5 Proven Ways to Stop Barking Before the Holidays

Don't let a noisy dog turn your silent night into a chaotic one.

The holidays are right around the corner — a time filled with friends, family, and festive chaos. But if your dog barks nonstop at visitors, delivery drivers, or even the sound of wrapping paper, it can quickly turn your joyful season into a noisy one.

Luckily, a little preparation now can make the holidays calmer for both you and your pup. Here are five proven ways to stop barking before the holidays — so you can enjoy a peaceful, bark-free celebration.

1. Identify the Triggers Early

Start by paying attention to what’s causing your dog to bark most often:

• Doorbells or knocking
• Guests entering the home
• Delivery trucks or mail carriers
• Holiday decorations or sounds

Once you know the triggers, you can work on desensitizing your dog before the season gets busy. Try replaying doorbell sounds at a low volume or inviting a friend over to simulate the arrival of guests — rewarding calm behavior every time.

2. Keep Training Consistent

Dogs thrive on consistency. During the holiday rush, it’s easy to let training slide — but just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Practice commands like “quiet,” “place,” and “stay.” Always reward calmness and ignore unnecessary barking. Consistent reinforcement helps your dog understand that being quiet leads to treats and attention.

3. Use Humane Bark Control Tools

If you’re short on time, humane bark control devices can speed up the process. At Ultimate Bark Control, we offer effective, pet-safe tools that gently train your dog to stop barking — whether you’re home or away.

For holiday guests and delivery drivers, we recommend the Bark Control Pro.

Shop Training Tools

4. Create a Calm Holiday Space

Give your dog a quiet, comfortable area away from guests and noise. Include:

• Their bed or crate
• Chew toys or puzzle feeders
• Calming music or white noise

This “holiday retreat” lets your dog decompress and prevents overstimulation — one of the biggest causes of barking during busy seasons.

5. Get Ahead of Stress

The best time to train is before the holiday madness begins. Start now with small changes: play festive sounds at low volume, invite a few guests over, or decorate gradually. Each step helps your dog adjust before the full hustle and bustle begins.

A Peaceful Home for the Holidays

A quiet home makes the holidays brighter for everyone. With early training, consistency, and the right bark control tools, you can help your dog stay calm, confident, and quiet — so you can focus on what really matters: time with loved ones.