How to Stop a Dog From Barking or Whining

Excessive barking may be due to boredom, frustration or a need for attention.

Barking and whining are natural ways for dogs to communicate such things as danger, wanting outside or someone knocking at the door. For dogs that bark or whine excessively, it is important to access the situation and determine whether the dog is barking because of boredom, frustration, attention, stress or a bad habit. Determining the cause of whining or barking will help you to select the best method to redirect the behavior. No quick fix exists; it takes lots of practice to change a behavior.

Instructions

1. Exercise your dog by taking walks or playing with toys. Some dogs are just bored and have a lot of pent-up energy. Walking or playing with your dog daily will help to relax it, and minimize barking and whining. When you are not home, give your dog a toy that you can put peanut butter, cream cheese or treats in. The challenge of getting the food out will keep your pet busy.

2. Ignore your dog when it's barking or whining. For example, if your dog is whining because it wants a treat and you give into that behavior, your dog will quickly learn that the behavior gets a reward. Only give treats or praise when it is for behaviors that you want.

3. Teach your dog the "quiet" command for excessive barking when someone knocks at the front door. Get your dog to bark by ringing or knocking at the front door. Let your dog bark three to four times. While holding a treat, give the "quiet" command in a calm, clear voice. Immediately after it stops barking, reward with praise and a treat. Repeat with longer intervals in between.

4. Train your dog to stop barking by gently holding its muzzle closed and saying a command such as "quiet," "hush" or "stop." Release and reward once the barking has stopped. Only select one command to avoid confusion. Use a calm, clear voice and provide special treats such as cheese, hot dogs or chicken.

5. Distract your dog from the source of noise or the situation that is causing the barking or whining. Use something such as a can with pennies in it to distract your dog. Once the dog is distracted, give a "sit" command, offer praise and reward if the dog completes the command. To change the behavior, practice frequently every day.

6. Instruct the dog to "go to your spot." Select a spot in your home where you want your dog to go when barking or whining. The spot should be someplace where the dog can still see you, the door or whatever the cause for the barking. Start by saying the command and showing your dog where to go by placing a treat in the area. Repeat 10 to 20 times. Continue practicing by moving farther away and to different parts of the room, tossing the treat to the spot. Work up to having your dog sit and stay in that spot until you release it.

References

• Dog Obedience Advice: How to Stop a Dog Barking
• Dog Training Guide: Stop Dog Whining
• ASPCA: Barking