
Special Toys for Special Occasionsĭogs, like children, often have favorite toys. Chew toys, food-dispensing toys, and other amusing diversions can help your pet stave-off boredom and resist the urge to bark. Keep That (Formerly) Barking Dog Amusedįor dogs who bark out of sheer boredom, it may be useful to leave some extra toys around to keep them occupied while you're away. If your dog barks while you're away at work, it may be helpful to hire a dog walker (or a trusted neighborhood kid) to check in on him every day, and to walk him while you're away. Hire Someone to Check on Your Dogĭogs are pack animals, and their desire for companionship is strong. Dogs have keen hearing, so they might still be stimulated by the sounds of people or animals encroaching on their territory but limiting their ability to see the action may be helpful.

Limit Exposure to Stimuli to Reduce Dog Barkingįor territorial barkers, it may be useful to limit exposure to external stimuli by keeping window treatments closed while you're away, or by installing privacy fencing for outdoor pets. If your formerly quiet pet has suddenly taken to making a lot of noise, it's not a bad idea to stop by your veterinarian for a checkup. Give Your Dog a Checkupīarking is normal behavior in dogs, but there's an outside chance that excessive vocalization could indicate a medical issue. It's always best to address barking issues as soon as they arise, rather than letting your pet grow accustomed to habitual barking. The longer you allow your dog to continue barking, the more ingrained the habit will become. As a bonus, you can get a nice walk or trip to the park in before work-a pleasant way to start your day, too. If possible, time the exercise session to take place right before typical problem barking periods. Make sure your four-legged friends are getting plenty of exercise each day.

Exercise Is Key to Stopping Dog BarkingĮxercise is one of the best ways to ease your own tension and it's excellent medicine for anxious animals, too. As soon as he stops, reward him with a treat. When your dog is barking, calmly use your one-word command. Treats, on the other hand, make perfect sense to your pooch. Reward Good Behaviorĭogs don't understand that their barking is annoying you or causing your neighbors to lodge noise complaints with the local police department. Choose whichever synonym for “quiet” you prefer, but always use the same word when you want your dog to be silent. Keep It Simpleĭogs can be trained to recognize certain words, but it's important to stay consistent with your commands. But always resist the urge-your dog might think you're joining in on the barking, and that might cause him to bark more. When you're frustrated, you might be tempted to raise your voice.

Dogs also may bark out of loneliness, separation anxiety, or fear. When a person or another animal encroaches, your pet may feel duty-bound to let them know they're not welcome. Identify the Cause of the Problem Barkingĭogs bark for different reasons, and some dogs are vocal about defending what they see as their territory. If you have a dog who has been showing problem barking tendencies, then here are 10 things you can do to quiet the barking while still keeping your dog happy. After all, your dog's barking might alert you to the presence of an intruder in your home, and there's nothing like a friendly “Hello!” from your best friend to perk up your spirits.īut for dog owners whose animals bark excessively, barking can become a headache-inducing nuisance, not to mention a source of tension among neighbors. It wouldn't be reasonable to expect your dog never to bark, nor would it even be desirable.

Man's Best Friend Can Be a Noisy Housemate
