It would be incredible if your pup could talk and tell you exactly what they think and feel. However, even though dogs' vocal cords are relatively similar to humans, your dog communicates with you in other ways. But you can still teach your dog to speak as a fun trick or even to develop more control over excessive barking.
Why Should You Teach Your Dog to Speak?
Teaching your dog to speak is a fun, cute trick that gives you even more ways to show off your loveable pooch. Training your dog to bark on command is also one of over 20 items on the novice AKC Trick Dog checklist.
Your pup can earn the trick dog novice title by completing 10 of the tricks on the list or five if they're already a Canine Good Citizen. The more your dog learns, the higher up the ranks they climb, all the way to Elite Performer.
Practical Reasons Why You Might Teach Your Dog to Speak
Teaching your dog to speak isn't all about fun and games. It also has a more practical purpose. Training your pup to bark on command allows you to have more control over their barking.
For example, you can teach your dog to speak when they need to go outside, to bark more quietly, or even use similar training methods to teach them "quiet."
Simple Steps to Teach Your Dog to Speak
Teaching your dog to speak and training them to communicate their wants and needs are two different things. Many people swear by using dog talk buttons to teach pups how to express all sorts of desires. But when it comes to the speak command, the focus is more on a single bark delivered on cue.
It's possible to break down how to teach your dog to speak into five straightforward steps.
1. Give a Vocal Command
Choose your command word, and say it one time. The command can be things like "speak," "sing," or a similar word. Avoid saying it over and over again until your dog performs the action. Say it one time only.
2. Provide a Barking Stimulus
Pick something that makes your dog bark and have it ready. For example, your pup always barks if you hold their leash up or keep their Rolly Cannoli or other favorite toy out of reach. Other ways to solicit a bark are knocking on a hard surface or playing a particular sound effect your dog reacts to.
Some people suggest ringing the doorbell. But if you're also trying to get your dog to stop barking whenever the doorbell rings, you may want to avoid this option.
As soon as you deliver the vocal command, play or perform the stimulus to make your dog bark. Again, please don't repeat the vocal command; only say it once, and then make your pup bark.
3. Mark the Bark
Immediately following your dog's bark, mark the action with positive praise, "Yes!" Give your dog a tasty treat and make it clear that they did exactly what you wanted them to do. It's important to reward your pup as soon as the bark happens so they make the connection that the bark is the desired action.
4. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Step four is basically repeating steps one through three repeatedly until you're sure your dog is clear on the whole idea. Stay consistent and take breaks so you and your pup don't get tired and frustrated.
Keep repeating the process until your dog gets it. Then, move on to the final step.
5. Fade Out the Stimulus
Eventually, the idea is to get your dog to speak using only the verbal command. Therefore, you want to fade out the stimulus so that your pup doesn't need it any longer to perform the bark.
Deliver the vocal command (one time) and wait for your dog to bark. As soon as they bark, reward them with praise and treats. Repeat this step until your dog responds more quickly to your vocal command, associating the two things with one another.
If your dog won't bark without the stimulus, you need to reset and start again at step one. Stay patient, and don't try to move ahead too quickly.
Add a Visual Cue If You Want
Once your dog has barked on command down, it's up to you if you want to teach them a visual cue. In other words, use a signal that tells them to bark so you don't have to give them a verbal command. Visual cues come in handy in certain situations or if your dog starts to lose their hearing.
If you decide to incorporate a visual signal for teaching your dog to speak, here are a few pointers.
- Start performing the visual cue when you deliver the vocal command.
- Keep all other steps the same.
- Eventually, fade out the verbal command and only give the sign.
- A few examples of visual cues are a thumbs-up, closing your fingers around your thumb, or making a talking motion with your hand (moving your fingers and thumbs open and shut "a talking hand").
Extra Considerations When Teaching Your Dog to Speak
Too much barking tends to be a problem for some pups, so it's tricky when you're trying to tell them to bark at specific times. Therefore, reward your dog only when they bark on command.
Also, praise and reward your dog after a single bark instead of letting them bark on and on. Your dog might get too excited, making it harder for them to stop and stay focused.
Whenever you train your dog to speak, be mindful of your surroundings and the time. If other people are nearby, or if you live in an apartment, your neighbors likely won't appreciate your dog barking at 1 a.m.
Tips for Successful Dog Training
It's important to follow good training practices, whether teaching your dog to speak, sit, stay, or dance the cha-cha.
- Stay positive and maintain an upbeat tone throughout the process. If you start to get frustrated, stop; otherwise, you'll project this attitude onto your dog.
- Remain consistent with your training and start working with your dog as soon as they join your family.
- Practice delivering the command in multiple locations, not just at home.
- Begin teaching your dog a new command in a calm environment. As they become more adept at the command, move to areas with more distractions.
If you're hesitant about training your dog, another option is to find a reputable dog trainer. Ask your veterinarian or trusted fellow pup parents for recommendations, or check out the Association of Professional Dog Trainers to start your search.
If your dog works well with others, group training classes offer other benefits, like socialization and lower costs. However, using these tips and staying calm, positive, and consistent will increase your odds of success when training your dog.
For more helpful pointers on all things pet-related, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.