Lots of people get dogs because they bark when strangers approach. Still, the behavior gets old fast if your pooch barks every time a friend, relative or delivery person comes to the house. With some patience, consistency and positivity, you can teach your dog to stop barking when a visitor arrives.
Step 1
Train your doggie to speak first. Begin by telling her to "speak" or "talk," then immediately have someone do something to get her barking, like ring the doorbell.
Step 2
Offer your pooch a treat to sniff as soon as she barks a few times. When she stops "speaking," give her the treat and praise her.
Step 3
Continue doing this until your furry little friend reliably barks on command. Remember to consistently use the same word every time, whether it's "speak," "talk" or something else. Make sure everyone else in the house knows and uses the same term, too.
Step 4
Teach your dog the "be quiet" command once she masters speaking. Train for this command in a calm environment. Tell her to speak and let her bark a few times.
Step 5
Instruct your doggie to be quiet firmly but nicely; you aren't scolding. Hold a treat out to her nose while giving the command.
Step 6
Wait for your pooch to stop barking and let her have the treat when she does. Offer praise as well.
Step 7
Work on the "be quiet" command consistently until your pooch is trained to stop barking at your say-so. Again, make sure everyone else in the house is on the same page with the process and terminology.
Step 8
Tell your doggie to be quiet when she begins barking at someone's arrival.
Step 9
Reward your dog when she stops barking on command when someone comes to the house the first few times. Give her a treat and praise her lavishly.
References
Tips
- Be consistent in your training. Don't allow your dog to bark at some people when they come to the house, but not at others.
- Dogs are less prone to excessive and excited barking when they have outlets for their energy and they don't pass the days in boredom. Take your pet for walks, play with her, let her outside and provide toys.
Warnings
- Just yelling at your dog to stop barking isn't effective. If anything, it gets him agitated and he'll bark more in response to your "barking." Scolding and punishment are always counterproductive. Train your pooch with positive reinforcement and love.
Writer Bio
Eric Mohrman has been a freelance writer since 2007, focusing on travel, food and lifestyle stories. His creative writing is also widely published. He lives in Orlando, Florida.