The biggest problem with a barking dog is understanding what it is they are trying to say.
You may not be so inclined to try and shut them up all the time if you only knew what it was they were trying to tell you.
It should be obvious they think it's important, don't you think? The problem is what is important to your dog may not be important to you.
If you don't train your dog to bark at what is important to you and stay quiet at other times you are likely to begin to resent them and that is a problem.
So when do you want them to bark? To start with you should teach them to bark on command but the command could be a word like " protect" or "guard".
Now if you are ever faced with and intruder or someone who is threatening you your best friend will bark when they hear you say "protect" or "guard".
This command does not mean that your dog will actually attack someone, but the barking will make anyone threatening you take two steps back and think twice, don't you think? To teach your dog to "guard or protect" take advantage of the times he barks on his own.
Help him associate the word "protect" with barking.
Tie his leash to a fence or some other immovable item.
Stand about 3 feet away and entice him with a toy or food.
When he starts barking shout "protect".
When he barks again give him the reward.
It won't take long for him to get the idea.
You won't always have to exchange a treat for his efforts.
Just let him know you are pleased with him.
Timing is everything here so watching his body language so you can tell when he is ready to bark is the key to success.
Then give the command just before he barks.
Now you know how to turn him on you need to know how to turn him off.
I like the command "quiet" but you use what works for you.
A nonverbal command like clapping your hands twice in rapid succession can demonstrate to everyone you are in command.
A couple of quick claps catches their attention and stops them barking.
When you have their attention you give the reward and they associate it with stopping the barking.
When he has successfully learned the command, move further away and continue the training.
He needs to know and respond to these commands from any distance.
Then you are in command.
After this training is successful, no longer tie him to the fence and continue to train him to respond to the commands.
Think about how you will feel when you can control his bark.
Walking down the street with your dog is a lot more enjoyable when you are in command.