How to Train Your Dog to Be Silent
As a dog owner, you likely appreciate it when your dog barks to alert you to a suspicious stranger, notify you of its need to go out or let you know someone is at the door. But when your dog's barking gets out of control, this once useful trait becomes downright annoying.
You no longer need to put up with excessive barking. With a few simple steps and some patient dedication, you can train your dog to be silent on command.
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Instructions
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Dog Training Steps
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Tell your dog to bark. Command your dog to start barking. If your dog does not bark on cue, use a trigger such as a knocking noise.
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Give the dog a silencing command, such as "No bark" or "Quiet."
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3
Treats are a handy tool. Hold a dog treat in front of the dog's nose. Because the dog cannot sniff or lick at the treat and continue barking, it will most likely quiet down.
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4
Praise the dog. After it has been silent for three to five seconds, reward it with the treat.
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5
Repeat until you have a quiet pup. Repeat the process. Gradually lengthen the amount of time you require the dog to remain silent before praising and rewarding with a treat. If you wait too long to reward the dog, it may grow frustrated and bark for the treat. If this happens, silence the dog again and repeat.
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Tips & Warnings
Determine if your dog is barking due to a need, such as going out.
PerfectPaws.com insists that consistency is key. Every time your dog barks inappropriately, silence it immediately.
Do not give the dog a treat immediately after it stops barking. The dog will think it is being rewarded for barking instead of for becoming and remaining silent.
Do not rebuke your dog for barking when it is acceptable.
Teaching your dog to bark may seem counterproductive, but Iams.com assures that such training will give you more control over your dog's barking and assist with silencing lessons.
Cesar Milan, star of National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer," points out that a dog who does not get enough exercise or human contact often reacts with excessive barking. Walk your dog consistently in a controlled manner, once or twice a day, and allow it to remain near you as often as possible.
Remove all barking triggers that are not necessary, such as noises or items in the home that agitate the dog. Closing blinds or curtains may help quiet a dog that is overly stimulated by outside commotion, such as people passing on the sidewalk or a nosy neighborhood cat. Removing an animal to a quieter part of the house may help as well.
Do not frustrate or tease your dog. This will lead to an increase in barking and other negative behaviors, including possible aggression.
BarkingDogs.net warns not to hurt your dog in the training process.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit the dog image by Alexey Khromushin from Fotolia.com Yawning Dog image by KateC from Fotolia.com Steak Shaped Dog Treats image by LynWatanabe.com from Fotolia.com abandonned dog image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
