Training Question.... - Page 1

How do you teach a dog to bark on command?  My dog was trained that when he's on alert or told to watch it's silently done and he'll only begin to bark wildly when the threat becomes more real or it approaches him at a closer distance.  I assumed when I got him that he knew the speak command in Czech but he doesn't respond to it at all.  I tried to intise him with treats to build him up to at least try to get a whimper out of him for the treat but nothing...I'm wondering since we have not encouraged treats since we were poison proofing him that this is why he really could care less about the treat teasing???  I tried the ball but he just sits there patiently waiting for me to do something with it or give him a command that he understands.  I get the impression he really doesn't get what I want him to do.  He's not a big barker to begin with but I'd like to be able to give him the bark/alert command and him actually bark rather than just stand there staring someone down trying to look intimidating.  A lot of times people see a big dog but aren't really thinking the dog will actually bite, I know when I see a big dog and he's barking wildly I tend to be more cautious approaching his area because I take his barking as a warning that he really isn't comfortable with me getting too close.  Wondered if any of you could tell me what I can try doing that I haven't tried already??

At the time your dog is barking say what ever your command is and offer praise as he continues. He will eventually understand that when you say that command it is not only alright, but desired. Once he understands that, he will bark as you give the command. Maybe not a lot at first, but it is one way to start and build on. It takes a little time; the older the dog, the longer it may take.

I read somewhere that if one is having difficulty getting the dog to bark on command and he's not understanding what you want him to do that it was stated to get the dog keyed up, aggitated and to tie the dog out on a pole while doing this; the article said when the dog gets aggitated he will bark and then I can repeat the command to him while praising him with a "good boy" when he responds.  I just wasn't really sure that this method was alright to use.  About the only time he will bark is when the doorbell rings; problem is I'm usually not in the room to immediately give the command and as soon as he sees me approaching the door he no longer barks but just follows me to the front door.

You don't have to tie the dog out, but you can if you want to.  If you do use the method you describe, the dog will bark & become aggitated because that's what you will have taught him.  If you just want him to bark on command just do as Spook said, & it will work.  Since your dog barks when someone rings the door bell, I'll bet he barks when someone knocks as well.  Have someone knock or ring thebell, when the dog barks, give him the command & praise him up. Repeat over & over.  When you are pretty sure the dog has learned the behaviour, practice some more with the knocking and ringing (by this time you should be able to knock yourself, give command at thesame time).  Then when you give the command without the knocking/ringing praise/reward him as soon as he gives even a little reaction.  Slowly build until he gives you what you want every time.

Thanks Sue.  I will try this.  What I want him to do is for instance when we are walking say at dusk or dark and he sees someone approaching that may or may not be a threat I want him to let out a bark to let his presence be known or if I am uncomfortable in a situation I can tell him to bark on alert.  Do you think tying him out and using the aggitation method would bring this out in him?

Since your dog barks when someone rings the door bell, I'll bet he barks when someone knocks as well.  Have someone knock or ring the bell, when the dog barks, give him the command & praise him up. Repeat over & over..... 

Yep, excellent advice, sue! That is EXACTLY how I taught Ranger to bark when someone came to the door. It only took ONE session with a helper, too. He wasn't used to barking because he'd been an outside dog, and didn't know what a knock on the door meant!

Agar: Your welcome, but all I did was elaborate on what Spook said.  I think you have to be very careful in the first situation you describe.  For that, I would suggest you get together with a professional. 

OK, so take the barking and click it and give it a command, then treat when he barks. That should get him an idea of what you are doing. Let him bark on his own. Like if you put him in his kennel and kick  the soccer ball around the yard. Get the bark out of context with training.

As far as intimidation, I really doubt that you are going to need him to bark. : )

I have used this many times, so put your clicker on a string around your neck, and leave it there!!! Trust me, if you do not, then that is when he will bark. LOL

Jeff-  Thanks for the input; although I hate those darn clickers I guess I should get used to using them huh? lol