Barking dogs can be a nuisance at best, and a cause of embarrassment and stress at worst. There is nothing more annoying than having a neighbor who has a dog that continually barks. Don’t be that neighbor! In a few simple steps you can teach your dog to stop barking.

The most important thing is not to reward your dog for barking. It sounds obvious, but it’s often much easier to give your dog something he wants when he barks to keep him quiet than to train him properly. This might be easier in the short term, but in the long run you’ll want to work harder to stop barking.

When your dog starts to have a treat ready. Distract the dog to stop barking, then when he stops barking after a few seconds, give him the treat. This rewards not barking rather than barking itself. As you continue to train, increase the time the dog needs to be still before giving the treat. In no time your dog will know that being quiet is the way to get what he wants.

Remember that if your dog has been getting away with barking for a long time, it will take patience and effort to break the habit, but it can be done. If you feel that your training is going nowhere with your dog, it may be necessary to contact a professional who can advise you on what you are doing wrong and whether the barking is excessive or normal.