How can I stop my dog's nuisance barking?
Stopping nuisance barking requires a) understanding why your dog is barking and then b) addressing the root cause with consistent training and the right management techniques. Here’s a few simple things you can try:
1. Identify the Cause of Barking
Dogs bark for different reasons. Solving the problem is all about figuring out what is causing your dog’s barking:
Alert/Warning Barking – Barking at people, animals, or noises outside.
Attention-Seeking Barking – Barking to get food, play, or affection.
Boredom/Loneliness – Barking when left alone with nothing to do.
Fear/Anxiety * – Barking due to stress, separation anxiety, or uncertainty.
Excitement Barking – Barking during play or when greeting people.
*Where your dog’s welfare is potentially compromised, you must get specialist assistance from a qualified animal behaviourist before trying any other method to ensure you don’t accidentally make the problem worse.
2. Use the Right Training Techniques
A. Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking
If your dog barks to get attention, don’t reward it by reacting.
Turn away, avoid eye contact, and only give attention when they are quiet.
Reward silence with praise, treats, or affection.
B. Teach the “Quiet” Command
Wait for a barking moment.
Say "Quiet" (or another word of your choosing) in a calm, firm voice.
When your dog stops barking (even for a second), reward with a treat.
Repeat consistently until your dog understands.
C. Remove the Barking Triggers
Close curtains if your dog barks at things outside.
Use white noise or music to drown out triggering sounds.
Provide a safe space for anxious dogs to relax.
D. Tire Your Dog Out
Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise daily.
Long walks, interactive play, and puzzle toys help reduce excess energy.
E. Train an Alternative BehavioUr
If your dog barks at the door, teach them to go to their bed instead.
Redirect barking into a calming activity, like chewing a toy.
3. Avoid Common Mistakes
🚫 Don’t yell at your dog – This can make barking worse.
🚫 Don’t use correction-based collars (unless on the advice and under the supervision of a qualified animal behaviourist) – These can increase fear and anxiety if used incorrectly.
🚫 Don’t give in – If you reward barking (even occasionally), your dog learns that barking works.
4. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If barking is due to separation or anxiety of any form, it’s important to get the advice of a properly qualified animal behaviourist (not dog trainer) before doing anything.
Would you like help with a specific barking situation? You can book an in-person or remote consultation with Padfoot’s Principal Animal Behaviourist by clicking here.
From group training classes to problem canine behaviour solutions, walk, play and trains to private appointments, and snake avoidance courses to canine myofunctional therapy sessions, Padfoot is the Sunshine Coast’s most trusted professional animal behaviour practice. We’re the team your dog would choose. And we look forward to meeting them soon!
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