These techniques are intended for use when the dog is inappropriately barking in the presence of the owner, but ignoring the QUIET Instruction.

Most barking has at least some anxiety component (e.g. territorial) so the goal is to not reinforce the fear or anxiety by a negative experience. The goal is to INTERRUPT the barking long enough to begin PRAISING the correct behaviors.

Most dogs stop barking when sitting, but if the barking does not stop, then institute another technique.

These techniques are all intended to be done after the owner has practiced leadership exercises such as "learn to earn" (See ABN Library Topics.) Leadership exercises communicate to the dog that people have the right and authority to request dogs to SIT.

Beware of redirected aggression. The dog who is not aggressive in any other situation, when aroused, reactive and responding to an imagined threat, may become aggressive to the handler. Try to have many techniques available, and think of new ones. The mind set is to do what is necessary to interrupt the barking, and get the dog to sit quietly to be praised.

Beware of redirected aggression.  Even if the dog is not aggressive in any other situation, when aroused, reactive and responding to an imagined threat, the dog may become aggressive to the handler.

Barking Interruption Menu: (Try any you think apply)

1. Use leash to turn dog and move to a different location
2. If safe and physically possible, pick dog up and move out of that situation
3. Act excited and jolly. Run to get dog to follow you.
4. Pull up on head collar, if dog is wearing one.
5. Use a "shake can" to startle (Shake can = empty soda can with 10 pennies taped close.)
6. Bang something loud (cooking pan lids?) to startle
7. Spray water in dog's face.
8. Mist a very small amount of Binaca™ in dog's mouth.
9. Use the ABS Citronella Anti-Bark or Remote Control collar, set on air only.
10. If non-aggressive, grasp both cheeks to control the head, turn dog away, position into a SIT, then praise dog being quiet
11. Teach the dog to BARK on Instruction, so that you can teach dog to be QUIET on Instruction
12. The "Anti-Bark Maneuver" (With dog sitting, pull up on collar, and push down on top of muzzle).

Canine Anti-Bark Maneuvers

Pull up on a head collar with one hand.

Gently use your hand to push down on muzzle with other unless your dog is likely to respond with aggression.

As soon as barking stops, start praising, "Good Quiet!"

Learn how to fit and use a Gentle Leader™ head collar.