No one should ever expect a dog not to bark, but while some dogs cannot bark, others seem to bark excessively. If this is a problem in your home, the first step to solving the problem is to figure out why he is barking. Not all dogs are apt to offer their opinions. While historically dogs have been prized for their ability to bark and warn away other animals and intruders, some breeds are on the quiet side. A Basenji for example, will serenade you with noises that include hums, yodels and howls. Beagles do not bark, but they have no problem baying. This is not to say that these breeds are totally silent; rather while they will not bark in the ordinary sense of the word, they will vocalize. Some dogs may prefer to whine or whimper while others would rather give out a booming bark, and still another may simply not find many good reasons worthy of wasting his vocal chords on. If you are lucky, you may even have a quiet, laid back dog blessed with an easy going temperament.

While some breeds are just less predisposed to barking, sometimes this may actually mean something could be wrong with your dog if he is not barking at all. If you notice that your dog is trying to bark but nothing is coming out, there may be a medical problem behind it and you should visit your vet immediately to determine why your dog is not barking. If you notice other problems with his respiratory system; chronic vomiting, metabolic disorders and growths, it means that more serious medical issues are the cause of his sudden silence.

Sometimes, a dog may be perfectly healthy, but just cannot be quiet. Psychologist and author Stanley Coren asserts that how long a dog barks has everything to do with the message being sent. He believes that the longer the sound, the more likely the dog is sending a conscious signal and the behaviors that are about to follow. Taking into account the rate of repetition, he says, and the sounds that are repeated frequently, or at a rapid rate, will indicate the degree of urgency.

It very well could mean that your poor pooch is bored or lonely. Make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good dog and one who is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. Depending on his breed, age and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys.

 Many dogs when left home alone all day simply cannot be quiet. By instituting a rigorous daily walking and play routine, as well as a morning ritual that involves brief but increasingly lengthy periods of separation, your pet will come to realize that when you leave the house, you will indeed return.  Marvin The Monkey Dog Toy by Pridebites, is a fun toy to use to engage your pet in vigorous play.  Marvin squeaks and loves the water because he floats. You can throw him into the laundry, since he is machine washable. The squeakers are sewn into pouches that are connected to the toy for safety. Made of Durabite Fleece, he has a 55 pound pull pressure, and is filled with soft foam stuffing.

Be consistent so you don't confuse your dog. Everyone in your family must apply the same training methods every time your dog barks inappropriately. You cannot let your dog get away with inappropriate barking some times and not others. While many training regimes can be very successful, you should not expect miraculous results overnight. The longer your dog has been shouting at everyone and everything, the longer it will take for him to change his ways. Try to keep these tips in mind while training: don't yell at your dog to be quiet—it only sounds to him that you are barking along with him, be consistent, and try to remain positive and upbeat.

Keep your training sessions positive and upbeat. Training treats like Real Meat Chicken and Venison Dog Treats 4 Oz. by VIAND can be a great incentive toward good behavior. They contain only the finest free range, farm-raised, all natural chicken & venison. The New Zealand chicken and venison premium dog treats come in a 4 oz. bag with approximately 170+ pieces of 95% natural chicken & venison. Your furry friend will love these all natural, premium dog treats!

Try to remember not to encourage your dog to bark at some noises (a door slamming, people walking by) and to discourage him from barking at others. Be consistent. Never use a muzzle or other means of constraint to keep a dog quiet for long periods or when they aren’t supervised, and most importantly, love him, and treat him well.