Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including attempts to reunite themselves with their “pack,” ward off “intruders” and gain attention from owners. Prevent barking and other excessive vocalizations by teaching your dog that guests are associated with positive experiences. Gradually exposing your dog to your absence will be a first step toward avoiding excessive vocalizations associated with separation anxiety. If you don’t reward barking with your attention, the behavior will eventually extinguish because it does not reap the desired result. To prevent nuisance barking that stems from insufficient stimulation, ensure that your dog receives daily mental and physical exercise.