'I'm a dog expert and this is how to stop your dog barking at the doorbell'

Having to deal with our favourite fluff balls barking every time a doorbell rings or when they hear noise from the outside is a particular cause of frustration for many canine parents. Dogs actually bark for a number of reasons. However, when this very natural and normal behaviour becomes excessive, it can become draining for both humans and their furry companions.

Everything from white noise machines to adhesive window films could potentially make a difference. But you don't even have to invest in expensive home hardware or make drastic changes to your home. With a little time, a little patience, and of course a handful of treats, you can nip the problem in the bud for good.

Pet training company Bone Ball Park's Jennifer Billot managed to strike a balance between protective and peaceful with her own pooch.

The professional dog trainer starts off by explaining why dogs bark in the first place. Writing for The Chiswick Calendar, she says it's actually a classic example of a very natural behaviour we humans have even benefited from and selectively bred.

When it comes to her own pooch, she said: "I am actually very much okay with Griffin barking when someone comes to our door. We live in London, and I would rather people could hear that there was a dog on the other side of the door!"

But emphasising that continuous alert-barking is actually stressful and anxiety-producing for even dogs themselves, she recommends the following powerfully transformative techniques.

Jennifer's top training techniques

1. Change their initial response to the doorbell

This is all about teaching your dog that the sound is nothing to react to. Start off by recording the sound of your doorbell on your phone or simply switch up the sound of your doorbell itself to something entirely new. In a different part of the house, start off with a super low volume and hand your dog a treat. Pause and repeat until they show no signs of reaction; then, inch up the volume slightly and continue. Jennifer advises repeating over time. Essentially, the steps help change your dog's emotional reaction to the sound. You can even get creative - change the sound of the bell into a cue to go lie down on their bed instead of running to the door! Consolidate by using a Bluetooth speaker in another room and make sure to always have treats on hand.

2. Train an interruptor cue

This is where you let your dog give a few barks until you say a cue like "Thank You" which basically means "Great, you can stop now!"

For this, you'll find it helpful to use a snuffle mat, which helps relax your dog after all the stimulation of alert barking. Hide a bunch of treats in there and place them away from the front door in a spot like the kitchen. Using your cue, your dog will learn to automatically head there and devour some treats instead of barking at the door.