Bark and Quiet Command

*How to Train a Dog to Speak
Step 1. Find something that will set off barking
Before you teach the cue “speak” or “talk,” find a surefire way to get your pup yapping. Ideas include using a recording of other dogs barking or of a siren.

If your smart dog knows it’s a recording, try standing at the door and knocking on it behind your back; or simply bark or howl yourself.

“You’ll be surprised at just how many dogs naturally join in,” Becker says.

Step 2. Give a cue.
Use a word like “speak” or “bark,” and follow up one second later with the sound you chose, whether it’s a ring, a bark or a siren.

Step 3. Praise your pup for barking.
Say “yes” and “thank you” when your pooch yaps, and then give her a treat, such as Zuke’s Mini Naturals dog treats.

“Most dogs will be surprised when they’re being encouraged rather than reprimanded or reacted to negatively,” Becker says. This helps prime them for success.

Practice this cue a few times a day in short sessions until you know your dog has learned the behavior. Once you master how to teach a dog to talk, it’s time to teach your pup to be quiet.

*How to Teach a Dog to Be Quiet
Step 1. Cue the barking.
Say “speak” or “bark” and play the sound that gets your pup yipping. Let her bark a few times.

Step 2. Give a cue.
Calmly say “quiet” while you hold out a higher-value toy or treat reward than the one used for getting your dog to speak. (Think bacon or American Journey’s turkey jerky treats.) Your aim is to get your dog to close her mouth to investigate what is in your hand

Note: If you’ve been using “Quiet!” without much success, try swapping it for something else like “hush” or “shush,” Becker says.

Step 3. Praise your pup’s silence.
As soon as she quiets down, reward her. After a while, she’ll begin to understand that she can control her barking.

Step 4. Bump up the training.
To really reinforce the behavior, add in other variables, such as a pup-savvy friend at the door. Because another person probably will get your dog overly excited, give her something else to channel her energy after she’s quieted down. For example, teach her to go to her dog bed or nose out dog biscuits, like American Journey’s grain-free lamb treats, hidden inside a food puzzle.

As your dog gets more practice, you can begin to phase out the treats or add other commands to the “quiet” cue, such as sit, touch or down.

“It’s also important to randomly treat your dog for times she remains quiet without needing any reminder,” Becker says. “That way, you make sure she realizes her ability to be quiet gets noticed and rewarded—and thus increases the likelihood she’ll repeat it in the future.”

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