There are certain techniques you can use to keep your dog from excessive barking. Patience and consistency are needed, especially if the behavior is an old habit
First you should determine why your dog is barking
Things To Consider
You should never yell at your dog. It is almost like your are barking with him.
Keep a happy positive attitude.
Stay consistent and do not confuse your dog. Use methods and enforcement consistently.
Remove The Reason For Barking
If your dog barks incessantly at a car or person passing by put him in another room or close the blinds so the motivation to bark is removed. Never leave your dog outdoors unattended
Totally Ignore Your Dogs Barking
Many dogs will bark just to get attention. It is sometimes helpful to ignore them if you feel this is the motivation. Do not talk to them, look at them or acknowledge them. This takes patience. Once they are quiet and stop the barking, reward them with a treat.
Remove The Reaction To The Stimulus
Whatever it is that is making your dog bark slowing reward them for adopting a different behavior. Example. Slowly move something that would normally make your dog bark from a far distance (without Barking) to where it is close enough to make him bark. Once he barks move it farther and reward him when he stops the barking. You should be able to gradually move the stimulus closer. You needs a lot of treats for this.
Put Them In A Time Out
Quiet simply when you dog is barking command them to go to their bed. Give them a treat and reward their behavior. When a distraction happens, like a knock on the dog reward them if they quietly stay in their bed
Make Your Dog Tired
Give your dog plenty of exercise and activities that will make them want to rest. Long walks, playtime with tug toys are good activities to tire your dog. If your dog wants to rest, he won’t want to bark.
Dog Trainer
If all methods fail it may be necessary to hire a professional dog trainer to correct the behavior.
