Whether you own a English Mastiff, a Sheepdog, or a Bischon, it can be challenging to get your dog to stop barking too much. Different breeds are triggered by different things, from noises to movement. Each breed seems to have its own nuisances for barking. Determining the reason your dog barks so much can be a key to learning to master out of control barking.

Some dog are just barkers. It may seem like they live to bark. Some people don’t mind a lot of dog barking, but it is annoying to many other people. Try to remember that when dogs bark they are using vocal cues and signals to try to communicate with humans or other dogs. Don’t try to stop your dog from barking completely, just try to narrow the barking down to when it is essential for their communication.

If barking annoys you, don’t choose a dog breed that is known to bark a lot. Because different dogs are bred for different reasons, some dogs are intended to bark more than others. For example, dogs bred to be used as watch dogs or hunting dogs need to bark a lot. Different dogs have different kinds of barks, from high pitched squeaking to low growls. Learn about different breeds and their bard before you get 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.

When your dog starts to bark, give him a few seconds to get it out of his system. If the barking persists clasp your hand firmly, but gently around your dog’s muzzle. If the dog tries to escape your grasp and continue barking reach out with your other hand and hold her 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.