It is important to understand that dogs bark and there are various reasons why. They do not bark just to irritate you and your neighbours, nor do they bark out of malice or revenge. Dogs don't bark just because they can even though it might seem that way some times. Certain dog breeds bark more than others, there are some types of dogs that where actually breed to be bark. And then there is the Basenji that does not bark at all, but vocalize in other ways.

If you listen closely to your dog, you will eventually learn your dog's different barks. Understanding the reason why your dog barks is the first step towards controlling the behaviour. In general, dogs will commonly bark for the following reasons: 

Warning/Alert: It is natural for a dog to bark when someone is at the door or when strangers pass the hourse or car. Many will bark if they sense some type of threat. proclaiming " I'm here protecting this place so don't mess with me." The sound of this bark is usually sharp, loud and authoritative. Honing ths instinct with training can help protect your home and family.

Anxiety: Anxious barking often seems to be an act of self soothing for many dogs. It is often high pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is comon for dogs eith separation anxiety.

Playfulness/Excitement: This type of barking is especially common in puppies and young dogs. Many dogs will bark while playing with people or other dogs. Even the sound of the bark tends to sound upbeat and possibley musical. Some dogs will bark excitedly when they know they are about to go for a walk or car ride.

Attention Seeking: When you hear this bark, you will usually knkw just what it means. This bark says "Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am" Other dogs may whine and bark together to get attention, almost like the tone of a whining child.

Boredom: The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear her own voice. Though it tends to be annoying, it is also kind of sad. Bored dogs often bark to release excess energy, and sometimes bark out of loneliness. They usually need an activity and perhaps even a companion.

Responding to Other Dogs: This is porbably a familiar scenario one dog down the steet starts barking, and one by one the rest of your block joins in.

Prevent and Stop Excessive Barking
Once you determine the cause of your dog's excessive barking, you can begin to control the behaviour. The best way to prevent excessive barking in the first place is to try and remove any possible sources of the behaviour. You also want to be certain not to accidentally encourage the barking. Finally, give her better things to do besides barking.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so there is not as much energy to burn by barking.

Avoid leaving a lonely dog alond for long periods of time if possible.

Never comfort, pet, hug or feed your dog when she is barking for attention or out of anxiety that would be rewarding the behaviour, thus encouraging it.

Shouting at your dog to stop barking does not help. It may actually cause her to bark even more.

Avoid punishments like shock collars. They are not only painful and unkind, many dogs will learn to test them and eventually work around them.

Try to get her attention with a clap or whistle. Once she is quiet, redirct her attention to something productive and rewarding, like a toy or treat.

After getting your dog's attention, practice basic commands, like sit, down to shift her focus.

DO NOT let your dog bark constantly ourside, regardless of the reason. You can hardly train her to stop barking by yelling at her across the yard. Plus, it is one of the  fastest ways to turn neighbours into enemies and send an invitartion to your local police.

Train your dog to Speak and be Quiet.

Consult your veterinarian and/or trainer if you continue to face barking issues despite your best efforts.

Teaching the  Speak and Quiet Commands

It can be fun to teach your dog the speak and quiet commands and well as being useful. A dog barking can ward off intruders and alert you to potential danger. But excessive barking can be a  big problem, so teaching the speak/quiet commands can sharpen the natural instinct ot bark. With dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command and to be quiet. Different dog trainer sand owners have varying techniques, but her is one basic method that works for many dogs.

Here's How:

1) Choose one simple word for the bark command and the word should be easy to remember. Good choices are speak, bark or talk.

2) Choose one simple word for quiet command. This work should also be easy to remember. Good choices are enough, quiet or hush.

3) When your dog barks, briefly acknowlege it by checking for the source (look where the dog is barking) Then get her attention with a clap, whistle or treat.

4) Immediately after the barking stops, say your quiet command in a firm, audible and upbeat voice while giving a treat.

5) Practice the "quiet" command frequently. You can do this anytime she barks, but keep sessions brief.

6) Once your dog seems to understand "quiet" you can move onto the bark command.

7) Create a situation that will cause your dog to bark. The best method is to have a friend ring the doorbell or knock on the door. As this occurs, say your speak command in a clear, upbeat voice.

8) After your dog barks 2/3 times in a row "good speak" in a clear, upbeat voice while giving a treat.

9) Repeat the speak command process several times until your dog seems to understand.

10) Once your dog learns "speak" and "quiet" separately, you can use them together, have your dog speak a few times, then tell her to be quiet.

Tips:

Rewards should be immediate and very tasty. You need make obeying "worth it" to your dog.

Some people prefer to teach "speak" first, and "quitet" second. Others like to teach them together to begin with. THis is you choice

Be patient yet consistent. These commands can take weeks to master for dogs.

Teach speak only works on dogs that will bark. If you are training a puppy, wait until she develops the ability and desire to bark, otherwise she will become confussed.