Training & behavior
How to Stop a Puppy From Barking (Without Punishment)
To stop a puppy from barking, first work out why it is barking, then remove the trigger or the reward. Reward quiet moments, ignore barking that demands attention, give your puppy enough exercise and something to do, and teach a calm cue. Punishment tends to backfire, and the aim is less barking, not none. Barking that never eases needs a trainer or vet.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Why puppies bark
Barking is normal communication, and the ASPCA lists the common reasons: alarm or territorial barking at sights and sounds, attention-seeking for food, toys, play or walks, greeting, frustration when blocked from something wanted, and barking triggered by hearing other dogs. AKC adds that a dog may be excited, anxious, frustrated or bored. Those pages describe dogs in general, and they apply to puppies too.
Puppies are new to the household and its sounds, so watch for the moment barking starts. Note what happened just before it, where your puppy was, and what happened just after. If barking only happens when you leave, or comes with pacing or destruction, the ASPCA says that points to separation anxiety, which is a job for your vet or a trainer rather than a quick trick.
Reward quiet and teach a calm cue
The ASPCA suggests letting the dog bark a few times, saying quiet calmly, and then rewarding silence with a treat. AKC says to wait for quiet before giving a dog what it wants, and to reward the dog when it is quiet, then build to slightly longer pauses before each reward.
With a puppy, keep sessions short and the rewards small and frequent. Say the cue once, wait for even a brief pause, and reward right away. Over days, ask for a little more quiet before the treat arrives, and practice when your puppy is calm as well as when it is excited.
Do not reward demand barking
If your puppy barks for attention, food or release from a crate, AKC says not to give in, and to wait until your dog is quiet to give it what it wants. The ASPCA says the same thing in another way: withhold attention while the dog barks for it, then reward quiet behavior.
That means no eye contact, no talking and no opening the crate door while the barking is going on. The moment your puppy pauses, even briefly, you can step back in. Everyone in the household has to follow the same rule, because one person who sometimes gives in teaches the puppy that barking sometimes works.
Meet exercise and enrichment needs
AKC says a bored barker needs mental stimulation and physical exercise, and that a dog that has had enough activity is more likely to rest when you are not home. Puppies need age-appropriate activity, so ask your vet how much exercise suits your puppy's age and breed rather than overdoing it.
Give your puppy something to do. AKC suggests hiding treats in a puzzle toy so the dog has to work for them, and a treat-dispensing toy such as a round slide puzzle treat dispenser for dogs or a hidden-food toy can fill quiet time. You can browse more in our dog puzzle toys, and always supervise a puppy with a new toy.
Block triggers and manage the setup
If your puppy barks at passers-by or at the window, AKC says closing the blinds can help limit what tempts a dog to bark. A baby gate or a puppy playpen lets you keep your puppy away from the window while you teach better habits.
AKC also suggests leaving the radio or TV on for familiar sounds when your puppy is alone. Keep a puppy out of yard barking when unsupervised, since the ASPCA says yard barking can strengthen if allowed to continue. Management is not a cure, but it stops the barking from being practiced while the training catches up.
What to avoid and when to get help
The ASPCA warns that punishing barking driven by fear or anxiety can make the dog feel worse and the barking may increase, and describes anti-bark collars as punishment devices, not a first choice. This guide covers positive methods only, so we do not cover shock, noise or spray devices. Our general guide to stopping dog barking covers dogs of all ages.
See your vet first if barking starts suddenly or comes with other changes, because the ASPCA notes that illness or pain can be a cause. If barking is extreme, happens only when you are away, or does not improve with steady training, ask your vet for a referral to a qualified trainer or behavior professional. For nipping and mouthing, see our guide to stopping puppy biting.
Browse our dog puzzle toys for quiet-time ideas.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Why does my puppy bark so much?
Common reasons include alarm, attention seeking, frustration, excitement, boredom and hearing other dogs, according to the ASPCA and AKC. Noting what happens just before the barking usually shows which one applies.
Should I ignore my puppy when it barks?
Ignore barking that demands attention, food or release, then reward the first quiet moment. AKC says to wait until your dog is quiet before giving it what it wants. Do not ignore fear or distress.
Do anti-bark devices work on puppies?
The ASPCA calls anti-bark collars punishment devices rather than a first choice, and says noise collars are ineffective for most dogs. Positive training and meeting exercise needs are the better starting point.
When should I call a trainer or vet about puppy barking?
Call your vet if barking starts suddenly or comes with other changes, since the ASPCA says illness or pain can be a cause. Ask for a trainer referral if it is extreme or only happens when you leave.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
