How annoying is it when you just can't stop barking dogs from driving the whole neighborhood crackers? It can become really annoying, can't it? - "Oh, but I love my dog and a barking dog is natural" - Well maybe so, but if it's excessive, it becomes very irritating to you AND your poor neighbors - After all, why should they have to put-up with it?

So How DO You Stop Barking Dogs? ... Well there are LOTS of ways of dealing with a noisy pooch without having to skin him alive - even though sometimes that option can be tempting (or is it just me?)

But the very first thing you should do is: LISTEN! ... Yes, Listen to what they're saying.

- "What?? Are you crazy? Dogs don't talk!" -

- Sure they do! ... They talk when they bark - They talk when they look at you - They talk when they're good and they talk when they're bad - When they're pleased and when they're depressed - When they want you there and when they wish you'd get lost ... "DOGGY TALK"!

You bet they talk! ... You merely have to teach yourself to "listen" - Listen to what they're trying to say. Then, and only then can you successfully and humanely teach your dog or puppy how to tell when is the right or wrong time & place to bark. Sort of like training toddlers the same sort of stuff - Stop puppies barking - Stop toddlers screeching - You know what I mean!

If you learn to respect your dog's opinion - they will soon respect yours. That's logical, isn't it? Learning how to stop a dog from barking can turn into a skill to share with your doggy pals. They will love you for it; especially if they're having similar problems with their pets.

Often, just acknowledging your dog might be sufficient to stop the barking (or bad behavior of any kind for that matter). Occasionally it is sufficient for him or her merely to know that you have heard and understood what they're raving on about.

But look ... If that's not enough to quieten them down, try a very serious "NO!" - And sound and look like you really mean it. Don't be all wishy-washy and pathetic about it.

Be consistent with your stern reaction, and your dog will soon get the message ... Be inconsistent, and you'll be running around in circles.

Here's something else you can try: Give them a little treat for good behavior. ("Yum! I'd better do that again") Y'see, if your dog has something to chew on - AND is EXERCISED FREQUENTLY - the odds of them barking up a storm are kept to a minimum - Be sure to keep that in mind!

So as important as it is to stop barking dogs from driving you nuts, devote a thought before anything else to what's going on in your dog's brain. THEN take action!

As we continue to evolve, we’ll have lots of free information for you to delve further into your dog’s mind so that life will be less stressful for you, your dogs or puppies, and your neighbors. You can join us and help us grow at www.HowToStopBarkingDogs.com