One of the most effective ways to stop dog from barking at people is by using positive reinforcement. By giving your dog the command “Quiet”, you can train him to stay silent and avoid barking at strangers. However, this method may take some time, so be patient. During this training, you should hold the dog’s muzzle shut.
If the training method does not work after 10 or 20 sessions, you can try other methods. Try distraction methods such as putting treats in their mouth or turning away from people. If the training method fails to work, try using another technique, such as using a loud noise, to get the dog’s attention.
Dogs are great associative learners. They will often bark at people, dogs, and even TVs to get your attention. Make sure you don’t leave your dog alone while you are gone, or he’ll get bored and frustrated. Using a radio or TV to drown out the sound of the barking may be helpful in controlling social barking.
You can also distract your dog with food or treats when he starts to bark at people. Another effective way to distract your dog is to put him on a leash and leave him in the yard. When you see that he looks at you before barking, reward him with a treat.
While some dogs may bark at people because they are bored, others might be frustrated because they are unable to reach you. If you can’t reach them, consider giving them physical exercises instead. This method will give them more exercise and keep their minds busy. You may also want to consider reducing rewards for barking.
Ultimately, your best bet is to seek help from a qualified behaviourist. Using training tools that instill pain or fear in your dog is not a good idea. A dog trainer will help you identify the reasons your dog is barking. The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) discourages the use of training tools that can cause pain or fear in dogs.
Using training toys to distract your dog when you come home is another effective way to reduce his barking. Toys should be placed near the front door. When you enter the house, the dog should look at these toys and wait for you. They are less likely to bark when they hold their toys in their mouths.
