Barking is one of the most frustrating problems a dog owner can face. Unlike housetraining or chewing problems, barking affects those beyond your immediate household. It can make enemies of neighbors and even result in warnings or fines from local animal control agencies.

Yet barking, like whining and howling, is a natural canine behavior. A dog that is startled may bark to express surprise. Dogs will bark a warning when a stranger approaches. Dogs also bark to release anxiety, and sometimes, just because it's fun.

Barking to get attention
Your dog learns to behave in certain ways to gain your attention - positive or negative.

If your dog barks when he sees food and you then give him food, he will learn to bark for food and may expand this behavior to get other things he wants. If you pet your dog when she is howling, she will learn that to be petted, she just needs to howl. Even negative attention, such as shouting at or scolding him, can reinforce this problem behavior.

Sometimes the best way to deal with barking is to simply ignore it. It isn't realistic to expect your dog never to bark, however, there are steps you can take to teach your pet not to bark.

The "no bark" exercise
First, select a silencing command: it can be "Quiet" or "No bark!" or any word you prefer, as long as you use it consistently.

Prepare a few shake cans and place them around the house. A shake can is a can (an empty soda can is perfect) into which you have sealed some pennies or pebbles. When you shake the can, the hard objects hit the side, making a startling noise that serve to interrupt the dog's inappropriate behavior.

When your dog or puppy starts to bark, give your silencing command and then shake the can until the barking stops. The noise should startle your dog into silence, at which point, you should praise him lavishly. Repeat the procedure as many times as necessary until he doesn't start barking again.

Barking during isolation
If you dog is not used to being alone, he or she may become anxious when isolated or separated from human companions. This separation anxiety may result in whining, barking or howling.

You can help ease your dog's anxiety, by giving him pleasurable things to do when left alone. Stuff a kong toy with peanut butter or cheese. Working to get the peanut butter out will occupy most dogs for an hour or more. Another option is a cube that will dispense your dog's kibble as he rolls it around the room. A dog busy earning his daily treat ration will not be so focused on whether or not you are there.

Defensive barking
Territorial defense is part of a dog's basic nature. Barking and growling serve to alert other group members to a potentially dangerous situation.

If you want your pet to be a good watchdog, teach him the "No bark!" command. Let her give a couple of warning barks when she sense something is amiss, then give her the signal to stop.

No matter what the cause of excessive barking, lots of attention, adequate exercise and plenty of mental stimulation will produce a calmer, more relaxed dog - a dog less likely to pursue objectionable activities.

If your dog doesn't respond to these training tips, you may need the help of a professional dog trainer. Your local Best Friends can recommend a qualified professional. To find the Best Friends near you, see our center locations.