Teach Your Dog to Be Quiet

Barking is one of many forms of vocal communication for dogs. People are often pleased that their dog barks, because it alerts them to the approach of people to their home or it tells them there’s something that the dog wants or needs. However, sometimes a dog’s barking can be excessive. Because barking serves a variety of functions, you must identify its cause and your dog’s motivation for barking before you can treat a barking problem. If your dog continues to alarm bark or bark territorially, despite your efforts to block his exposure to sights and sounds that might trigger his barking.

Good Things Stop

When your dog barks, approach them, calmly say “Quiet,” and then prompt their silence by feeding him a steady stream of tiny, pea-sized treats, such as chicken, hot dogs or bits of cheese. After enough repetitions of this sequence, over several days or more of training, your dog will begin to understand what “Quiet” means. You’ll know that they’re catching on if they consistently stops barking as soon as they hear you say “Quiet.” At this point, you can gradually extend the time between the cue, “Quiet,” and your dog’s reward. For example, say “Quiet,” wait 2 seconds, and then feed your dog several small treats in a row. Over many repetitions, gradually increase the time from 2 seconds to 5, then 10, then 20, and so on.

Bad Things Happen

Avoid shouting. Just say the command clearly and calmly. Then go to your dog, gently hold their muzzle closed with your hand and repeat “Quiet.” Release your dog’s muzzle, step away, and call them away from the door or window. Then ask your dog to sit and give him a treat. If they stay beside you and remains quiet, continue to give them frequent treats for the next few minutes, until whatever triggered the barking is gone. If your dog resumes barking right away, repeat the sequence above. Do the same outside if they bark at a passersby when in the yard.

Bad Things Stop

It may help to have your dog wear a head halter at times when he’s likely to bark (for example, on walks or in your house). A halter can have a distracting or calming effect and make your dog less likely to bark. Make sure you reward him for not barking. (Important note: For safety reasons, only let your dog wear the halter when you can supervise them.)