Dogs bark. It’s their natural means of communication. Some dogs bark almost as much as the Real Housewives of New Jersey.
To correct this behavior, we first must understand why the dog is barking.
Some dogs bark for good reasons; to keep us aware of suspicious sounds, activity or company. Others may bark simply because they are trying to tell us they are hungry, bored, anxious or excited. As with any behavioral issue, it’s important to listen to them.
Excessive barking is the same as any other behavioral issue. The dog is not to blame. All behavior whether good or bad is a direct reflection of the owner. To control your dog’s barking, we first must show them how to behave. Good behavior should be rewarded. Poor behavior should not.
Training will take time. Try working a few times per day for a few minutes each time. Training sessions should last between 5-10 minutes. A dog’s attention span won’t last much longer than that.
When your dog begins to bark, it’s important that you do not shout “NO!” Your dog may think that you are barking as well, and try to bark over you. This will only make matters worse.
When your dog barks, it’s important to let them bark a few times. They’re just being a dog and communicating naturally. After a few barks, calmly use a word like “Enough” or “Stop”. Choose a word which you will use only for this purpose. You, and everyone in the home, must remain consistent with this word. When the dog obeys, and stops barking, give them a small piece of treat as a reward. Practice this every time. Stay patient and consistent. Do not reinforce your dog’s barking by consoling, petting, hugging or talking soothingly to your dog while barking. Your dog is looking for attention and your giving him/her what they want. They will think that they are doing a good job. This will ruin the training, and you’ll have to start all over again.
Remember to stay positive. Physical punishment will do nothing but create fear in your dog. This will damage the bond you have together. You don’t want your dog to be afraid in its own home, or of you. That is no way for anyone to live.
Try this out. Let me know how it goes.
Never be afraid to ask an expert. That’s what we’re here for.
Tim Heise
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com
Absolute Pet Care LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
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Scottsdale Dog Walker | Scottsdale Pet Sitter | Scottsdale, AZ 
Also important to remember that a tired dog is a happy dog. Depending on age and breed, most dogs need 2-4 walks daily. Keeping them too tired to bark typically works well.
By: absolutepetcare on November 19, 2010
at 4:54 PM
Psychological training can help you stop your dog from barking all the time. We agree that dogs should be allowed to bark a few moments to warn you of arriving guests or alert you to strangers near your home but incessant yapping is a sign of a dog being unbalanced. We balance dogs and train people. We have helped quiet Yorkies, pugs, puggles, beagles, pit bulls, boxers, cockapoos and labradoodles just to name a few breeds the same way that we have stopped them from bolting out the door, jumping on guests, digging in the garbage and chewing up shoes. Balanced dogs: Happy humans!
B&L Dog Training
By: Linda Carpenter on November 20, 2010
at 6:47 AM