How To Stop Dog Barking

You've just purchased a new pooch from the pound. He is adorable, he is the perfect size, he is already crate-trained, and he barks. A lot. Here are some ways to solve the barking dilemma that many dog owners face.

1. First of all, why is your dog barking? Dogs bark for attention or out of frustration. If your pooch doesn't have enough food or water, or needs to go to the bathroom, he will whimper or bark. If your dog spots another animal on the other side of the fence, he may have a barking fit. Make sure your dog has the necessary food and water at his disposal, and avoid letting your dog out if you know a cat or another animal is lurking nearby. If your dog has food and water and is not barking at another object or animal, he is probably barking for sheer attention-your attention.
2. Train him. Dogs, like children, make noise for attention. If you respond to every bark, whimper, or yelp, you are teaching your pet that making noise gets him what he wants. Have a crate, box, or separate room where you can put the dog when he has a barking fit. Ignore his barking (easier said than done, I know), and reward him for his silence at the end with a praise, pat, or treat. Repeating "quiet" or "silence" when the dog is barking and rewarding him when he ceases can also teach him better manners.
3. Water in the face. Some trainers will not recommend any form of "threatening" action (i.e. water in the face), however, it is an option. If your dog is constantly barking, try squirting him in the face (gently) with some water. Do not spray it directly into his eyes, but rather in the general vicinity of his face. He will not like this and will probably stop barking. After a few rounds, he will begin to associate his bark with the spray of water. Do not spray water on him every time he barks, simply the excessive barking or the "I-don't-want-to-be-alone barking."
4. Give him a toy. If you dog barks when he is left alone, it is because he is used to the constant attention you give him when you are home. Practice giving your dog space when you are lounging around the house. Give your dog a bone or chew toy when you leave the house and do not make the goodbye a big deal. You pooch will learn, hopefully, to entertain himself in your absence.
5. Run him! Dogs, like humans, need ample exercise or else they tend to get restless. Make sure you give your puppy plenty of exercise. After a long day playing in the park, he might be too doggone tired to yap. If you have a breed of dog that requires a lot of exercise, make sure you provide it! Smaller dogs need outdoor time too, but in smaller doses (for the most part). Be careful using the exercise tactic with older dogs, as this might only increase the problem. Some older dogs whimper or bark due to irritation and pains. Bring you older dog to a vet if you sense he is slowing down and having an increased bark volume.
6. Citronella Dog Collar. This device is the most humane anti-bark measure on the market. When your dog barks, the collar sprays a little citronella towards his nose. This device usually does the trick and you will find your dog barking less.
7. Electric Collar. This device shocks your dog when he barks. Although the collar's shock is not lethal or particularly harmful to the dog, I do not recommend this method unless you've tried the above resources since the shock does send a small amount of pain to the dog's neck. Sometimes these collars are needed for dogs who will not respond to any of the other tactics. It is up to you, as an owner, to decide to use this collar. Most dogs will respond to this method if used.
8. Surgery. If you are really intent on stopping your dog from barking, you can "debark" your dog through a surgical procedure. Or you can just buy a cat. Remember, some barking is normal, so do not be too hard on Fido. Barking is also a dog's way of signaling distress and danger, so it is important not to scare the dog into complete barking submission. Some breeds have more of a barking tendency than others, so be sure to do your research before buying your pet.
9. Age matters. Remember too, as mentioned above, that the age of your pet matters. Younger dogs bark for attention, while older dogs sometimes bark due to a condition known informally as "Doggy Alzheimer's Disease" or formally as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. This condition causes problems similar to those that humans with Alzheimer's experience; memory loss, confusion, and disorientation. Older dogs tend to bark and get easily agitated for no reason because of this condition. Do NOT attempt to train an older dog that barks with the water method or shock collar, as they may not be able to be aware of what you are trying to accomplish and will therefore not respond positively. They may respond defensively if they feel threatened. On the other hand, younger pups can be trained. There is some truth to the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."