How to Soundproof a Wall From a Barking Dog

Living with a barking dog, whether it is your own or a neighbors, can be frustrating. Dogs have excellent hearing, meaning they can hear activity that you aren't aware of, and may feel the need to sound the alarm. Dogs also bark because they are bored, frustrated, in pain, or feeling anxious. Soundproofing your home can make dealing with a barking dog less stressful.

Block sound transfer. Whether you're trying to protect your neighbors from the sound of a barking dog that you keep in your house, or you are blocking the sound of your neighbor's dog while you're inside, the first step to soundproofing is to close any area where sound enters. This means caulking around windows, applying weather stripping around doors and slipping rigid foam insulation under outlet covers.

Absorb sound waves. Sound waves bounce off hard surfaces, so a room with hardwood floors and blinds is louder than a room with wall-to-wall carpet and curtains. Add textiles, such as rugs, curtains and throw pillows, to absorb sounds in your rooms.

Install a permanent solution. A more aggressive solution to your barking dog problem is to install another layer of building material between the interior and exterior of the home. Screwing in a second layer of drywall is an excellent way to dampen sound. Depending on your skill and comfort level, this can be a do-it-yourself job or one you hire a contractor to finish.