Quote:
Originally Posted by Teresa Ford  I have answered on several threads and gone into detail about unwanted barking.
Briefly Training them to be Quiet, is better than Correcting after there is a problem.
1. Three Alert Barks are allowed. Then, Say your cue word for them to stop, always use the same word. We say 'ENOUGH' and when the are quiet Good QUIET. That way Enough always means stop right now what ever you are doing. Quiet is a good word, that means reward like pets or treats.
2. Start by teaching your dog the words when they are doing regular things. Playing ball, when feeding etc. When the dog barks say Bark (or Speak, Talk what ever seems natural to you) Allow three barks, then say Enough. If they are quiet, Say Good Quiet and reward. If they keep barking Cue with 'Enough' wait a few seconds then spray with short swift blasts of water. As soon as they are quiet, praise Good Quiet and Reward with pets and or treats.
3. You can teach your dog bark on cue. It only take a few days for a puppy to understand Barking Alerts or Barking when asked is good. Quiet is Good too. Enough mean Stop it right now. Good luck, if you have more questions PM me. |
Excellant advice, I have a little barker, and I think some of the things I say and do encourage more barking. For example, I say "no bark", and he starts barking. I'm going to print your post out, my husband and I have to be on the same page with this and use the same words. I have several different aversive things I use with limited success, pennies in the can and the bark repeller, but I think using the right words will help too.