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Related Articles & Questions

Training & Behavior
How to Stop Your Dog from Barking
Read information about dog training to understand and correct control your dog’s constant barking behavior.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
New Pet
Easy Dog Training: Essential Tips for a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog
Training a dog takes time, understanding, patience and consistency. Understanding your training options and the dog training basics will help you--and your dog--be set up for success.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
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Help Your Dog: Separation Anxiety Signs, Causes & Training Solutions
How to Dog Anxiety Training guide. Learn how to train dogs with anxiety at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Dog Harness or Collar: How to Choose the Right Fit
Find the best dog harness, collar or leash that suits your dog and will keep them comfortable and safe.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Training & Behavior
Dog Training Treats: How to Pick the Best for Your Dog's Success
Choosing the best dog training treat all depends on your dog's preference and what environment you will be training in. Take a look at these recommendations from Petco positive dog training experts.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Training & Behavior
My dog barks all night. Are anti-bark collars safe and effective?
I suggest you try a citronella bark collar as the first option. They work well in most cases and are not harmful. This is not a shock collar. This video should explain more about them and how they work. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwstVpzALY&t=102s )
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog barks too much to go out. How do I stop excessive barking?
It sounds like Siri is trying to train you. The best way to get him to stop without significant intervention is positive reinforcement. In this case, you will be reinforcing the absence of a behavior. I don't know where he stands in reference to you while he is barking, but hopefully it is within a reasonable voice's reach. You need to start rewarding Siri for periods of quiet (I would say if he is in a barking fit, any period of silence greater than 10-15 seconds should be rewarded). You should also start to come up with a word you phrase you use to ask Siri to quiet down. It doesn't matter what you choose as long as you are consistent. If this fails, there are bark collars out there of all different types. On small dogs I essentially never, ever recommended any collar that produces an electric shock. However, there are citronella collars that spray an unpleasant liquid (not bothersome to humans) at the dog any time it barks above a certain volume. It is extremely effective on some dogs and completely harmless. Hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
How to train my puppy to stop barking at sounds and people outside?
There are many different training methods for helping dogs to stop barking. Repetitions, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the three mainstays of training for almost all aspects of canine behavioral modification. Since she is stopping immediately sometimes, she is either recognizing your desire for her to stop or there is something that is occurring that both you and her are unaware of that is making her stop. You will have to think hard about the times that she stops and the times that she doesn't, and consider what may be different. If you are able to figure that out, training her will become much easier. Since I am assuming the majority of the barking occurs while you are walking Snowball, the best thing you can do is reward any positive behavior you see while you are partaking in this activity. Carry a small pouch of dog treats with you at all times. If Snowball starts barking and going towards whatever the stimulus might be, stop movement, have her her heel, and then the moment she stops barking reward her and continue the walk. Another method you might consider is training Snowball with a separate command that breaks her concentration in order to divert her attention elsewhere. If you are able to teach her the touch command, she might stop her barking in order to come to you in hopes of receiving a treat. The touch command is very simple. You basically are teaching your dog that every time you say touch, she is to come to your hand and touch her nose to it. While in the beginning this will likely only work from a few inches away, eventually with practice you should be able to divert her attention from quite far. If training does not seem to be effective, there are collars available that are meant to discourage barking. They range from ones that make annoying noises, ones that spray out something that smells unpleasant, and ones that shock the wearer. The shock collars should only be used in extreme circumstances when all other collars and training methods have failed. Hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
My small dogs bark at nothing. How can I train them to stop?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are medications that can be used to reduce anxiety at times. These types of behavior can improve though this does require in person training with the help of a qualified dog trainer. I would encourage you to contact a dog trainer that can work with you and your pups in person to really take care of this behavior. The sooner these behaviors are dealt with, the more likely it is that you can improve and resolve them. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Vet Q & A
My foster dog barks non-stop when left alone. How can I stop it?
If this is a temporary situation I would suggest you get a citronella bark collar. I think that may work to curb the barking in the short term. Of course, if this dog is going to be a long term resident I would suggest you work with a professional dog trainer. The trainer could help you determine the dog's triggers and work with you on how to resolve them. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on September 24th, 2025