What approach would be most effective to extinguish a puppy's habit of barking to be let inside?

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The most effective approach to extinguish a puppy's habit of barking to be let inside is to ignore the barking and only allow the puppy in when it is quiet. This method is grounded in principles of operant conditioning, specifically the concept of reinforcing desirable behaviors while ignoring undesirable ones. By consistently rewarding the puppy's silence with access indoors, you teach it that quietness leads to positive outcomes, while barking does not elicit the desired response.

This approach helps break the association between barking and getting let inside, effectively discouraging the behavior over time. Consistency is key here; if the puppy learns that barking leads to getting ignored, it will eventually realize that being quiet is the more effective way to gain attention and access.

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