Papillons are known for their good, friendly dispositions, but, being an alert little dog with acute senses, they can become excited when they hear noises that their families might miss. This is not altogether a bad thing, because it can alert their people if an intruder is near, but if your papillon is disturbing you and your neighbors with too much barking, it is time to put some brakes on. Fortunately the breed is intelligent, so papillon training is not overly difficult. The time to nip bad behavior in the bud is as early as possible, so enroll in a puppy training class when you first get your puppy, but papillon training can take place when the dog is any age.
First, consider why your papillon is barking so much. Does he or she bark when you come home? This can be a happy time, but if the baring continues for half an hour it can be too much. When you come home, ignore the dog while he or she is barking and pet him or her as soon as there is a pause in the barking. This can be tricky if you only have a small window while your papillon catches its breath, but be sure not to pet him or her while the barking is going on. Your papillon wants attention and will respond to what gives him or her the attention he or she craves.
Does your papillon bark at mealtime or when he or she is hungry? If so there is likely a tendency on your part to feed your pet and be done with it. Unfortuantely, this is not good papillon training. You might not think so, but everything you do with your papillon is a form of papillon training, good or bad. As with your homecoming, do not feed your papillon while he or she is barking. Wait until the barking has stopped until you feed your dog. If this takes a long time, be strong. This is the way to let you papillon know that barking will not bring food.
Sometimes dog bark when they are bored or want to play. Again, giving in to and playing with your friend to get him or her to stop barking is a bad form of papillon training. Instead, take him or her outside and play only when he or she has been calm and quiet. Soon your pal will realize that barking will not give him or her any reward in the form of play. Of course, these energetic little dogs need activity to keep from being bored, so try to schedule some time each day for playing or going for a walk.
When you are out walking your papillon might get excited and bark when he or she sees another dog. In this case papillon training can consist of offering a treat when you first spot the other dog and before the barking has begun. Offer the treat on the opposite side of your dog from where the other dog is walking. The treat will be a distraction and your papillon will lose interest in the other dog as he or she goes for the treat.
If you have tried papillon training at home and it just is not effective, then it is time to see a professional trainer or veterinarian. Your vet can give you tips on training or refer you to a competent trainer in your area. Enjoy your dog.