How to stop your dog barking

Less barking, step by step

1. 1

   Work out why

   Dogs bark to alert, when they're bored, when they want attention, or when they're worried. The fix depends on the reason.

2. 2

   Meet their needs first

   A dog with enough exercise, sniffing and play has less reason to bark. Add a walk or a puzzle toy before busy times.

3. 3

   Manage what sets them off

   If they bark at the window, block the view or move their bed. Less practice barking means less barking.

4. 4

   Reward quiet

   When your dog stops barking, even for a second, praise them and give a treat. Quiet gets the reward, not barking.

5. 5

   Teach a "quiet" cue

   After a bark or two, say "quiet" and hold a treat by their nose. When they stop to sniff, reward them, and slowly ask for longer quiet.

6. 6

   Don't yell

   Shouting can sound like you're barking along. Stay calm and consistent.

Puzzle toys

1. 

   1. KONG

   KONG Classic Dog Toy

   Natural rubber chew toy that can be stuffed with treats.

   • Sizes Medium to Large
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $11.96 at Only Natural Pet · MediumPrice checked 8 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
2. 

   2. P.L.A.Y.

   Sugar Rush Cupcake

   A plush cupcake that hides a treat-dispensing ball inside, for a birthday surprise or everyday foraging.

   $15.90 at P.L.A.Y.Price checked 18 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.
3. 

   3. WOOF

   WOOF Pupsicle Treat Toy

   Refillable ball toy that holds a frozen treat.

   • Fits dogs 25–75 lb
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $21.49 at Only Natural PetPrice checked 23 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
4. 

   4. P.L.A.Y.

   Holiday Wobble Ball 2.0

   A holiday-colored treat-dispensing puzzle ball that wobbles and rolls unpredictably as your dog plays.

   $22.90 at P.L.A.Y.Price checked 19 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.
5. 

   5. Stashios

   Stashios Soothing Saucer Liquid Treat Dispensing Toy for Dogs & Cats

   A liquid-treat dispensing enrichment toy for dogs and cats.

   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $24.99 at Only Natural PetPrice checked 20 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet

Snuffle and lick mats

1. 

   6. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Licking Mats

   Licking Mats from Raw Paws Pet Food: spread wet food, yogurt or a lickable treat on it for your pet to lick off.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $12.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 5 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
2. 

   7. Raw Paws Pet Food

   Licking Mat Bowl for Dogs with Suction

   Licking Mat Bowl for Dogs with Suction from Raw Paws Pet Food: spread wet food, yogurt or a lickable treat on it for your pet to lick off.

   • Ships free from Raw Paws Pet Food

   $16.99 at Raw Paws Pet FoodPrice checked 5 hours ago

   Buy at Raw Paws Pet Food
3. 

   8. Tall Tails

   Tall Tails Silicone Foraging Mat for Dogs

   A silicone foraging mat for serving suitable wet or dry dog food.

   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $21.15 at Only Natural Pet · BeesPrice checked 18 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
4. 

   9. P.L.A.Y.

   Holiday Snuffle Mat

   A Christmas-themed snuffle mat with pockets and flaps to hide treats or kibble for your dog to sniff out.

   $37.90 at P.L.A.Y.Price checked 19 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.
5. 

   10. P.L.A.Y.

   Thanksgiving Snuffle Mat

   A Thanksgiving-themed snuffle mat with pockets and flaps to hide treats or kibble for your dog to sniff out.

   $37.90 at P.L.A.Y.Price checked 18 hours ago

   Buy at P.L.A.Y.

Chew toys

1. 

   11. Woof

   Woof HonestChew Ultra Tough Plant Based Dog Chew Toy

   A firm, plant-based dog chew toy offered in two shapes and three sizes.

   • Sizes Small to Large
   • Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet

   $9.99 at Only Natural Pet · Antler / SmallPrice checked 20 hours ago

   Buy at Only Natural Pet
2. 

   12. Tuffy

   Silly Squeaker Beer Can, Smella Arpaw

   A squeaky rubber parody beer can dog toy.

   $10.99 at Doodle Doo BakeryPrice checked 16 hours ago

   Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery
3. 

   13. Spunky Pup

   Double Wall Hydrant

   A rubber fire hydrant chew toy with a double wall, made in the USA.

   • Sizes Small to Large

   $11.99 at Doodle Doo Bakery · SmallPrice checked 12 hours ago

   Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery
4. 

   14. Spunky Pup

   The Tire Rubber Toy

   A tire-shaped chew and fetch toy made in the USA from reclaimed rubber.

   • Sizes Small to Large

   $11.99 at Doodle Doo Bakery · SmallPrice checked 14 hours ago

   Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery

Pet cameras

1. 

   15. Petcube

   Petcube Cam

   A pet camera with 1080p HD video, night vision and two-way audio, and a magnetic mount.

   $29.99 at Petcube · 1 cameraPrice checked 20 hours ago

   Buy at Petcube
2. 

   16. Petcube

   Petcube Cam 360

   A pet camera that pans and tilts for a 360° view, with 1080p video, night vision and two-way audio.

   $39.99 at Petcube · 1 cameraPrice checked 9 hours ago

   Buy at Petcube
3. 

   17. Petcube

   Petcube Play 2

   A pet camera with a built-in laser toy you play with from the app, plus 1080p video, night vision and two-way audio.

   $64.99 at PetcubePrice checked 9 hours ago

   Buy at Petcube
4. 

   18. Petcube

   Petcube Bites 2 Lite

   A pet camera that tosses treats from the app, with 1080p video, night vision and two-way audio.

   $81.99 at PetcubePrice checked 9 hours ago

   Buy at Petcube

Compare them side by side

Barking when you're out

Barking only when your dog is alone can be a sign of stress. A pet camera lets you see what's happening, and a puzzle toy can help them settle. If it's frequent, talk to your vet or a certified trainer.

Sudden barking

If a quiet dog suddenly starts barking a lot, especially an older dog, check in with your vet in case something is bothering them.

Questions

Why does my dog bark so much?

Common reasons are alerting, boredom, wanting attention and worry. Watching when it happens usually points to the reason.

Can you train a dog to stop barking?

You can usually reduce it by meeting their needs, managing triggers and rewarding quiet. Some barking is normal dog behavior.

Do puzzle toys help with barking?

They can help with barking from boredom by giving your dog something to do.

More guides

• Dog puzzle toys, lick mats and slow feeders
• Tough dog toys for strong chewers
• How to crate train a puppy