10/02/2025
Teaching your dog to bark on command might seem like the opposite of what you want, but it can be a helpful step in training them to be quiet.
Let it out — First, find a stimulus that makes your dog bark naturally. It could be a knock on the door, a doorbell sound, or someone saying “Speak.” When your dog barks, reward them with praise and a treat.
Hold it in — Next, wait for a pause in the barking, say “Quiet” or another cue you choose, and offer a treat when your dog stops barking. Gradually increase the amount of time between barks before you give the “Quiet” cue.
Put it all together — Finally, practice the “Speak” and “Quiet” cues together until your dog can bark and then stop on command. This will give you more control over your dog’s barking and help them understand when it’s appropriate to bark and when they should be quiet.
