Skip to main content

How to train a dog to stop barking so your neighbors won’t hate you

Expecting a dog never to bark is unrealistic—it’s in their nature, after all—but you shouldn’t have to deal with nonstop barking either. Whether your neighbors, your roommates, or your own ears have complained, we certainly understand why training a dog to stop barking can feel daunting.

Try not to worry; we’re here to help! We’ve turned to veterinarians and renowned canine organizations to bring you an easy-to-understand explanation of barking. We’ll teach you which canine breeds are known for their quietness, how to help your own pup overcome excessive barking, and whether it’s possible to train a dog to stop barking in the first place. If this sounds like it’ll be helpful for your furry friend, get ready to take notes.

Can dogs be trained to be quiet?

Though you shouldn’t expect any huge changes overnight, you can absolutely train your dog to be quiet. Even the noisiest of pups can learn to understand a command to stop barking, though you’ll also need to remove any other rewards your dog gets from vocalizing. The act of barking itself can cause an adrenaline rush that your pup is likely to enjoy, so offering a bigger reward, like a treat, might be your best bet, according to The Humane Society.

Is it too late to train my dog to stop barking?

It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. However, veterinarian Amy Flowers, DVM, notes that the longer an unwanted behavior goes on, the more difficult it can be to reverse it. It’s just like a person trying to break a habit: the more ingrained behavior is, the harder it is to break it.

Don’t fret—even if your dog has been barking excessively for years, you can start reversing their noisy habits today. Keep reading to learn the best tips and tricks to train a dog to stop barking.

A dog with long, scruffy hair barks with his mouth open
Bonee/Shutterstock

What dogs bark the least?

Believe it or not, there are certain breeds that are known to bark less than others, though, of course, every individual dog has their own tendencies. It may help to look for one of these breeds when you’re browsing for a new best bud, but you also can’t rely on breed alone to determine a pup’s personality.

That being said, these are some of the quietest dog breeds, as listed by Purina:

  • Akita
  • Basenji
  • Boston Terrier
  • Bulldog
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Greyhound
  • Irish Setter
  • Pug
  • Saint Bernard
  • Shiba Inu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Whippet

A Dalmatian howls outdoors

How to train a dog to stop barking

To begin training your dog to stop barking, you’ll need to figure out why they’re barking in the first place. According to Amy Flowers, DVM, and the Fetch by WebMD team, there are seven major reasons why a pup might be noisy:

  • Alarm or fear
  • Territorial or protective behavior
  • Attention seeking
  • Boredom
  • Loneliness or separation anxiety
  • Playing or greeting
  • Compulsive barking (that is, barking just for the sake of hearing their own voice)

Treating the reason behind the bark will be the most effective solution, but for now, it’s important to remember a few techniques. Firstly, reminds Flowers, do not yell at your dog when they’re barking—or anytime. Not only will they not understand what you mean (unless you use a command they know, such as “quiet”), but they will likely be encouraged to keep barking. If you think about it, raising your voice does sound like a bark, so it’s easy to see why your pup might misinterpret your efforts.

Second, remember to use specific words when asking your dog to stop barking. They will likely not know the phrase “stop barking” or “shhh,” but training them to respond to “quiet” can go a long way. To practice with your pup, use your chosen command, then reward them with a treat the moment they stop barking. With enough consistency and practice, their response will get quicker and quicker.

Final thoughts on barking

If excessive barking continues to be a problem, you may want to visit your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems. Alternatively, tiring out your pup with a long walk or extra playtime can go a long way in keeping them occupied and quiet while you’re out and about.

Now that you know what makes a dog bark, which breeds bark the least, and how to train your dog to stop barking, you’re all set to take on a real challenge. Ready to help your pup quiet down? Remember, it’s likely going to be a long process, but the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll see results.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
How to tell if your older dog’s health decline means the end is near
Signs your old pup is close to the end-of-life period
An old Great Dane with a white face leaning against a man's side.

If you've stumbled across this article after searching terms like "old dog behavior before death," we are so sorry for your situation. There's nothing we want more than for our fur babies to live forever. Unfortunately, death is a part of life we all must face, and the loss of a pet is a major trauma because of the tight bonds we form with our fur babies.

Knowing death's a part of life doesn't make the loss of a pet any easier — it can be as difficult as losing a human family member. Despite the many ways we can try to grieve once our beloved pet has passed, it can be helpful to know the end is near. Here's what you should look for if you suspect your dog may be nearing the end of the road.  

Read more
Looking for signs your dog has ticks? These telltale symptoms mean you have a flea or tick problem
What to lookout for if your dog has ticks or fleas
Beagle scratching body

Fleas and ticks are common issues with dogs, but they aren't harmless. These pests attach themselves to a dogs' body, feed off their blood, and make them extremely uncomfortable, if not ill. It can be a miserable experience — for both you and your pet. Left undetected, fleas and ticks can transmit a host of unsavory diseases. You need to keep a close eye out for the signs your dog has ticks.

So, where does a dog pick up these nasty critters, anyway? And if they do, how will you know? We’ve got the answers plus a few tricks on how to prevent them (and why this matters). These are the sign your dog has ticks or fleas.

Read more
Video: This family dog is the world’s best babysitter
This golden takes the best care of his tiny human
A dog sits outside and watches a baby

If you think family dogs don't make good babysitters, think again. While it's true a lot of pets encourage mischief, sometimes a particularly sweet animal will be perfect for the role of human watching. This adorable beastie has his child minding duties down to a science, as seen in the latest TikTok video in which a happy golden retriever follows around his little girl bestie as she plays through her day. It's called "Who needs a babysitter?" and proves that our buds are up to the task. (Okay, so you shouldn't actually leave your dog in charge of your child — but there are definitely pups out there who make perfect companions for kids.)

"Dogs can't be babysitters," reads the first title in this funny dog video. We see our golden star with his small child and then cut to her in the bounce house with the label "My dog." What follows is a look at all the ways he watches her go about the life of an active toddler, always followed by her trusty companion. (Obviously, the pup pup is not truly babysitting as presumably the parent is the one filming.) In addition to being safe, she clearly adores the attention of her furry friend.

Read more