Teaching Your Dog Bark Control

Many people like to have a dog as a sense of security. A barking dog sure does offer protection and makes an excellent burglar alarm.

But you do need to teach your dog bark control – as it’s not always appropriate for him to bark.

When your dog has learned to “speak” on command, you will also be able to command him to be quiet as well.

Here’s The Steps...

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* The first thing to do is to attach your dog’s leash to a fence or post, and stand about one meter away. Then you need to tease your dog by showing him a toy but not giving it to him. When he barks, give him a food reward.

* Now put the toy away, and change the reward from a food treat to “Good dog” when the dog barks. You can still give him the occasional food treat as a reward.

* Next: Give him the command “Speak” at the same time as he barks, then give him the toy as a reward.

Remember: Correct timing is essential. You need to watch his body language so you can guess when he’s about to bark – be ready for it!

* When your dog understands the command “Speak”, it’s time to give the command “Quiet” when he’s barking. Give the toy reward as soon as your dog stops barking -- but put the toy away and command “No” if he continues to bark.

* After you’ve taught your dog to bark or be quiet when you are near, move a short distance away, and repeat the same exercise. As usual, patience and persistence are key here.

* Once you’ve completed the earlier steps with success, release your dog and continue training with him off the leash.

Here’s another way to stop your dog from barking: If your dog particularly likes food rewards, try putting a tasty treat on his nose to stop him barking. Time your command perfectly and say “quiet” as he stops barking. Then give him the food treat.

Remember: Only reward your dog when he’s silent.

If you would like your dog to bark on command, as a form of defense, teach him the command “Guard” instead of “Speak”.