the barking behavior. Make sure to give your pup treats and positive verbal reinforcement when he stays quiet.
  • If, during the introduction, your dog continues to bark excessively, create more and more distance between him and the trigger until he ceases barking. You may need to break the line of sight to accomplish this. Dole out the treats when he is quiet. (Bonus: If he’s chewing, he’s not barking.) If he begins to associate the sight of the person or dog with treats, he’ll be less inclined to bark non-stop.
  • Draw curtains, close blinds or otherwise obstruct your dog’s view of the outdoors. If he can’t see it, he can’t react to it.

Demanding attention by barking

Dogs sometimes bark simply to get your attention. If you give your attention to them - even if it’s to tell them to stop barking - you are rewarding the behavior, which is the surest way to prolong it.

STRATEGIES

  • If your dog isn’t in need of water or a potty break, ignoring attention-seeking vocalizations is the surest way to curb the barking or whining. (And, yes, this is much easier in theory than in practice.)
  • Ignore your dog until he is quiet and only then give him the attention, treat, or reward he is looking for. Consistency and patience are important. If you respond to his barking, even if it’s to correct him, you are providing the attention he is craving.
  • Walk away
  • Citronella collars will spray when your dog barks and some dogs respond well to this.

Barking from frustration

A bored dog can be a loud and destructive dog. That stands to reason. How else can she let you know she’s dissatisfied?

Think about the day from your dog’s point of view. He is totally reliant on you for going outside, playing games of fetch, interacting with humans and dogs, and getting toys, treats and affection. You provide the opportunities for your dog’s physical and mental stimulation. If he has no stimulation throughout the day, just like a child, he is going to become frustrated.

Additionally, dogs need to release energy through exercise. So what is an appropriate amount? While a formula would be nice, it depends on the dog. You may have noticed that adoptable dogs on the Mostly Mutts site have a designated energy level. That’s based on generalities of the breed and MM staffers’ interactions with the individual dogs. It stands to reason that puppies have more energy than senior dogs, and working dogs need more exercise than other breeds. Remember that while there are common characteristics, each dog is an individual. The American Kennel Club website has a wealth of information about specific breeds, including general activity and barking levels.

STRATEGIES

  • Make sure your dog is getting exercise and stimulation. Walks, games of catch, a variety of toys, mini-training sessions, and puzzles they must solve to get to the treat inside all work well. 

Barking from separation anxiety

When your pup is left alone, he lets everyone hear about it…and then you may hear about it from your neighbors.

STRATEGIES

  • Leave on the radio, television or white noise machine on for your dog.
  • Give your dog certain toys only when you’re leaving. The novelty may help entertain your dog in your absence. A favorite treat that takes a while to eat (perhaps stuffing a Kong with peanut butter and sticking it in the freezer until you need to leave) can become a reward they only get when home alone. You can hide that toy in an easy-to-sniff-out location to give your dog a bit more to do in your absence.
  • Puzzle toys are a great way to occupy your dog while you’re away.
  • Give your dog a good walk and opportunity to potty before you leave.
  • If you’ve crate-trained your dog, he will see the crate as his personal safe space. You can crate your dog if you’ll be leaving him alone for a few hours.
  • If none of the above strategies are working, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other barking dog deterrents

STRATEGIES

  • Place a few pennies inside a plastic bottle. As soon as your dog engages in a behavior you want to discourage, such as excessive barking, shake the bottle. The noise will startle the dog and cause him to cease the behavior. Immediately engage your dog in a more acceptable behavior, such as playing with a toy.
  • A firm “no” followed by a squirt from a water bottle may also work in this situation.
  • Remain calm with your dog. The energy you bring to your interactions and training sessions has an impact on your pup.
  • Citronella collars.

Still having problems?

If you’ve been working with your dog patiently and are still having significant problems, click here for more behavior help.

3238 Cherokee Street | Kennesaw, GA 30144

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