How to get my dog to stop barking?

Question

Please help, it's driving me insane. My dog KNOWS barking is a bad thing, but he does it anyways. He knows commands such as STOP! or STOP BARKING, and he doesn't respond. However, when I go to take him by the collar, he runs away. He knows what he's done. I can't train him, because he never barks around me, and as I mentioned, he knows barking is bad.

How do I get him to stop barking? Should I take him to a behavioral class, or just get a shock collar? Are behavioral classes worth it (for the money)?

BTW, I refuse to surgically debark my dog.

Answer 1

Everytime I answer this type of question I get numerous thumbs down from idiots that don't have a clue.  I only ask that you try this proven method and see if it works for you.

Okay - Close the door on your dog and when it starts to bark open the door and throw a bottle of water over it's head and shout NO!.  Repeat this method for a weekend.  I promise you the dog will stop barking. 100%.  It does not hurt the dog and is very effective.  I will get thumbs down from morons on this site but trust me it works.

Answer 2

My foster dog was a big barker when we got her. What I did is leave her leash on in the house and when someone came to the door I would give the leash a quick tug and interrupt her BEFORE she could bark. I also never let her get to the door first. I had the same problem, the the dog doesn't bark around me, or hears someone coming before I do but just be as consistent as possible. Once he realizes it's your job to greet guests he'll stop!  

Answer 3

I would try the shock collar. It's the cheapest solution that works for a lot of people. Try it. Good luck.

Answer 4

I'd opt for behavioral classes. You can learn a lot more from the trainers there about controlling a dog with positive reinforcement rather than resorting to him being shocked.

If you want, also check out some training books if you have the time and patience to do it yourself.

Answer 5

you could get him collar that sprays water everytime he barks.

its not a shock collar, its a spray collar.