How to teach your dog to speak

Barking too much can be an issue, particularly if it’s not wanted. Establishing a ‘speak’ cue, which is another name for barking on order, in your dog can help him learn how to bark under control. Furthermore, using a “quiet” cue might help your dog develop their innate inclination while lessening their propensity to bark.

Barking too much can be an issue, particularly if it’s not wanted. Establishing a ‘speak’ cue, which is another name for barking on order, in your dog can help him learn how to bark under control. Furthermore, using a “quiet” cue might help your dog develop their innate inclination while lessening their propensity to bark.

STEP 1

Take a goodie in your palm to begin. Make sure your dog can see it, but don’t allow them to take it just yet! Give your dog a reward once they start barking. Do this step several times.

Step 2:

Say “speak” or your preferred cue word to your dog as soon as you sense that they are ready to bark. When your dog barks on cue, you can then give it a reward. To help your dog remember, do this multiple times.

Step 3:

Holding a treat, pronounce your cue word after practicing the previous two steps. Show your dog where it is and wait for them to bark at you. Try this method repeatedly, giving your dog a reward each time they react to your cue word.

STEP 4:

You can now perform this step without a goodie in your hand. Wait for your dog to bark at your order after saying your cue word. Give them a reward right away if they comply with your instructions. Return to the previous step and practice gradually phasing out your hand, making the treat less visible to your dog, if you find yourself waiting for your dog to bark on command.

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INSPIRING YOUR DOG TO BE A “QUIET” CUE

After learning how to bark when called, your dog can start barking more frequently, especially if they can smell treats! The greatest method to stop dogs from barking at inappropriate times is to teach them a “quiet” cue.

Step 1:

Give your dog a break from barking before using your preferred cue word, such as “quiet.” Give them a treat once they have stopped talking.

STEP 2:

This can be incorporated into your dog’s “speak” training. Reward your dog when they bark when instructed to do so and encourage them to “speak.” Say “quiet” or your preferred cue word once they’ve stopped, then give them a reward for their behavior. Make sure not to give your dog any treats if they keep barking. Rather, wait to attempt again until they have ceased barking.

STEP 3:

At this point, you can begin to extend the “quiet” cue’s length by a few seconds at a time. It’s best to lessen the time and build this up again if your dog has trouble with the lengthening.

STEP 4:

Make sure your dog learns to wait for you to say your cue word by practicing each time increase for about five times.