Dogs that bark too much can be frustrating for dog owners and anyone within earshot , but dogs bark, right? It is your job to teach your dog when it is okay to bark, which will make you, your dog, and those around you a lot happier. Dogs bark too much when they are bored, need exercise, are afraid of unfamiliar people or other dogs, or are tied up in the yard. If you fix these issues first, your dog will be less likely to bark.

Puppy Barking

Tackle barking dog issues during puppyhood, when possible. Introduce your puppy to new people and other dogs and take them for walks near noisy places. Never punish a bark. Allow your puppy to “sound the alarm” a couple of times, then call them back to you and offer praise. This teaches that they have done their job, shouldn’t continue barking. The goal: The dog comes to you, stops barking, and then gets praise, treats or playtime.

Crate training can successful in treating barking issues. Use the crate as your puppy’s safe place, where they go for quiet time. Puppies need plenty of exercise before crate time and plenty of toys in the crate to keep them busy

Excessive Barking Issues

Your dog may bark too much even when there’s nothing to bark at. You may need to try different ways of fixing this problem, because each dog may respond better to one way than another. The most important thing is that your dog always has access to food, water, and shelter, because a dog that is well cared for will be less stressed out and more open to training.

· Give your dog daily exercise and human time. Dogs are social creatures, which means it’s important to play with your dog on a regular basis, as well as to practice obedience training.

· Spay or neuter your dog. This reduces aggression and frustration, and it can also get rid of unwanted behaviors such as barking, fighting, digging, chewing, escaping and marking territory.

· Do not tie up or chain your dog in the yard. Dogs who are tied up or chained get upset and bored.

· Do not leave your dog outside while you are away. Barking triggers are everywhere, which can make the problem worse.

· Crate your dog when you need to leave them at home alone, but never for more than 8 hours at a time, and no more than four hours for puppies up to six months. Leave your dog with plenty of things to do like chew toys and puzzle toys.

· Create visual barriers. Block areas that trigger the dog so they cannot see the things that cause t them to bark

· Leave a radio or the television on to soothe the dog.

· Get your dog checked once a year by a veterinarian. Underlying medical conditions can cause a barking problem.

· Get help from a professional dog trainer, if needed.

Allowing your dog to bark excessively in the City and County of Denver is an ordinance violation of D.R.M.C. 8-17 and could result in a Violation Notice, a monetary fine, or a mandatory court summons. Please help your dog and your neighbors by not allowing excessive barking.

To download the barking dog tips (in English and Spanish) click here.