How to Teach Your Dog to Bark Using The ‘Speak Command’.

Teaching your dog ‘commands’ is about using verbal cues and/or hand signals to get your clever dog to do something on request, without hesitation or fear. In other words, your dog associates a word or hand signal with an action. What word you decide to choose is entirely up to you. While there are some words used universally, some are only used for particular breeds for specific reasons, and some may have variations based on a club or the trainers preference.
When asking your dog to talk or bark on request, I’ll be using the command ‘Speak’, but this can be substituted with ‘Talk’ or even ‘Bark’ for example.

Barking for dogs is quite a natural and instinctive action, so much so that it’s one of the major behavioural issues people have with their dog. Barking for dogs can be a result of a number of underlying issues, which PetsBook has covered with a series of articles on the subject.
It’s also worth noting it’s going to be harder to teach your dog to bark on cue that to be quiet on command, which may bring a sigh of relief to some.

This obedience training article for dogs will teach you how to train your dog to bark on request using the ‘Speak Command‘ and also with a hand signal, which you can use with the verbal cue or by itself and will be taught by implementing positive reinforcement training techniques.

The following list is what I recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tasty
• Clicker
• Quiet space with no distractions

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

It may be worth letting your neighbours know you’re teaching your dog to bark on command, and there’s not going to be an issue with a ‘barking dog’ because you’re also going to be teaching your clever pooch to be quiet on command too.

Steps to Teaching the ‘Speak Command’

To start with you need to have an understanding of what makes your dog bark. Although most dogs will start barking under a number of scenarios, some dogs aren’t barkers, so to teach this party trick, you’ll to know what sets your dog off.

Often you’ll find that if you get your dog excited enough, they’ll bark. If nothing you’ve tried works, try running or jumping around with your dog to excite them enough to start barking.

As soon as your dog barks, immediately ‘mark’ the behaviour with the command ‘Speak’ and reward with a treat and praise.

Continue the process, ‘mark’ the action, by using the ‘Speak Command’, treat and praise each time your excited pooch barks.

Once your dog understands your verbal command ‘Speak’, you can add in a hand signal too. The most commonly used hand signal for ‘Speak’ starts with an open hand, palm facing the dog, then repeatedly closing your 4 fingers against your thumb.
So everytime your dog barks, when you ‘mark’ with the verbal cue, simultaneously show the hand signal too.

Finally, continue practicing using just the verbal command, just the hand signal, then a combination of both to reinforce the desired response, and that’s to get your fur baby to consistently speak on command.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Speak Command’

Consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. It’s also important not to keep repeating the command. You should aim to say it once to have your four-legged friend ‘woof’ on request.
Additionally, only ‘mark’ on a single bark. You don’t want your dog to think ‘Speak’ means start woofing continuously.

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge.
Pet shops have many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to bark using the ‘Speak Command’?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many dog training clubs listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers, ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Training Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.