Silent Barks - Page 1

Anyone else had dogs that barely make a sound while working? Even during the bark and hold they just clack their jaws? I am not talking about dogs that are physically mute, just ones that for whatever reason elect not to vocalize while working or excited. Would folks consider this a good or a bad trait?

My used to do that until she was taught to bark out loud.

In bark and hold - you will loose points.

my old female would do this, but she hadn't been worked in a few years when I got her, and I attribute it to that. 

Teach the dog the bark command for other objects such as food.  Then once the command is known you can use it in the bark and hold.  Yes you will loose points for not barking.  But you have to ask yourself what is the big picture for you and your dog.  I have seen alot of dogs develope issues while trying to make the barking more intense.  The sit and bark is not a natural trait for a dog.  So if you don't plan on joining one of the world teams or nationals with your dog accept the point loss. Also for me I don't want my dog barking while guading after the escape bite.  I want them to concentrate building intensity on the helper and exploding into the grip when he moves.  If he's barking he has to time the grip and often gets a poor hold then has to regrip while being driven.

Read the rule book.  What is expected from the rules?  How many points will be taken away?

Kyle 

Yes,my bitch started out like that in the bark and hold-totally locked in prey.She would silent snap-sounded like dentures clacking  together!
At home it took her a long time to learn to bark on command.I had to reward the tiniest little squeek,then only reward 2 squeeks,Eventually she caught on and it carried over to the blind.
Good luck with it.