How to train a dog to stop barking
This blog has been freshly updated with proven training steps and expert-backed advice! Here’s to finally enjoying some peace and quiet with your pup.
Right then, brilliant pet parents!
Looking to learn how to train a dog to stop barking?
You've come to the right place!
Does your Fluffy Friend sound like they're hosting their own radio show at 6 AM?
Don't worry - you're not alone!
Dog barking is completely normal (it's their way of having a chinwag with the world)!
But we can definitely help your furry friend learn when it's time to use their "indoor voice."
Table of Contents
Are some dogs just naturally more chatty?
Absolutely!
Some pups are literally born to be proper chatterboxes.
Genetics play a key role in shaping how vocal a dog is and certain dog breeds are more naturally predisposed to barking than others.
For example:
- Hunting breeds like Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds were bred to alert hunters with loud barks or baying (a long, howling noise).
- Terriers such as Yorkies, Cairn Terriers, and Westies were bred to flush out prey, so barking was part of their job toolkit.
- Tiny watchdogs like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians often bark at every noise; they were bred to alert, after all!
- Protective breeds like German Shepherds and Miniature Schnauzers tend to use deep, commanding barks to guard their families.
On the quieter end, breeds like Greyhounds and Great Danes are famously calm and less vocal.
So if your pooch is extra chatty, don't stress, it may just be in their DNA.
The good news?
Even the most vocally inclined breeds can learn to use their indoor voice with patience and positive training.
Related: What to do if your dog has anxiety: ultimate guide
How to teach the "Quiet" command - your new best mate!
Right, dog parents, let's turn barking into calm behaviour!
The "Quiet" command is like having a remote control for your dog's voice.
Pretty brilliant, right?
According to the ASPCA, the trick is simple: "when your dog barks, approach calmly, say 'Quiet,' and prompt silence by feeding small, pea-sized treats... After enough repetitions... your dog will begin to understand what 'Quiet' means."
Step 1: Play detective
First things first - we need to identify what makes your dog go "WOOF!"
Is it the doorbell?
The postman?
That cheeky cat next door?
Grab a notebook (or your mobile) and jot down:
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When does the barking happen?
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What triggers it?
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How long does it last?
This detective work will help you create the best method for your specific pooch!
Step 2: Set up your training sessions
Now for the fun bit!
Here's how to teach the "Quiet" command using positive reinforcement training:
What you'll need:
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High-value treats (think tiny bits of chicken or cheese - the proper good stuff!)
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A helper (family member works a treat!)
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Patience and a sense of humour
The training steps:
1. Have your helper create the trigger (ring the doorbell, knock on the door, walk past the window)
2. Let your dog bark 3-4 times (yes, really - we're not trying to stop natural behaviour completely!)
3. Hold a tasty treat right near their nose
4. The moment they stop barking to sniff the treat, say "Quiet!" in a happy voice
5. Give them the treat and loads of praise - "Good quiet behaviour!"
6. Repeat this 5-6 times per session
Top Tip: Keep training sessions short and sweet - about 10 minutes max. Dogs learn better in small chunks.
Step 3: Level up your training game!
Once your furry friend starts getting the hang of it (usually after a week of daily practice), it's time to make things more challenging:
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Try saying "Quiet!" without showing the treat first
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Wait a few seconds longer before giving the reward
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Practice in different rooms of your house
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Ask different family members to help with training
Remember: every dog learns at their own pace.
Some pups are quick learners, while others need more time. That's completely normal!
Related: Dog separation anxiety training: 6 tips that actually work
Why do dogs bark? How to train a dog to stop barking
Dogs bark for loads of different reasons, and knowing the underlying cause is the first step to success!
Training sessions are brilliant, but the real magic happens when your dog uses new skills in real-life situations.
Here's a step-by-step guide to stop your dog's excessive barking using positive reinforcement.
1. How to stop attention-seeking barking in dogs?
Some dogs bark just to get noticed.
Jumping, whining, and barking often mean, "Look at me!"
Step-by-step:
- Turn into a statue - don’t look, touch, or talk.
- Wait for 1 - 2 seconds of quiet.
- Immediately reward with attention and a treat.
- Gradually increase the quiet time before rewarding.
- Keep sessions short but consistent.
Why it works: Your dog learns that “Quiet” gets your attention, not barking.
2. How to stop dog barking at the doorbell?
Doorbells and knocks on the front door are classic barking triggers, creating a perceived threat for your dog.
Luckily, you can turn this into a fun training game.
Step-by-step:
- Ring a fake doorbell (or play the sound on your mobile).
- Before ringing, send your dog to a “spot” (bed, mat, or crate).
- Reward them for staying on the spot when the bell rings.
- Gradually practice with real visitors.
- Eventually, your dog will run to their spot instead of the door.
Why it works: You're giving your dog a "job" to do instead of barking like mad.
3. How to stop separation anxiety barking in dogs?
Dogs with separation anxiety bark because they're scared of being alone.
Step-by-step:
- Leave puzzle toys or stuffed Kongs before leaving.
- Start with very short absences (3-5 minutes).
- Return calmly - no big goodbyes or hellos.
- Slowly increase absence time.
- Add calming aids (anti-anxiety beds, white noise, or calming music).
Why it works: It builds independence and teaches your dog that you always come back.
4. How to stop boredom barking?
Dogs often bark when they're bored or under-stimulated.
Without enough mental and physical activity, barking becomes their "job."
What helps:
- Give daily exercise like long walks, fetch, or tug-of-war.
- Use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or frozen Kongs.
- Add short, fun training sessions to tire their brain.
- Rotate toys every few days to keep things exciting.
- Arrange playdates or try doggy daycare for social dogs.
Why it works: A busy mind and body leave no room for boredom barking.
Fun Fact from the SPCA, "15 minutes of mental training is equivalent to about an hour of walking."
That means short training games can tire out your dog's brain just like a long walk tires their legs.
5. How to stop fear barking in dogs?
This happens when dogs bark at scary things like strangers, strange noises, or unfamiliar objects.
Step-by-step:
- Find your dog’s “safe distance” (where they notice but aren’t panicking).
- Reward calm looks at the trigger before barking.
- Pair the trigger with a positive cue like “look at me” → treat.
- Slowly decrease the distance over multiple sessions.
- Keep sessions short and end on success.
Why it works: You're teaching your dog that scary things predict good things, not danger.
6. How to stop leash reactivity barking?
Loads of dogs bark at other dogs or people whilst on lead.
Step-by-step:
- Step off the path to create space before your dog kicks off.
- Ask for a simple cue like “sit” or “watch me.”
- Reward heavily when they focus on you.
- Slowly reduce the distance to triggers.
- End sessions on a positive note.
Why it works: Your dog learns to look to you for guidance instead of reacting.
7. How to stop your dog's night-time barking?
Dogs might bark at night because of outside noises, lack of routine, or pent-up energy.
What helps:
- Ensure plenty of exercise before bedtime.
- Stick to a consistent evening routine.
- Block outside triggers (close curtains, white noise machine).
- Take your dog out for a wee before sleep.
- Reward calm settling in their bed.
Why it works: Predictability and reduced stimulation help dogs sleep instead of sounding the alarm.
8. Why senior dogs bark (and how to help)?
Older dogs may bark from confusion, vision/hearing loss, or cognitive decline.
What helps:
- Rule out medical issues with a vet check.
- Keep routines consistent to reduce confusion.
- Use night-lights or soft music for comfort.
- Provide extra comfort with a senior-friendly orthopaedic pillow, perfect for joints!
- Teach a calm cue like “settle” during the day.
- Provide extra comfort and patience.
Why it works: Senior dogs need support, not punishment, as their brains and bodies change.
What NOT to do
Let's talk about some things that might seem like good ideas but actually make barking worse:
❌ Shouting or using a stern voice:
Your dog might think you're barking along with them!
Instead, stay calm and use your training techniques.
❌ Shock collars, bark collars, or spray bottles:
Some products claim to stop barking by shocking, spraying, or making loud noises when your dog barks.
They may seem like a quick fix, but we don't recommend them.
For example, a bark collar doesn't teach dogs what to do instead of barking.
In fact, they can make stress or anxiety worse, which often leads to even more problem behaviours.
Positive training is always safer, kinder, and more effective.
❌ Giving up too soon:
Behaviour modification takes time - sometimes weeks or even months.
Every small win is progress!
❌ Inconsistent rules:
If sometimes barking gets attention and sometimes it doesn't, your dog gets confused.
Make sure all family members follow the same rules.
When to call in the experts
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we need backup from the pros.
Consider getting professional help from a professional dog trainer if:
- Your dog's barking is getting worse despite consistent training.
- You're dealing with emotional distress or separation anxiety.
- The barking started suddenly (could be a health issue).
- You feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Dog behaviourists and certified trainers have amazing training techniques that can help with even the trickiest cases.
Getting help isn't giving up - it's being a brilliant dog parent!
Your success roadmap: Celebrating the wins!
Here's what success looks like at different stages:
- Week 1-2: Your dog starts pausing when you say "Quiet!" during training sessions.
- Week 3-4: They respond to the command in easy, real-life situations.
- Week 6-8: Quiet behaviour becomes more reliable, even with bigger distractions.
- Ongoing: Your happy dog chooses calm behaviour most of the time!
Remember: progress isn't always a straight line.
Some days will be better than others, and that's perfectly normal!
Related: Senior Dog Sleeps All Day: Should You Be Worried?
FAQs about dog barking
How do you discipline a dog to stop barking?
Discipline doesn't mean shouting or punishing. The best way is positive reinforcement: reward your dog when they're quiet and calm. Ignore attention-seeking barking so your dog learns that quiet gets rewards.
What is the 3-bark rule?
The 3-bark rule is a guideline some trainers use: if your dog barks three times in a row at something, you teach them to stop after the third bark. It helps your dog learn limits without stopping natural barking completely.
Can dogs be trained not to bark?
Yes! Dogs can learn when it's okay to bark and when to be quiet using consistent, positive training. Commands like "Quiet" and plenty of rewards for calm behaviour work wonders.
Does smacking a dog stop barking?
No! Hitting, smacking, or using shock collars can actually make barking worse and cause fear or anxiety. Stick to gentle, reward-based training instead.
How do you teach a dog impulse control?
Impulse control is teaching your dog to wait and think before acting. Use games like "leave it," "wait," and enrichment puzzles. Reward your dog when they resist impulses, like staying calm instead of lunging or barking.
The bottom line: You've got this!
Training your dog to have better barking behaviour is totally doable with the right approach.
The best way forward is:
- Be patient and consistent
- Use positive reinforcement training
- Keep sessions fun and short
- Celebrate small victories
- Ask for help when you need it
A dog's barking is their natural behaviour and form of communication - we're just teaching them when and how much is appropriate.
With time and practice, you'll create a harmonious environment where both you and your furry friend are happy.
Happy training, brilliant dog owners! 🐕❤️
P.S. Got questions or want to share your training wins? We'd love to hear about your progress! Remember, every barking dog can learn - some just need a little more time and patience than others.
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