What steps can I take to keep my dog from barking?

Prevent the dog from being exposed to the things that trigger him to bark. You should block access to windows, and cover them so he can't see out. Play background music to mask outside sounds, change the sound of your doorbell, and bring him in from the yard whenever he barks.

Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 1: If the dog continues to bark despite your efforts to block his exposure to things, teach him that when someone comes to the door or passes by the property, he is permitted to bark until you say "Quiet." Allow him to bark 3-4 times, say "Quiet," (avoid shouting), go to the dog and gently hold his muzzle closed with your hand and repeat "Quiet," call him away from the door or window, ask him to sit, and give him a treat. If he stays beside you and remains quiet, continue to give him frequent treats for the next few minutes (until the stimulus is gone). If he resumes barking right away, repeat the sequence. Go through the same steps if the dog is barking at passersby from the yard.

Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 2: If the above procedure is ineffective after 10-20 attempts, allow the dog to bark 3-4 times, say "Quiet" (avoid shouting), and make a startling noise by shaking an empty soda can filled with pennies or a set of keys. He should react to the sound by stopping what he's doing. Call him away from the door or window, ask him to sit, and give him a treat. If he stays beside you and remains quiet, continue to give him frequent treats for the next few minutes (until the stimulus is gone). If he resumes barking right away, repeat the sequence. If this doesn't work after 10-20 attempts, you will need to seek assistance from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Veterinary Behaviorist, or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.

Counter Conditioning Instructions Number 3: If the dog barks at people and other dogs during walks, distract the dog with special treats before he begins to bark. Show the dog the treats by holding them in front if his nose (soft treats are best) and encourage him to nibble at the treats while he is walking along, past the person or dog who would normally cause him to bark. Some dogs do best if you ask them to sit as the person/dog passes by, while other dogs prefer to keep moving. Make sure you praise and reward the dog with treats every time he elects not to bark. - It may help to have the dog wear a head halter during occasions when the dog is likely to bark (on walks, in the home, etc.). Your dog should only wear the halter when you can supervise him. A halter can have a distracting and/or calming effect, and make him less likely to bark. Make sure you reward him for not barking. - If the dog is engaging in territorial barking primarily in the yard, keep the dog in the house during the day and supervise him when he is in the yard. - If the dog is engaging in territorial barking in the car, teach the dog to ride in a crate while in the car. This restricts the dog's view and may reduce his motivation to bark. If this is not feasible, try having the dog wear a head halter.

Show All Answers

1. How could I make a barking dog complaint?
2. How can you prevent rabies?
3. What should you do if you think you have been exposed to rabies?
4. How can I tell if an animal is rabid?
5. How is rabies spread?
6. What is rabies?
7. Why can't Animal Control take care of my problem?
8. Is there any information online that I could turn to?
9. I have problems with wildlife what are my choices? Can I capture it?
10. I can no longer keep my ferret what can I do with it?
11. Can ferrets live in the wild?
12. Do ferrets need to be vaccinated for rabies?
13. Do ferrets get along with other animals?
14. I am thinking of buying a Ferret where can I buy one?
15. What do I need to know to make a complaint?
16. How do I know if the animal is being abused?
17. How do I know if my neighbor is abusing their animal?
18. What do I do if I fall down?
19. How do I approach a dog?
20. What do I do if an unfriendly dog approaches me?
21. If I am in my yard and a strange dog walks past my house, can I go and pat him?
22. How do I avoid being bitten?
23. If I am bitten, what do I need to do?
24. How could I keep my child safe from being bitten?
25. What should I do to protect my animal from wild life?
26. A wild animal bit my animal, what do I need to do?
27. What are the different types of barking?
28. What steps can I take to keep my dog from barking?
29. I am a dog owner. Why does my dog excessively bark?
30. Is there a fine or a law against a barking dog?
31. How about if my neighbor's dog is barking after hours who do I call?
32. Will you have to tell the dog owner who reported the complaint?
33. My neighbors dog constantly barks and is a nuisance to our neighborhood, what could we do?
34. Is there any help for spaying and neutering my animal?
35. Why should I neuter my dog?
36. What are the shelter estimates?
37. What is the average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year?
38. I have a problem with feral cats, what can I do?
39. Why should I spay my dog/cat?
40. How much does the dog license cost?
41. I work all day and can't get to Town hall to license my dog. Is there a way I could get this done?
42. What is the citation for not having a licensed dog?
43. My dog never leaves my property, does it need a license?
44. What is the citation for not having a vaccinated dog?
45. My dog stays in the house, does he need to be vaccinated?
46. My dog stays outside, does he need anything?
47. I am thinking of buying a dog, where can I buy one?
48. I have contacted my neighbors and it's not their cat, now what do I do?
49. I have a stray cat in my yard, what do I do?
50. If I put a collar on my cat will it injure it? What about microchips?
51. Do cats need to wear a collar and tags? What about microchips?
52. Is it true that cats aren't happy unless they can go outside to roam and hunt?
53. Why should I spay & neuter my cat?
54. I am thinking of buying a cat/kitten, where can I buy one?
55. What are the hours of the Dartmouth Animal Control Department?
56. Every time I call the office I get a voicemail, why isn't anyone at the office?