Teaching your dog to “speak” on command is a fun trick that can also be a useful behavior. This guide will walk you through the process, from getting your dog excited to bark to reinforcing the command for consistent results. It’s a rewarding skill to teach and is sure to impress friends and family.
Have Your Reward Ready
Before you begin training, ensure you have high-value rewards readily available. These can be small, tasty treats your dog loves or a favorite toy. The key is to be able to immediately mark and reward the desired behavior the moment it happens.
Get Your Dog to “Speak”
This step can vary in difficulty depending on your dog’s natural vocalization. If your dog is already quite vocal, you might find opportunities to cue the bark when they naturally start making noise, such as when you grab their leash or a favorite toy. To encourage barking in less vocal dogs, try engaging them in a playful way by running or jumping around to build excitement.
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Mark and Reward the Bark
The instant your dog barks, verbally mark the behavior with your chosen cue, such as “Speak!” Simultaneously, provide them with their reward – a treat, toy, or enthusiastic praise. If you are using a clicker, this is the moment to click. Repeat this process consistently, marking and rewarding each bark, until your dog begins to understand the connection between the cue and the action.
Introduce a Hand Signal
Once your dog reliably responds to the verbal command “Speak,” you can introduce a hand signal. A common signal involves starting with an open hand, palm facing your dog, and then closing your fingers against your thumb. Continue using the verbal cue alongside the hand signal, or alternate between them, to solidify the behavior and ensure your dog will “speak” on command.
Tips for Successful “Speak” Training
Unlike some other trained behaviors, barking is an innate canine instinct, which can make training it a bit more nuanced. It’s crucial to avoid encouraging excessive or nuisance barking. The most effective approach is consistency: only reward barking when you have specifically asked for it.
Aim to reward only a single bark to prevent your dog from launching into a prolonged barking fit. Be considerate of your neighbors, especially if you live in close proximity. Keep training sessions short and focused to minimize disruption.
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Practical Applications of the “Speak” Command
While “speak” is primarily a fun trick, it can also serve practical purposes. For instance, you can train your dog to bark on command to signal that they need to go outside. This same principle of marking and rewarding can be adapted to teach your dog to bark at a lower volume, or even “whisper.”
One of the most valuable extensions of teaching “speak” is training your dog to be quiet on command. Once your dog understands “speak,” you can introduce a “quiet” cue and reward them for ceasing their barking.
Exploring AKC Trick Dog Titles
The “Speak” command is one of over 20 listed on the AKC Trick Dog Novice checklist. Dogs can earn their Trick Dog title by successfully performing ten of these tricks, or five if they already hold a Canine Good Citizen title. As you and your dog progress, you can aim for higher levels of Trick Dog titles, including Intermediate, Advanced, and the Elite Performer level, which involves choreographed routines. The AKC Trick Dog program also offers the convenience of video submissions, allowing you to train and title your dog from home.
