How to Train a Dog Not to Bark at Strangers
Dogs bark to warn their owners of people who might be entering their territory, and they will also bark to keep intruders away. A dog who barks at every passing stranger is a nuisance, and it is important to teach your dog that this is not desirable behavior. Training your dog not to bark at strangers requires steady work and consistent treatment.
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Instructions
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Socialize the dog or puppy to other people. The dog should be bonded to you and your family, but it should also be familiar and comfortable with people coming in and out of your house.
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Allow your dog to bark once or twice when it sees someone new, but then grab the dog's attention by commanding it to come to you. This allows the dog to see that you are aware of the situation and it is under control.
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Say "stop" in a loud voice and offer the dog a treat when it begins barking. The dog will stop barking to investigate the treat, as it cannot sniff the treat and bark at the same time. When the dog has been silent for a few moments, give it the treat.
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Spray your dog with a spray bottle filled with water when it will not stop barking at your command.
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Tips & Warnings
Repeat these steps as often as necessary. Repetition and reinforcement is the key to getting your dog to understand your commands. Some dogs learn faster than others, but with enough encouragement and persistence, all dogs can be taught to obey your commands.
If your dog is not only barking but showing his teeth and growling at strangers, the dog has aggression-related issues. At this point, obedience training is necessary as the barking is simply a symptom of the problem.
Do not shout at the dog when she barks at strangers. Shouting will only make the dog believe that you are barking along with her, and it will encourage more barking.
