-
Step 1
Understand that barking is a natural behavior for dogs. Set realistic expectations about the amount of barking you're going to stop.
-
Step 2
Learn what triggers your dog to bark. Pay attention while in the house and outside at what attracts their attention, whether it's people that he has never seen before, all people or other animals. Your dog may also just bark at the doorbell or just when people arrive at your home and not once they are in your home.
-
Step 3
Exercise your dog by taking her on a walk before your company arrives. This helps release any pent-up energy that could lead to excessive barking. Coordinate the walk where you arrive home no more than an hour before your friends arrive.
-
Step 4
Socialize your dog with people and other dogs as much as possible. Leave your dog free to roam around guests so he can get used to their scent.
-
Step 5
Be consistent in your discipline to barking. It can be confusing for your dog if you let her bark one day and not the next, so try to not allow much barking at all and use the same tone of voice when you say ask her to stop.
-
Step 6
Reward your dog when he is being quiet more often than reprimanding the barking. Positive reinforcement works better in most cases, so keep a treat handy or pet often. Say "stop barking" or something similar in a calm but assertive voice when your dog starts to bark and give the reward as soon as the barking stops.
-
Step 7
Test your dog by having your friends come in and out of the door a few times. Work your way up to where these moments increase in length of time. Have your dog sit by the door or window, allowing her to get used to people walking by. Make sure you tell your friends your plan for working with your dog when they come over so they aren't confused.
