Teaching your dog the Speak Command can be a fun bonding experience for both of you! Here's everything you need to know about this command.
The Importance of the Speak Command
The Speak Command, or getting your pooch to bark or yip when you tell him to, can simply be another trick to teach him, or something even more valuable. Once your dog knows the Speak Command, you can also teach him another command that will make life easier for everyone around you: the Quiet command.
How to Teach the Speak Command to Your Dog
As with most training, start with a handful of treats and a lot of patience. Look at your dog and give the command, "speak." Hold out a treat when you give the command, and at the first sound your dog makes, whether it's a whine, a grumble, or even a snuffle, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat the command and only give him the treat when he makes some kind of noise. If and when he barks, give him even more praise with his treat.
If your dog doesn't seem to get the message, you can help him along a little bit by giving the command, then barking yourself. He should get the picture very clearly!
When your dog learns the Speak Command, he should also learn that "speaking" only consists of a few short barks. The command should not give him permission or license to bark loudly or for a long time at whatever has captured his attention. In fact, ultimately he should be taught that he is allowed to bark only when you have given the command.
Another Part of the Speak Command: The Quiet Command
Once your dog learns to speak when you tell him to, you can also curtail his desire to bark at random by using the Quiet command. To train him to do this, you'll need to give him the Speak Command, then hold a treat above his head and give the command, "quiet." As soon as he stops barking, give him the treat. Practice this over and over until you can get him to bark and stop barking immediately at your command.
You can also train your dog to bark at a sound like the doorbell or a knock at the door. Or, conversely, you can train him NOT to bark when he hears those sounds. Simply use your Speak Command and Quiet command, and soon he will be giving you the signals you want from him.
