How To Train a Dog to Stop Barking

Is your dog's barking causing tension between you and your neighbors? Or maybe your pet's just keeping you up at night? Whatever the reason for your concern, a barking dog is a problem. The good news is that you can get that barking under control and stop dog barking with a few simple steps.

1. Determine why the dog is barking. Before you start scolding your pet for barking, you might want to figure out what the problem is. Most often dogs bark because they are lonely, bored or scared. Does he only bark when you put him out alone at night? Or maybe when you leave him alone in his crate for the day? Is it really surprising that the dog gets scared and lonely when home alone for nine hours? Rather than expect your dog to understand that you have to go to work, try to help him with the loneliness.
2. Pay attention to your pet. If loneliness is the problem then try to pay special attention to your dog when you get home. Start to develop a routine so he knows you'll be coming home and that there is special time in the morning and after work that is just for him. Leaving a dog out alone in the yard at night may not be a good idea. If you can bring him inside with the family, it may stop his barking altogether.
3. Put Fido away if strangers are coming over. Some dogs are excited and scared by strangers so if your pet's barking is most noticeable when someone comes to the door; put him away in a back room where things are quiet before you expect company. This saves you and the dog some anxiety.
4. Offer distractions to occupy his time. For a dog boredom can be as bad as loneliness. If you have to leave your pet alone all day give him something to do. Some people leave the television or radio on so the dog can hear consistent noise throughout the day. Others make sure the dog has plenty of toys to play with and a comfy bed to sleep in. Remember if you don't give him something to chew on, he'll find something on his own and it might be your favorite pair of shoes.
5. Take short trips to get him used to being alone. If your pet is in a new home or there has been a change in routine, you need to break him in gently. Get him used to your being gone during the day by practicing with a few short trips. Dogs don't know you're coming back even when you tell them you'll be home soon. You have to show them, by example, that even though you leave, you will be back. Start with short half hour long trips then gradually work up to half days before you leave your pet for a full day alone.
6. Get your puppy a pal. If you are consistently out of the house or don't have a solid routine, then the best way to limit your dog's barking is to provide him with alternate companionship. You probably wouldn't be happy alone ten to twelve hours a day so why expect your pet to be? Consider a second dog so the two can keep each other company.
7. Be consistent in your training. Whatever you do, remember that it may take some time to get your pet used to a routine. Be consistent and develop a routine so they adjust to training quickly.

Remember that barking is natural for a dog especially if they are excited or afraid. So don't expect to end all barking. However, you can get incessant barking under control by following these steps.