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Step 1
Teach the dog not to bark every time the door bell rings. Request a partner during the training process, whether it's a neighbor or a friend. Ask the person to ring the door bell. Each time it rings, the dog may want to get up and bark. Instead, order the dog to lie down on a nearby mat. This will teach the dog that at the sound of the bell, he is to lie down on the mat. Repeat this process until the dog no longer barks at the sound of the door bell.
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Step 2
Ask friends, family members and even neighbors, to drop by during the day and evening hours as you are trying to train the dog to stop barking. If the dog barks when someone enters the house, this may be a good thing considering it could be a stranger. However barking at familiar faces is not acceptable. Ask each visitor to enter the house and to ignore the barking as you hold the dog back by a leash. After a few moments when the barking has subsided, then allow the visitor to pet the dog and offer a treat. This will cue the dog in on proper behavior towards visitors.
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Step 3
Bring the dog inside for some family time. If the dog stays outside during the day, he probably gets bored walking around the yard and may be barking for a little extra attention. Make the time to walk the dog, play fetch or even just offer extra petting. Most dogs enjoy a good bath, or a ride in the car, even if it is just around the neighborhood. Set up designated "play time" and this will teach the dog that at a certain time each day, ears will be scratched or a ball will be thrown. This attention may stop the dog from barking out of boredom and loneliness.
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Step 4
Release the dog from a leash if he is barking from being tied up. Most dogs do not want to be tied to a leash for days on end. Dogs want to roam around the yard, sniffing and acquiring new scents and sounds. Instead of tying the dog up on a leash, perhaps enclose the area with a fence or build a dog pen of some sort. If tying the dog up is the only option for awhile, allow the dog to run around and get the exercise needed for at least a few times a day to help stop the barking.
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Step 5
Give commands to the dog to stop the barking. This may be a simple "stop barking," or perhaps a more forceful "No!" Decide what command will be used and stick with it. Evaluate the situation when the dog begins to bark. If it is an unnecessary bark, give the command. Once the dog stops barking, reward the dog with a special treat. Each time the command is given, increase the time until the treat is given. If the dog begins barking again, reprimand the dog and wait to give the treat only when the dog understands it is not okay to bark.
