You might teach him "quiet" or "hush" whichever term you prefer. When he is being quiet say "quiet" and make a hand symbol that you will only use for quiet then give him a teat and LOTS of praise. Then you might try to MAKE him speak by moving your hand like a mouth and saying "speak" and when he barks treat and lots of praise, then say "quiet" with that hand signal and treat. I know it sounds silly but I saw it on "It's me or the dog" and these big Labs took to it immediately so I just did the "quiet" with mine and it really seems to help. Of course sometimes you could blow one of those airhorn canisters things and not get them to be quiet but in the house it REALLY helps. Good luck! |