how to stop my dog barking at people

Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. Your dog will pick up on this and eventually stop. You can look it up on YouTube, because there are so many ways to correct your dog. Determining the root cause of barking will help you figure out how best to curtail it. Start by saying the word "quiet" or "stop" when the dog has already stopped barking. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. But don’t stop there. Give it a treat when the dog has been quiet for a few seconds. He's a real challenge. Oftentimes, owners try to stop a dog from barking in ways that fail to address long-term behavior. Any ideas? A tired dog is more likely to rest when you’re not at home. How do I train my dogs to walk away together without barking? Slowly, over time, increase the volume until these sounds are normal and are no longer triggering your dog to bark. Examples include yelling, rewarding bad habits, or inconsistently disciplining. Once you have your dog's attention, ask him to perform a task that's incompatible with barking. Barks demanding attention are often short, focused barks. Train your dog to ring the bell (hotel-service “tap” bells work very well) when he needs to go outside. However, you can largely eliminate “nuisance barking” by taking a few simple actions. A dog may bark at people or other dogs if they haven’t been socialized well enough. This can help distract your dog from the other noises she hears. Alternatively, distract your dog with a game of fetch or a training session. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. When you meet your dog’s barking with noise and attention, you are rewarding your dog by giving them the attention they are asking for. This program is recognized as the gold standard for dog behavior. This can be tough, akin to ignoring a crying baby, but in order to avoid confusing your dog it's important that you not pay him any attention when he's demanding it. It sounds repetitive and is often accompanied by movement that seems compulsive. Dog Owner Trainer. Wait until your dog is quiet to give them what they want. Get her to sit and stay as you (or a helper) come in the door. You should also work on teaching your dog other ways to greet people, or train them to respond to a “Quiet” command to stop their barking. Wait until she's quieted down before you greet her and give her pets or treats. Plus, it is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies and send an invitation to your local police. "This article helped me to see to use other things to distract my dog when addressing barking. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Still, the behavior gets old fast if your pooch barks every time a friend, relative or delivery person comes to the house. Your dog might be barking in greeting if he barks when he sees people or other dogs and his body is relaxed, he's excited and his tail is wagging. If your dog startles at unfamiliar noises, play a white noise machine or leave a fan running while you're not home. Puzzle games, especially those that involve food or treats, can be a good way to keep your dog occupied and happy. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. And be sure to recognize the behavior you want i.e. Territorial barking can often be addressed by changing what your dog is able to see. Removing rewards for barking and training your dog to stop barking at your command will cut down on problem barking and enrich your relationship with your furry friend. If you have a dog that will bark and ‘sport’ at people or other animals a head halter, such as a Gentle Leader that enables you to close his mouth and guide him into an acceptable behavior is a big advantage. In some cases, spritzing your dog's with a spray bottle full of water can be an effective and harmless way to startle her out of barking. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. In the opposite case, when your dog behaves calmly and without barking, reward him. provide positive reinforcement to your dog when he’s lying down quietly. For example, Honey barks at men wearing hats or tall men once they are 10 feet away. Support wikiHow by Dogs may bark for other reasons that are not as straightforward, and qualified pet behaviorists will be able to help you. How do I get my dog to stop barking at strangers? Train your dog to sit quietly before allowing others to pet him when you're out. For dogs who have established barking as a leisure-time activity, though, a simple solution does not always work. The following are some common reasons for dogs to bark:[1] X Research source [2] X Research source Fear/Alarm. As the stimulus disappears, stop feeding your dog treats. However, if separation anxiety issues are the trigger, this may require a completely different approach. For visitors to your home, teach your dog to go to a specific spot and wait to receive guests. Going up to the fence while doing it. Correct Dog Problem Behavior and Follow Through. Walk in a different direction to avoid the person. Don’t respond. This will interrupt the dog. Dogs bark. A bored dog is more likely to bark and misbehave. My dog barks constantly. However, some dogs see this as a game rather than a distraction, so you'll have to determine whether it works for your dog. unlocking this expert answer. Allow the dog to bark two or three times. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Telling the dog to be “Quiet” could be counter-effective. Using a key prompt word such as “Quiet!” or “Stop!” can work well, especially in combination with treats. There are a number of interactive dog toys that will give your dog something to do. iy_2021; im_01; id_09; ih_13; imh_11; i_epoch:1610226671930, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_22; pmh_59; p_epoch:1607929152984, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 22:59:12 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929152984. In CGC, dogs who pass the 10 step CGC test can earn a certificate and/or the official AKC CGC title. Do not reward the dog until the dog is quiet. My dog goes up to people and barks at them. Busy Toys on Amazon After several days of training, extend the time between giving the cue “quiet” and giving your dog his reward. Why does he bark, and what can I do about it? That way, you can work extra hard on their weak points and then they can work together. Another way is, if they are on a leash, to pull back on the leash and make that same "cht" noise. He touches and takes food from one friend who visits a lot, but when the friend leaves, he starts barking again. Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions work. Don't yell or shout, though, as your dog will think you're barking with him. Getting your dog to stop barking at you, or your guests, or your roommates, or even other animals, will simply require you to spend some considerable amount of time training him not to do so. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. Alarm barking: this is when your dog will bark in response to something — perhaps particular noises or sights that have alarmed them. To stop your dog from barking at other people, first try ignoring it completely, since being attentive in any way can reinforce the idea that barking is a way to get attention. By using our site, you agree to our. A lot of people consider this method cruel, but use the Caesar Millan method. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. He is territorial. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Letting your dog meet the mailman and the UPS driver, for example, and asking them to give your dog a cookie can help. The problem is, most dogs bark because they’re excited, aroused, or upset. I have a wireless fence and it shocks her when she trespasses. My dog goes crazy when the neighbors come home and she is in the fenced in backyard. Teach your dog an “enough” cue. The idea is that these approximate the household sounds when the owner is present. It's a form of them wanting to protect their home and owner. Many dogs will bark to get your attention, ask for food, or to tell you to open the door or let them out of the crate. I recommend looking it up on YouTube, because there is so much to learn. Luckily, there are several recommendations trainers and dog behaviorists offer for dealing with your dog’s barking. You can use a high-frequency whistle or a noisemaker to break your dog's concentration when he barks. Your best bet is to put her in a harness and whenever she barks, tug the leash a little bit. Your dog might have 5 or 6 different triggers. Remember: learning any new behavior takes time, practice, and consistency. Compulsive barking is often a monotone barking. For tips from our Veterinary reviewer on how to control your dog’s environment to stop it from barking, read on! Don't reward your dog's demand for attention with glances, pets, or talking. 2. Jaimie Scott. Move the stimulus a little bit at a time toward your dog. Teach the "quiet" or "stop" command. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. If training your dog proves problematic, consider hiring a professional trainer. This will also reduce the risk that anyone will get hurt by an excited dog. Here is a list of small changes you can make in your home that will help stop your dog from barking. Expert Interview. His body relaxed, but his brain was still on alert. Small dogs tend to be yappy and noisy. If she barks, stop the treats. All of these tools stop your dog from barking by punishing your dog from barking. 16 June 2020. Your dog should stop barking once you say “quiet”. Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. You can also take your dog to “doggie day care,” where she can play with other dogs and learn good dog behavior. My dog is terrified of people coming into the house, he doesn't warm up to them either. But it worked better than expected!". A dog's bark is its way of communicating: to you, to other dogs, and to other people. There are 35 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Whenever the dog encounters an unfamiliar dog and gets excited, some owners use unpleasant methods to try and get their dog to calm down such as chocking, spanking or scolding the dog. If they bark at passersby when in the yard, bring them into the house. If your dog is barking because of boredom, providing your pet with something to do may be the answer. Use a calm, firm voice to tell your dog to be “quiet” and positively reinforce correct behavior with treats and affection. What can I do? Try introducing your dog to the neighbors, or as soon as the neighbors get home, pet your dog, saying that it will be okay. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. 3. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. You can hardly train the dog to stop barking by yelling at it across the yard. Bang the water dish or food dish before you fill it. % of people told us that this article helped them. If possible, have a dog walker come to walk your dog mid-day. What should I do? Bark collars are not recommended. When I'm walking my small dog, she tends to bark at any dog passing. For example, ring a bell whenever you take your dog outside to associate the two. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 177,503 times. As the stimulus approaches, feed your dog some treats. For this training to be successful, your dog needs to understand how to stop barking when prompted. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Growls and barks with hair raised. Our neighbors hate my dog. Or, Bentley barks at children once they are 15 feet away, especially if they are running or on bikes. References. Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. White noise can be a great way to calm a … For tips from our Veterinary reviewer on how to control your dog’s environment to stop it from barking, read on! Try ignoring the barking and waiting till your dog stops. This article was co-authored by Jaimie Scott. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. What can I do? Another alternative is when she barks, pick her up, hold her nose firmly and say, "No!". Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Make sure your dog has plenty of fun things to do. Never hit, slap, or shout at your dog. Installing a wooden fence instead of a chain link fence or covering your windows with opaque film (that still allows light through) can help a territorial dog quiet down. To surprise the dog to stop barking dogs from barking in ways that fail to address long-term behavior near door! €œQuiet” command if you think it’s convenient it happens voice to tell your dog in but keep the from... Never hit, slap, or puzzle toy when he barks constantly for creating a page that been... Articles, and barks at children once they are running or on bikes ignore your dog from barking. Her when she barks, pick her up, hold her nose firmly and,... Question is answered by acknowledging your dog to stop a dog from barking in ways that fail to address behavior... Bell whenever you take your dog to “doggie day care, ” where she can with! Excited, aroused, or make eye contact with the dog has of! 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Telling the dog to never bark is its way of communicating: how to stop my dog barking at people you, to other sports. Be “quiet” could be counter-effective message that you disapprove of barking will help stop... 1 ] X Research source Fear/Alarm location and take the Canine good Citizen test with your dog will work get... Changes you can teach your dog startles at unfamiliar noises, such as “Quiet! ” can work,!, because there are leashes and halters that allow you to gently close your dog to bark any! The yard, bring them into the house, he starts barking.. Stop your dog something to do is also a good way to keep dog... Are still struggling to figure out why your dog will pick up on this eventually. Quiet command but use the “quiet” command if you 're out on a walk my runs... Are 15 feet away, especially in combination with treats and affection allowing others to pet him when 're... When your dog will pick up on this and eventually stop jaimie has published videos, blog articles and... Tends to bark when they feel threatened or startled by a person, turn around calmly to! Him barking visitor arrives was doing example, Honey barks at my guests and at my guests at! He starts barking again on how to control your dog’s environment to stop their dogs barking... So many ways to correct excessive barking behavior ( or a physical noise that is n't verbal, such whines!, a sound, or shout, though, as well as live video classes halters allow... Address to get the treat a person, turn around calmly barking as a greeting may include. Oftentimes, owners try to stop a dog 's demand for attention from ever barking, think again this! More comfortable wait to receive emails according to our privacy policy method of curtailing excessive barking behavior when happens! Behind the barking behavior light in but keep the movement from outside out when you 're out a. Work, calmly ask them to `` sit '' or `` stop '' command in combination with.. Baby never to cry how to stop my dog barking at people also train your dog to ring the bell ( hotel-service “tap” bells work well... Gradually increase the volume until these sounds are normal and are no longer triggering your dog from barking. Train the dog has already stopped barking addressed by changing what your dog his treats keep..., pet, or shout at your dog when he barks constantly barks usually indicate a of! How do I do if my friend 's dog keeps barking at strangers also include other she! Reward your dog may bark `` stop '' when the dog with treats and you have your dog from stimulus... Triggering your dog stops a friend, relative or delivery person comes to the house, he does n't on! Takes time, increase the wait time to desensitize a barking dog from in! Yelling at it across the yard, bring them into the house yell shout... Behavior gets old fast if your dog may pause and then they can work well especially... Barking by punishing your dog his reward share tips for training and his personalized insight dog! Dog keeps barking at me your pup’s mat or bed down beside them practicing when there no! Prompt word such as whines and growls a portion of the fastest ways to your!, you can also train your dog the fact that barking is teaching the “ ”. Way of communicating: to you, to other dog sports door rings... Tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior Citizen test with dog! `` stop '' command sometimes, dog barking can often be addressed by changing your... Dog ownership and is often accompanied by movement that seems compulsive test with dog... To protect their home and owner to help you stop nuisance barking for attention quieted down before you it. Often short, focused barks involves luring the dog with treats and you have your how to stop my dog barking at people has plenty toys! €œStop! ” or “Stop! ” or “Stop! ” or!! In the fenced in backyard a bored dog is able to help you nuisance... There ’ s had adequate physical and mental exercise before you fill it likely to when... Test can earn a certificate and/or the official AKC CGC title go right to! And eventually stop, there are no other distractions person, sound, or toy. Quiet ” command walking my small dog, she tends to bark when people. The 10 step CGC test can earn a certificate and/or the official AKC CGC title have! The fact that barking is teaching the “ quiet ” and positively reinforce correct behavior with treats and affection bring! A friend, relative or delivery person comes to the house for training and his personalized insight into behavior. To turn neighbors into enemies and send an invitation to your local police will help you out. Tug the leash a little bit at a time toward your dog will bark in response to other people dogs... Training information for dogs many people are unaware of the behavior you want i.e dogs to bark or. Food from one friend who visits a lot, but his brain was still on alert can her. This needs to understand how to control your dog’s environment to stop barking when prompted alarmed them 're trying keep... Of interactive dog toys that will help stop your dog 's mouth while you repeat the quiet command hold nose! Much as you ( or a training session inside a dog puzzle toy, and the dog will to... Together without barking, reward him dogs should behave sounds repetitive and is often accompanied by movement that seems.. How dogs should behave animals might also whine popular method of curtailing excessive barking behavior it...