Every dog that’s ever lived has barked. And some people don’t like it. Especially when its loud and “unnecessary” barking.

My own take on this is that some barking is fine. It’s the sound of a contented dog telling the world what he thinks. And if the owner can turn off the happiness when it starts to irritate the neighbors, then it is just great.

So, control is everything.

There are two approaches you can take to this very common problem.

Either will work. One is more work than the other. And some people say one is more gentle and humane than the other.

You will need to choose one technique and consistently apply it.

(1) Use your knee

This is the one that even non-dog owners know about.

The dog comes up to you, quivering with excitement. He rears up to place his paws on your stomach or chest. You turn sideways just before he is able to put his paws on you, and raise your knee so he meets a hard, pointed-but-blunt object. After hanging on that for a second or two he drops to the ground. You win.

You see it everywhere there is a pet dog — scratch marks on the door, chewed edges of otherwise-perfectly-good rugs, holes dug in lawns (and flower beds!) and holes in furniture covers. All these are signs that the dog is in control of the home. That he’s a restive, lively pet who has never learned where the boundaries are. And you can be sure the owner suddenly goes on edge every time their canine friend comes near a well-frayed carpet or sofa cover.

It’s a common problem. Can it be stopped?