For those of you who are working on the best way to housebreak a puppy, barking can be tough. A constantly barking dog can be a huge nuisance.  It is challenging to learn how to stop your dog from barking, because there are any number of things that sets off constant barking.  Then, each breed is also unique. Figuring out what causes your dog to bark can help you figure out exactly how to teach your dog to control this behavior.

Some people don’t mind constant barking, but many others do.  Sometimes the fact is that you have dog that just barks too much.  While it is important to remember your dog is using his or her bark to communicate with their owner and other dogs, constant barking is unnecessary.  Just don’t go too far and try to stop your dog from barking completely.  It’s completely appropriate for dogs to bark at some times.  

One way to avoid excessive barking issues is by not choosing a dog that is known as a big barker.  A dog’s breed and purpose is often a huge factor in its barking habits.  Dogs bred to protect their owners will bark more than those bred as family pets.  Dogs bred for hunting may also tend to bark and even howl more than other breeds.  You cannot always predict a dog’s barking behavior by its breed, but knowing the tendency of a breed to bark is important before you choose a dog.  

Sometimes, dogs are better at training us than we are at training them.  Don’t jump up and respond to your dogs commands when he or she barks.  If they want to go outside and play, allow them to bark to signal, but do not let them out if they continue to bark.  Teach them to get quiet first.  Don’t respond until the dog is quiet, the dog will learn that to stop barking is a good behavior which brings rewards. Consider this before you buy a citronella dog collar.  

As we said, dogs communicate by barking, so allow them to bark.  When barking continues too long, however, reach out and gently claps the dog’s muzzle shut.  Keep your grasp firm, but gentle.  Do not hurt the dog.  It is likely that she will try to wriggle away from your grasp.  At this point, use your other hand to hold her gently, but firmly by the collar.  

Sometimes pet owners can figure out why their dog is barking and sometimes they cannot.  I thought we would never get our Bischon to stop barking at every little noise, so I had to get outside help.  You may think it’s odd to get help to stop your dog’s barking.  Actually, it isn’t uncommon for dog owners to get help.  I know because my dog no longer barks at every noise, day and night.