If your pup barks when he is left alone, your neighbors will let you know about it . Their complaints are usually justified so break your little darling of this bad habit at a young age befor the law steps in. You cannot train a pup to be alone too early so thats why crating him or shutting him up is a good idea. Even if someone is home all day, there should be lengthy periods when the pup is made to stay alone while his whines or barks are either completely ignored, or silenced with an occasional shouted "quiet!" Strict discipline in the early months will pay off later.Some trainers recommend splashing water in the dogs face or using a spray bottle. The pup should learn that all that howling will only result in an angry master. However an older dog may need more strenuous action. Never punish a dog by striking out at him or chasing him around the house with a stick. The methods of stopping a dog from barking vary greatly. most trainers advocate "anything that works" be imaginative and surprise your misbehaving howler with a trick of your own.