How do I stop my dog from barking when the doorbell rings?

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking When the Doorbell Rings

1. Train Your Dog to Keep Quiet

If you want your dog to stop barking when the doorbell rings, the best solution is to teach them the command to keep quiet. Start by training them with a few short sessions each day. This may take some patience, but it’s the most effective way to get them to understand they should be quiet when the doorbell rings.

Provide consistent rewards & praises when they obey the command and stay quiet

Avoid scolding or punishing them for barking, as this can have the opposite effect and make them bark even more when the doorbell rings.

Practice the command multiple times so they know it as well as sit or stay.

2. Speak Firmly to Your Dog

Sometimes, all it takes is a firm “No” when your dog begins to bark because of the doorbell. This will let them know they need to stop and should be done in a low, authoritative tone. Be sure not to yell, as this can have the opposite effect and only frighten them into barking more. Just make sure to be consistent and repeat this command every time the doorbell rings.

3. Distract Your Dog With Toys

Sometimes, all it takes is a distraction like a chew toy or ball to keep your dog from barking at the doorbell. The goal here is to keep them occupied and away from the door. Try giving them an item to focus their attention on or use a toy that needs some extra attention like squeaking or fetch.

4. Give Your Dog a Safe Place to Go To

Another great way to keep your dog from barking at the doorbell is to give them a safe space to retreat to. This could be a quiet corner of the house, a dog bed, or even just another room. Encourage them to stay in this space until you say it’s ok to come out. This will help them stay calm and not associate the ringing of the doorbell with barking.

5. Remove Triggers

If you have a dog that’s especially sensitive to noise, the doorbell ringing may be too much for them to handle. If this is the case, try and remove the triggers from their environment. Turn off the doorbell, lower the sound of the television, and put away any other items that create sound. This will help keep them calm when the doorbell does eventually ring.

Overall, stopping your dog from barking when the doorbell rings may take some patience and persistence, but it is possible! Following these steps and training your dog the quiet command should help them to eventually stop and understand that barking isn’t acceptable.