Help! My dog won’t stop barking at everything – need solutions

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    • #137561
      Myname5james
      Verified Participant

      I’m at my wit’s end with my dog, Baxter. He’s a two-year-old Border Collie mix, and I love him to pieces, but his excessive barking is out of control. I don’t know what to do anymore, and I’m hoping you can provide dog training tips before my neighbors start a petition to have us evicted.

      Baxter barks at EVERYTHING. The mail carrier, people walking by, birds in the yard, and even environmental noises like the wind rustling the trees or the microwave beeping. I know Border Collies are intelligent and high-energy, but I can’t figure out why he’s constantly barking or how to stop it. I’ve tried using the “quiet” command, rewarding calm behavior with treats, and even ignoring him, but nothing works long-term.

      The situation has escalated to the point where I can’t have guests over without him going into a barking frenzy. The moment someone steps foot in my house, Baxter is up on his paws, barking non-stop, and it takes forever to calm him down.

      I make sure he gets plenty of exercise—we go on long walks, play fetch, and even do interactive puzzle games to keep his brain engaged. But the barking persists. Could this be separation anxiety? A breed-specific issue? Am I missing an effective dog training technique?

      Please share any effective barking control tips or behavioral training methods that could help. Any advice would be a lifesaver (and would probably make my neighbors like me again).

    • #138162
      Emma Braby and dogEmma Braby
      Moderator

      It sounds like Baxter’s barking is driven by a combination of instinct, overexcitement, and possibly anxiety. Border Collies and their mixes are highly intelligent and alert, which makes them more prone to vocalizing when they detect movement, sounds, or perceived threats. Since Baxter barks at everything from the mail carrier to environmental noises, he may be reacting out of alertness, territorial behavior, or frustration. His barking at guests suggests excitement or anxiety around new people.

      To help him, try desensitization and counterconditioning. Gradually expose him to his triggers while rewarding calm behavior. If he barks at the mail carrier, start by rewarding him when he notices the carrier but remains quiet. You can also try having a friend walk past the house repeatedly while rewarding Baxter for silence. When guests arrive, ask them to ignore him. Keep him on a leash and reward calm behavior. Teach an alternative behavior, like sending him to a mat or bed when the doorbell rings.

      You’re already doing a great job with walks and puzzle toys. In addition to these, consider increasing structured activities that challenge his brain, such as scent work, agility training, or herding ball games. These engage his natural instincts and can tire him out mentally, which often reduces unwanted barking.

      Managing his environment can also help. If he barks at people outside, try window films, curtains, or dog gates to limit his access to triggering areas. White noise machines or calming music can mask environmental sounds that might set him off. Avoid inadvertently rewarding barking by giving him attention when he does it, and instead, reinforce calm behavior with treats and praise.

      If his barking stems from separation anxiety, you might notice distress signs when you leave, such as destructive behavior or excessive whining. If that’s the case, gradual alone time, crate training, and desensitization can help.

      If Baxter’s barking persists despite these efforts, consider working with a certified dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in positive reinforcement techniques. Patience and consistency are key. Good luck, you’ll get there!

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