A dog can be a loving companion to you, but may be a nuisance to your neighbors if they bark a little too much. While there are drastic measures sometimes taken to keep a dog from barking, including surgical procedures like debarking, these are not recommended. Simple training and a few steps from you can curb your dog’s barks and keep your neighbors happy.

The solution depends on what causes your dog to bark. If your dog only barks when he is outside alone, then keep the dog indoors and accompany him when outside on a leash.

More often, dogs bark at strangers or visitors that they do not know. This is a territorial behavior done on their part to protect their property, which can include protecting their owner. Teach your dog to stop inappropriate barking as early as possible by using positive reinforcement. Tell the dog to stop and reward him when he finally does. Do not use negative punishment because this may instill them with fear, which can worsen the problem.

Finally, dogs can bark when they’re afraid. Again, do not punish this behavior as it may only increase their anxiety and their barking. Stay with your dog and ease his fear by distracting him from whatever is causing his distress. Play with him and pet him to let him know he is alright.