How to train a dog to bark?

[Knickers0nMyHead]

Im wanting to try and teach my dog to bark on command. He doesnt bark when someone is at the door, or comng down the path, but U want him to do this.

Any help greatly appreciated.

*I not U.

He's one and a staffie X.

I think whenever he does bark - you need to say "Talk" or whatever the word is to be and reward with favorite treat. He'll soon begin to associate the word/action/treat.

That's the thing though, he has only barked once since I got him a week ago, and that was at the kitten.

OK - only had him a week so he is yet to settle down - something is sure to set him off - might be cats, his reflection...find the trigger.

we find saying "Squirrels" in an excited tone sends our dog loopy but then she know squirrels are her arch enemy

Thank you, I will leave him to find his voice then.

Give him a chance to settle, if he doesn't do himself, teaching a dog to 'speak' is pretty easy.

Please remember that Staffords make the most rubbish guard dogs imaginable, they are more likely to lick a burglar to death, also they are a very popular target for theft themselves.

He will want to protect you, mind you, though this is something that does not need to be encoraged, or it can become problematic.

Well our dog went to stay with a friend whilst we were on holiday and taught their dog to bark...do you want to borrow him?!

I have 2 dogs, one who barks on command one who just doesn't bark, EVER! he is 3.

In a few weeks time once the dog has beome used to you one of the best ways to do it is for you to go out walking with another person. Ask that person to hold the dog whilst you walk away calling him really excitedly. Just keep calling him. He shoulld try to get to you and in his frustation at not being able to should trigger a bark, the second he does bark get the person to treat and command 'speak' or whatever it is. This might sound a cruel way to do it but it really isn't, if you get a fair way from your dog and hi is becoming increasing frustrated but doesn't bark then just call teh whole thing off and do it again in a few days time IYKWIM.

A dog doesn't understand the spoken word but can learn to recognise sounds, so if you are just stannding there asking him to do something that he hasn't previously been shown how to do he willnever learn.

Some dogs never do "get" the barking on command. If the are infrequent barkers it is very difficult to catch the bark to mark the behaviour.

I more often get asked by people how to stop barking than how to get the dog to bark - consider yourself lucky! However as the others have said the bark may appear over time. Had a lab that did not bark for 3 years and then a collie pup I am sure was born barking!!!

My dog barks when somebody knocks at the door/anything comes through the letterbox/milk is delivered etc. It's bloody annoying!!