Help! My Dogs Don’t Stop Barking! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
My dogs Moseley, Rev, and Pickles bark incessantly, and it doesn’t matter what I say or do. They also howl together! They always start barking when I get on the phone. When someone comes to the door. If someone drives by on our lane. It could most certainly be worse cuz I’ve seen and heard, but how do I make it better?” – Corinne
It sounds like Moseley, Rev, and Pickles have developed a habit of barking and howling together, likely reinforcing each other’s excitement or alertness. Barking is a natural canine behavior, but when it becomes excessive, it’s often a mix of instinct, habit, and learned behavior. In their case, it seems to be triggered by external stimuli like people passing by, visitors at the door, and even your phone conversations. This suggests both territorial alert barking and attention-seeking behavior.
Since they don’t seem to respond to verbal corrections, they may not understand what you want from them in those moments. Instead of trying to stop the barking directly, focus on teaching an alternative behavior. For example, you can train a reliable “quiet” cue by first rewarding them when they pause naturally and then gradually pairing it with a verbal command. If they bark when people approach, redirect their focus to a specific spot, like a mat or bed, where they can be rewarded for calm behavior. Practicing impulse control exercises, such as “sit and stay” with distractions, will also help.
For phone-triggered barking, they may have learned that barking gets your attention when you’re distracted. Try giving them a special, long-lasting chew or food puzzle before you make a call, so they associate your phone time with quiet engagement. Consistency is key—if all three dogs are reinforcing each other, training them separately first may be necessary before bringing them together. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help them channel their energy into more appropriate behaviors while still allowing them to express themselves when it truly matters.
Best wishes,
Dr. Paola