Excessive barking can be distressing for both you and your dog, not to mention your neighbors. I have good news! You can teach your dog to be quiet on cue. It's important to note that barking is a natural behavior for dogs and serves various purposes, such as alerting to potential dangers or expressing emotions. However, teaching them when it's appropriate to bark and when to be quiet is crucial for a well-behaved and happy pet, not to mention peace and quiet.
The first step in training your dog to be quiet is to identify the triggers that prompts their barking. It could be anything from a doorbell, strangers walking by, or other animals. Once you have identified the trigger, you can work on desensitizing your dog to it. For example, if your puppy barks at the doorbell, record the doorbell sound and play it at low volume while rewarding them before they bark. Gradually, increase the intensity of the trigger (in this case sound of doorbell) until your dog no longer reacts with excessive barking. It's important to reward your dog with treats and praise when they remain quiet during these training exercises.
Next, you can introduce the "quiet" cue. Start by waiting for a moment of silence during their barking episode or anytime during the day when you hear a sound and before they bark. Say the word "good quiet" in a calm and happy tone and immediately reward them with treats and praise.
Repeat this process consistently every time your dog would have barked but chose not to. With repetition, your puppy will associate the word "quiet" with not (or stopping) barking and will learn to respond to the cue. It's important to be patient during this training process, as it may take some time for your puppy to fully understand and comply with the cue.