How To Stop Your Puppy From Barking

by Danny
(Ireland)

We got our cocker spaniel when he was 8 weeks old, and apart from the usual eating, demolishing everything in sight, grooming a lot, etc., our main problem is that he's a right old barker - mostly when he is on his own or out of your eyeshot.

Any tips on how to stop this?

Reply from Pauline (Web Owner)

Hello Danny,

Before you start working on your puppy's barking problem, you must figure out what's causing him to bark.

Just think of a baby crying because he's hungry - changing his nappy probably won't stop him from crying because he'll still be hungry. The same will apply to your puppy (although not the nappy changing!).

Finding out why your puppy is barking will allow you to remove the problem, thus stopping your puppy from barking.

If you'd like to understand more about the reasons dogs bark, why not read this article entitled, Why Do Dogs Bark? It not only covers the reasons for dog barking but also gives some helpful hints on how to remedy various barking problems.

If your Spaniel barks in the garden, he may have developed territorial tendencies. If this is the case, I recommend you read this article about dog barking in the garden as it will give you some helpful tips and advice.

I don't know your dog and don't have the opportunity to watch him, so it's challenging for me to help you further. All I can suggest is that you read this page on How To Stop Your Dog Barking as a starting point.

Follow and read all the links, which will help you to determine precisely why your puppy is barking so much and the best way for you to address the issue.

If your puppy is simply seeking attention, follow the link to understand more about attention-seeking behaviour in dogs. By the time you've read through it, you should have several things you can work on to deal with your puppy's barking.

Remember, consistency, patience and determination are needed to deal with a barking puppy. Stay focused and determined, and you'll get there.

Read the articles mentioned above a couple of times, and then once you've worked out what's causing your dog to bark, you'll be in a much better position to work on the problem - good luck!