Methods to Train Dogs Not to Bark
If the pet dog you raise keeps barking nonstop all day, it probably means you are not exactly spoiling it; you might even get annoyed by it. However, for these behaviors, we can try methods to reduce or even eliminate them, such as trying Zhao Gefan's method to train dogs not to bark!
More Exercise
Adequate exercise can expend a dog's energy. After playing or running all day, the dog would rather take a good nap than waste energy barking.
Chewing Bones
If a dog has something to occupy its mouth, it won't have time to bark randomly. The harder the item to chew, the more challenging it is. So next time when you are about to go out, throw its favorite chew toy to keep it busy during boring times.
Use Their Brain
If the dog has something to do, it won't have time to bark unnecessarily. Before going out, rub their favorite toy with your hands so that your scent stays on it. When the owner is not around, the lonely dog will spend more time searching the toy for the owner's scent and forget about barking.
Make Some Noise
For some nervous dogs, they will bark nonstop at any slight sound. If you can't completely eliminate environmental noise, try creating some sounds as a distraction. For example, when the mailman passes by, turn on a noisy vacuum cleaner to confuse the dog's hearing.
Respond to It
Sometimes dogs bark nonstop just to convey a message to their owner. If the owner appropriately responds and shows appreciation, the dog will naturally stop barking once the task is understood.
Reward It
If the dog refuses to be quiet, the owner should firmly reprimand with a command: "Quiet." Once the dog stops barking, it helps to give some treats or praise as encouragement. This lets the dog know that obeying and being quiet will earn the owner's favor and rewards.
Ignore It
Like humans, some dogs lose interest in continuing their long speeches if they don’t have an audience. If they keep chattering nonstop, the owner can turn and walk away. Most dogs will actually close their mouths. To enhance learning, it is recommended that owners carry a small bell. Whenever a dog barks disobediently, shake the bell first; after confirming the dog hears it, leave the room. After several repetitions, the dog will learn to close its mouth upon hearing the bell. Similarly, when they stop barking, owners can give them some praise or treats.
Dampen Its Enthusiasm
Spraying with a water gun can also stop a dog from barking randomly. When they won’t stop barking, the owner should first verbally warn them. If they continue to ignore, use the water gun to help calm them down. Aim for their body to avoid accidentally shooting the head.
Sound Warning
Put some coins or beans in an empty can. If a barking dog won't heed warnings, shake this noisemaker strongly by its ear. Animals dislike that sound, so next time before they bark, they will likely remember the lesson.
Friendly Message
Some dogs especially dislike strangers entering their territory, so when visitors or mailmen come, they bark loudly in protest. Try giving dog treats to visitors so they can pass a friendly message. When the dog eats their treats, most of its defenses are lowered, and it won’t make earth-shaking noise upon meeting.
Bring Them Inside
If the dog is usually kept outside and tends to bark a lot at midnight, letting it sleep inside might improve the situation.
Use a Muzzle
Many dog training experts recommend a muzzle shaped like a horse bridle, attached with a roughly 3-meter-long leash. When the dog starts barking randomly, gently pull the leash to cause the muzzle to contract and close their mouth. This muzzle is very humane, unlike choke chains that might cause the pet to suffocate or feel pain. After a few training sessions, the dog can understand that silence is golden.
Anti-Bark Collar
Besides muzzles, there is also an anti-bark collar to stop dogs from barking. Its sensors detect the barking and emit high-frequency sounds or mild electric shocks. Some collars delay before activating correction. Though effective, it is best to consult a veterinarian expert before use.
Change Tactics
Many owners keep using the same ineffective training methods without adapting. Effective training methods should show results within 5 days. If the barking dog doesn’t respond, immediately try other educational approaches.
Listen to the Dog
Dogs’ barks convey many different meanings, much like learning a foreign language. If you carefully distinguish their barks, you can understand their meanings. If the bark includes a few whines, the dog might be asking you not to leave or feeling scared. If a long bark is followed by several short ones, it means they feel bored. Happy barks mean they want to play with you. Really, if you listen carefully, you will surely understand what they are saying. (Source: PetsZone)