How to Teach Your Dog to Be Quite on Command

Hello everyone, this is Sophie. Let’s dive into ‘How to Teach Your Dog to Be Quiet on Command’ with comprehensive, step-by-step instructions.

Dogs bark, it’s a known thing. Often, people with dogs that bark a lot just ignore the noise. Dogs bark for various reasons. Some seek attention, others act protective. But, a constantly barking dog can be annoying.

Normally, dogs bark when they hear the doorbell or notice something unusual at home. This is their way of being protective. However, you can teach them to quiet down immediately on command.

Teach your dog to bark when you ask

Interestingly, the best method to make a dog quiet is to teach them to bark when you ask. It might seem strange at first, but after I explain and show how it’s done, it works wonderfully. Let’s explore how this is done…

First things first; Get their favorite treats

Pick treats that your dog loves the most. It’s essential they’re a bit hungry for this to work best. You could even use part of their regular meal for this training. This will make them more eager to follow your commands in exchange for something they really want.

Second; You need to use a dog harness to control

As I always emphasize, the key to successful training is: Control, Train, and Treat. Control is crucial. Using a dog harness is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain this control. When you start this training session, keep the dog harness in your hand. This helps you manage your dog’s movements and keeps them focused on the task at hand, making the training process smoother for both of you.

Next, you’re gonna need to teach your dog to bark on command

Read full articles about teaching your dog to bark on your command.

This part is about teaching your dog to bark on a specific command, which we’ll call “Speak”. This is usually not too hard, especially with dogs that tend to bark a lot. The trick is to find what naturally makes them bark. Common triggers are a knock or a doorbell. Let’s break down how to do this:

• Firstly, start with the Door

Go to your door and slightly open it, just enough for you to reach the doorbell or to knock. Ring the bell or knock, and your dog will likely start barking. Stand between your dog and the door. At this moment, issue the “Speak” command along with a unique hand gesture, like moving your index finger side to side. When your dog barks, give them a treat. However, avoid praising them; we want them to associate the treat with the command, not just bark.

• Next, continue the Training

You’ll need to repeat the above steps multiple times for the next few hours. This repetition is crucial to firmly establish the “Speak” command in your dog’s mind. By doing this, you’re turning a natural habit into a structured behavior. You’re changing the rules of their game to align with your training goals.

Continue practicing this technique until your dog consistently responds to both your verbal command and hand signal. This consistency is key to ensuring they understand and follow the command every time.

Now, let’s focus on the key steps to train the ‘Quiet’ command…

Your dog should now respond to the “Speak” command instantly, without needing a doorbell or knock. Most dogs get this in about an hour. Some learn faster, and others may take longer.

Step 1. Make sure they really know the “Speak” command first

Give the “Speak” command with your hand signal. As your dog starts barking, now say “Quiet”. Don’t shout, just say it firmly. You’ve trained them to bark on cue, so this bark is under control.

Step 2. Makes stopping them with the “Quiet” command easier

If they keep barking, just wait until they stop. They’ll stop faster with the “Speak” command you trained. Once they stop barking, please wait a bit then reward them. This pause teaches them they get treats for quiet, not barking. Try extending the quiet time each day before giving a treat. Aim for 10-15 seconds of silence within a week.

Step 3. Repeat this several times daily for a week

This solidifies the command in their memory. The more you practice, the better they get at staying quiet. They might bark when the doorbell rings, but now you have a command to stop that. It’s a bit harder with a doorbell, but still helps a lot, reducing the issue by at least 80%. Some dogs, deeply set in their ways, might take longer, but patience is key in training.

Key training steps for successfully teaching your dog to be quiet on command.

1. Start with basic obedience: Training a dog who already knows basic commands is much easier. If your dog generally doesn’t listen or is hyperactive, teaching them this new skill might be challenging. So, ensure they know basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ first.
2. Keep training sessions short: Don’t train for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. It’s better to take a break after 15 minutes and resume later. Dogs can get tired or bored with long sessions. Short, frequent sessions are more effective. Try training for a little while, then take a break, and come back to it.
3. Gradually reduce treats: As your dog starts to understand the command, slowly reduce how often you give treats. For example, give a treat four times out of five initially, always treating on the fifth try to end on a positive note. They’ll look forward to this and be more eager to learn. Gradually, reduce the treats more, like three times out of five, and so on, until treats are no longer needed and they obey the command as a regular behavior.
4. Speak gently, not loudly: When you give the “Quiet” command, say it firmly but calmly. Avoid yelling. Raising your voice can make your dog nervous or scared. At first, your dog might take a while to stop barking, maybe up to 20 seconds. Be patient. With consistent training, they will learn to respond more quickly.

Remember, patience is key in dog training. Keep calm, be consistent, and gradually your dog will learn. Try these tips with your dog and see how they progress. I hope this article helps you understand how to teach your dog to be quiet on command. Let me know how it goes!