Put an End to the Ruckus! Dogs Have Their Reasons for Barking
Lorna Olitch 
Dogs are quite talkative creatures, and they have their fair share of reasons for doing so. It could be a warning that someone's at the door, etc.
Dogs are quite talkative creatures, and they have their fair share of reasons for doing so. It could be a warning that someone's at the door, a notorious squirrel wreaking havoc outside, or even the infamous UPS man on the prowl. They might just want your undivided attention, whether it's from across the room or right in your face. Perhaps they're begging for a playmate, stuck ball, or simply caught under something tricky.
Regardless of the motive, incessant barking can drive anyone up the wall. While a few barks to alert you of a visitor or a potential threat is acceptable, repeating it over and over is just unnecessary. Wouldn't it be marvelous if your furry friend could simply come to you without the need for excessive barking? Handling this barking dilemma may vary depending on the circumstances.
Hey, Look at Me!
If your dog is barking up a storm while in his crate or standing right in front of you, the best approach is to ignore him completely. No eye contact, no conversation, absolutely nothing. If you can manage to move away or vanish from his sight, even better. The goal is to convey the message that barking yields no results or, in fact, drives you (the object of his desire) away.
The moment he falls silent, even for a fleeting second, turn towards him, shower him with praise, and give him the attention he craves. If he's in his crate and you can let him out (refer to the Crate Training Tip if you're crate training), do so in a calm manner. Now he understands that being calm and quiet earns him what he wants (in this case, your attention or his release from the crate).
There's Something Stirring Out There!
If your dog enjoys perching by the window and barking away, don't join in by shouting at him to stop. Instead, wait for that brief moment of silence. Most dogs don't bark continuously; it's more like "bark, bark, bark.....(pause)...bark, bark, bark...(pause)..." and so on. Be patient and wait for that pause. As soon as he hushes, even if it's just for a moment, call him over in a cheerful, high-pitched voice and present him with a distraction like a squeaky toy, tug toy (and engage in a mini-play session), or a long-lasting bully stick. Offering these rewards while he's barking will inadvertently reinforce the barking behavior. Instead, aim to reward and reinforce the moments of silence.
It's also crucial to demonstrate to your dog that you don't need him to alert you of any visitors by taking proactive measures whenever possible. If you're expecting someone like a food delivery, repair person, or guests within a specific timeframe, try to stay vigilant or have them send you a text as they approach your street. Now, you can be at the door before they arrive, showing your dog that you're well aware of the situation and have everything under control. He can relinquish his duty of being the alert system.
Once your dog has learned to limit his barks to just a couple or cease barking altogether, continue to reward and reinforce this calm behavior by praising him or offering treats.
