How to Train Your Dog to Speak or Be Quiet
Training your dog to "speak," or bark on command, can be both enjoyable and practical. It's an entertaining trick to demonstrate to your family and friends, and it can also serve as a deterrent to intruders. Although excessive barking can be a significant issue, teaching your dog the commands to speak and be quiet with dedication and consistency can enhance their natural instincts and enable you to control their barking when necessary.
There are various techniques employed by different dog trainers and owners, but the following basic methods have proven effective for many dogs.
Before You Get Started
To begin the training, you will require a few small and tasty treats for dogs or your dog's favorite toy. The rewards should be given promptly and hold significant value to your dog. It is important to make the desired behavior worthwhile for your dog. Small liver treats, chicken pieces, or other similar training treats tend to be most effective.
Additionally, you will need a stimulus that elicits barking, such as a doorbell or someone knocking on the door.
Train Your Dog to Be Quiet
It is recommended to start by teaching your dog the quiet cue before moving on to the bark cue. Some people prefer to teach both cues together at the beginning, but this choice depends on your comfort level, confidence, and your dog's ability to learn. Use your best judgment. Dogs prone to excessive barking may need to learn the quiet command first.
Select a simple word for the quiet command. Choose a word that is easy to remember and use consistently. Good options include "enough," "quiet," and "hush."
Here is a step-by-step guide to teaching the quiet command:
Create a situation that will cause your dog to bark. One effective method is to have someone ring the doorbell or knock on the door. Alternatively, you can try to get your dog excited to elicit barking. Sometimes, the sight of another dog can also trigger barking.
When your dog starts barking, briefly acknowledge it by checking the source of the noise (look out the window or door). Then, go back to your dog and get its attention. You can try holding up a treat or toy to redirect its focus.
Once the barking stops, reward your dog with the toy or treat.
Repeat these steps and gradually increase the duration of silence before giving the reward. Wait for slightly longer periods of silence each time.
After your dog has remained quiet a few times, introduce the cue word you have chosen. While your dog is barking, say the quiet command in a firm, audible, and upbeat voice while holding up the reward. Give your dog the reward when the barking stops.
Practice the "quiet" cue frequently. You can use it whenever your dog barks, but keep the training sessions brief.
Tip: Be patient and consistent. Some dogs may take weeks to master these commands.
How to Train Your Dog to Speak
Once your dog appears to comprehend the signal for silence, it is time to progress to the command for barking. Select a single, uncomplicated word for the bark command. The word should be easy to recall and consistently used, such as "speak," "bark," or "talk." You can create your own word or brief phrase, but ensure it doesn't resemble another cue word or your dog's name too closely.
Once again, encourage your dog to bark naturally.
While your dog is barking, use your chosen word in a clear and enthusiastic tone.
Commend your dog and reward it with a treat or toy.
Repeat the process of giving the speak command multiple times until your dog seems to comprehend it.
Once your dog has learned the speak and quiet commands separately, you can combine them. Prompt your dog to bark a few times and then instruct it to be quiet.
More Tips for Training Your Dog
Teaching the "speak" command is effective only for dogs that can bark. If you are training a puppy, it's best to wait until it develops the ability and inclination to bark. The Basenji dog breed, however, does not bark but occasionally produces a yodeling sound.
Clicker training is also highly effective for teaching the "speak" and "quiet" commands.
To ensure that your dog's new skills are solid, practice these commands in environments beyond the home, such as at the park or in the car, in various situations.