Train Your Dog Not to Bark When on a Leash

Dog owners often relish the time they spend walking their dogs; frequent walks allow dogs to exercise, experience sensory stimulation, socialize with other dogs and bond with their owners. However, a yappy leashed canine can create a stressful walking experience for all parties involved. Following a few key tips from expert dog trainers will help you train your dog to stay quiet while leashed and alleviate nuisance barking.

Instructions

Step 1

Understand how dogs communicate by barking. Dogs are pack animals; often, barking is a natural way to signal shelter, food or danger to the rest of the pack. The Dog Channel states that dogs also use barking as a means of achieving attention and to communicate excitement and frustration. A New York magazine article suggests that intelligent dog breeds may in fact be more difficult to train, as they respond well to words. Therefore, owners of clever dogs should clearly identify their command in short statements (such as "heel" or "no bark"). Clear communication as a pack leader will help prevent a frustrated dog from trying to follow too many things at once.

Step 2

Discover why your dog is barking when he is on a leash. Does your pet yap at the same house, dog or street during each walk? Your dog may be suffering from distress, anxiety or aggression. Consider the environment in which the dog is barking, to help find a solution to the problem barking. Additionally, ponder whether your dog has released enough energy. Is he receiving frequent, daily walks and adequate exercise? Should the walks be more challenging for your pooch? Is the dog experiencing new smells and sights for mental stimulation? Excessive yapping can be the result of bottled-up energy; evaluate whether your dog tries to pull on the leash (and revisit "heel" training) and if he tries to frequently pick-up the pace. If so, your dog may need to experience more rigorous exercise (such as off-leash running at a dog park) to promote obedient behaviors.

Step 3

Establish pack leadership. A dog must understand that the pack leader establishes control both inside and outside the home. Stay calm, balanced, assertive, dedicated and in control at all times; While excessive barking can be irritating, a frustrated owner will not be able to correct the problem behavior. Exert a peaceful energy, and the dog will mirror your emotions.

Step 4

Establish proper on-leash behavior. Revisit leash-walking basics and retrain as necessary. Correct problem barking by telling your dog "No" firmly when he begins to bark excessively. Use additional communication tools like a physical-training correction (pulling firmly on the leash) or making a sound (such as a whistle) to stop the dog from barking. Be patient, as this training requires consistency. The dog must submit to you as a stable pack leader for him to refrain from problem barking.

Step 5

Reinforce positive behavior. The dog will quickly learn that a positive action will result in a pleasing reward. According to dog expert Cesar Millan, give your dog plenty of stimulating exercise, establish clear boundaries he must follow and reward him with affection after the first two have been completed. A calm, quiet dog will quickly learn that he will receive praise and a treat if her refrains from excessive barking.

Step 6

Increase the dog's challenges. While you may be giving your dog a twice-daily, 45-minute walk, he may remain bottled up with energy-- and release it through nuisance barking. Consider increasing the challenge of your daily walk to help promote an obedient dog, such as running (or walking more brisquely) or teaching the dog agility games to promote mental stimulation.

Step 7

Consult a professional dog trainer. If a dog remains confused about who is the park leader and continues to bark excessively while being walked on a leash, he may be suffering from a severe problem behavior, such as aggression, dominance, anxiety or heightened phobia. Call a professional trainer in your area to help troubleshoot these issues. Your commitment to your pet will help ensure his health and happiness. Additionally, once he is trained properly, you will further enjoy lengthy walks with your calm and quiet leashed dog.

Tips & Warnings

Maintain a consistent, regular training schedule to reap positive results. Consider professional dog training if your pet still does not respond to the above methods. Discover dog-training methods by watching "The Dog Whisperer."

Always maintain calm leadership of your pet; never harm or abuse an animal in any way.