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How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking at Things in a Run

by Contributing Writer

Overview

When dogs are placed in runs, they may bark for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is that they notice things outside the run that they want to address. The only way to do this, since they cannot gain access to those things, is to bark. While this can be frustrating, there are a variety of ways to stop a dog from barking at things in a run. Most of them involve direct interaction with the dog rather than with the thing, which is good news since you generally will not be able to control the environment around the run.

Step 1

Teach your dog the "quiet" command. Whenever the dog barks, hold a treat over his nose and say "quiet." You must use the same word and tone every time. When the dog sniffs the treat, which will make him stop barking, immediately praise him and give him the treat. Each time you repeat this, make the dog wait quietly longer and longer for the treat until finally he will stop barking simply at the command.
Step 2

Direct the dog to be "quiet" every time she barks at something in the run. This is going to take some time and patience, so stake out the run on a nice day when it looks like lots of activity (squirrels, birds, etc.) will be around to make your dog bark. Each time she barks, instruct her to "quiet" and then reward her with praise and a treat when she does so. Eventually she will stop responding to outside stimuli in the run by barking.
Step 3

Give your dog plenty of exercise. While there is plenty of room in a run for a dog to move in most cases, he will still bark if he has too much energy. Before you place your dog in the run, take him for a jog or treat him to a hard 20 minutes of fetch. He will be tired when he gets in the run and nap. Over time, he will respond to being in the run by relaxing and napping rather than barking and looking for excitement.
Step 4

Provide entertainment in the run. Dogs bark at things when they are bored. If your dog has a few things inside the run to entertain her -- for example, a favorite squeaky toy, a chew toy or a ball -- she is less likely to look outside for diversion. Give her dynamic toys that are interactive for the best effects.
Step 5

Install visual barriers. While you cannot control everything that your dog encounters in his run, putting in some tall boxwoods or other shrubbery will cut down on the amount of visual stimuli that affect your dog from outside the pen.

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Dog treats Dog toys Shrubbery
Dog treats
Dog toys
Shrubbery
Spaying or neutering can reduce territorial behavior and cut down on barking in a run.
Spaying or neutering can reduce territorial behavior and cut down on barking in a run.