How can I train my dog to be quiet?
Training the dog to a "quiet" command is an invaluable aid for controlling
undesirable barking. You must find an effective means of quieting the dog,
which should be preceded with a command such as "Quiet." Just loudly telling
your dog to "Be quiet," will not be understood. One of the most practical
techniques for teaching a dog to cease barking on command is to first, be able
to command the dog to begin barking on cue. Use a stimulus that will cause the
dog to bark and pair it with a "bark" command. Numerous repetitions allow the
dog to associate the word "bark" or "speak" with the action. Dogs that bark on
command can then be taught to turn off the barking by removing the cue or
stimulus, and giving a "hush"; or "quiet" command just before the barking
subsides. As soon as your dog is quiet, give a favorite treat or reward. It can
be difficult or impractical to teach a dog to be "quiet" on command if the
barking cannot be predicted or "turned on" or if it is too intense. Another
method to teach a quiet command is to wait until your dog is barking, say to a
doorbell or knocking on your door and while he is barking place a very tasty
food treat by his nose. Most dogs will stop barking to sniff the treat. At the
same time you must say the word you will use for quiet, such as "Silent",
"Hush", etc. When the dog is quiet (as they will be because dogs cannot sniff
and bark at the same time) you can praise him, say "Good, quiet" and give the
treat. Again, as with all new tasks, numerous repetitions are necessary for
lasting learning. Alternately, distraction or remote devices (see below) can be
used to disrupt the barking. One means of interrupting barking and ensuring
quiet is a leash and head halter. << The link is to the Gentle Leader
Head Collar, pulling on the leash disrupts the dog and closes the mouth. Quiet
behavior can then be reinforced first by releasing and then giving a
re-inforcer such as praise or food if the dog remains quiet. When fitted
properly, your dog is free to open his mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch, bark
and even bite - except when you close his mouth by pulling on the leash. Size
Fits Petite Under 5 lbs. Small 6-25 lbs. Medium 26-60 lbs. Large 60-130 lbs
Training the dog to a "quiet" command is an invaluable aid for controlling
undesirable barking. You must find an effective means of quieting the dog,
which should be preceded with a command such as "Quiet." Just loudly telling
your dog to "Be quiet," will not be understood. One of the most practical
techniques for teaching a dog to cease barking on command is to first, be able
to command the dog to begin barking on cue. Use a stimulus that will cause the
dog to bark and pair it with a "bark" command. Numerous repetitions allow the
dog to associate the word "bark" or "speak" with the action. Dogs that bark on
command can then be taught to turn off the barking by removing the cue or
stimulus, and giving a "hush"; or "quiet" command just before the barking
subsides. As soon as your dog is quiet, give a favorite treat or reward. It can
be difficult or impractical to teach a dog to be "quiet" on command if the
barking cannot be predicted or "turned on" or if it is too intense. Another
method to teach a quiet command is to wait until your dog is barking, say to a
doorbell or knocking on your door and while he is barking place a very tasty
food treat by his nose. Most dogs will stop barking to sniff the treat. At the
same time you must say the word you will use for quiet, such as "Silent",
"Hush", etc. When the dog is quiet (as they will be because dogs cannot sniff
and bark at the same time) you can praise him, say "Good, quiet" and give the
treat. Again, as with all new tasks, numerous repetitions are necessary for
lasting learning. Alternately, distraction or remote devices (see below) can be
used to disrupt the barking. One means of interrupting barking and ensuring
quiet is a leash and head halter. << The link is to the Gentle Leader
Head Collar, pulling on the leash disrupts the dog and closes the mouth. Quiet
behavior can then be reinforced first by releasing and then giving a
re-inforcer such as praise or food if the dog remains quiet. When fitted
properly, your dog is free to open his mouth to eat, drink, pant, fetch, bark
and even bite - except when you close his mouth by pulling on the leash. Size
Fits Petite Under 5 lbs. Small 6-25 lbs. Medium 26-60 lbs. Large 60-130 lbs