10/23/2025
It may seem counterintuitive, but teaching your dog to bark on command can actually help them learn to be quiet.
Speak up — Start by finding a trigger that makes your dog bark naturally. It could be a knock on the door, the doorbell ringing, or even someone saying “Speak.” When your dog barks, reward them with praise and a treat.
Quiet down — Once your dog understands the “Speak” command, introduce a cue for “Quiet,” such as “Enough” or a hand signal. Reward your dog with a treat when they stop barking after you give the cue.
Practice makes perfect — Practice the “Speak” and “Quiet” commands together until your dog can bark and then stop on command. This will help them understand when it’s appropriate to bark and when they should be quiet, giving you more control over their behavior.
