“Voice” is the basic command for the dog, along with “place”, “sit”, “lie” and “not allowed”. Each puppy is able to learn how to bark on command, but for this the owner needs to make some efforts.
It is better to adhere to special training methods, otherwise the dog will get used to casting a voice for no reason for the sake of rewards.
Why train a pet for this team?
Barking is an expression of a dog’s emotions. And barking on command is an indicator of animal discipline. This skill is especially important for guard and hunting breeds in order to perform the following functions:
- in case of danger, protect the owner from enemies by timely signaling (for example, bark at strangers in a private house);
- to inform the owner about this or that state of affairs on the hunt.
Any dog can be trained in this team at home, even if it is not a guard. Thus, the positive image of the owner is emphasized, the discipline of the pet is formed, and an impressive effect is made on others. In any case, the owner will be pleased if his dog learns such a basic command thanks to the correct training.
What you need to know before training?
Before forming a puppy's barking skill on command, you need to determine the type of temperament. Dogs, like humans, have their own character and are divided into the same psychotypes.
Choleric
Such a puppy is distinguished by activity, does not move a step away from the owner and is interested in everything in the world. He may even forget to eat if he finds a hobby for himself.
Sanguine
This is an energetic dog, but unlike the first psychotype, she is able to take control of her energy and emotions. A pet with a similar temperament is quite easy to train.
Phlegmatic person
For this puppy, long and monotonous work will be a burden, so the owner should not expect him to repeatedly repeat this or that team. Encourages in the form of goodies will not be so necessary for the puppy as joy on the face of the owner.
It is important for a dog with such a temperament to feel that the performance of his work is significant.
Melancholic
Such a puppy is characterized by a calm character. But with food and praise, the owner will not just teach this dog the voice command. The pet of this psychotype must understand the importance and significance of this work. Only in this case, training will bear fruit. But the owner should stock up on considerable patience.
The choleric dogs and sanguine dogs are the most quick and willing to train, because they themselves are more prone to barking. But with the wrong approach to training, there is a risk of accustoming the choleric dog to the causeless harbor. But a melancholy or phlegmatic psychotype without a serious incentive will not be easy to train this team.
Basic rules of training:
- First you need to determine the temperament of the dog and its ability to perceive and execute the command;
- it is necessary to start from a very early age, the older the pet, the more difficult it is to train;
- the owner needs to be persistent, the main thing in this matter is patience and endurance;
- if the first attempts are unsuccessful, do not immediately give up;
- of the various methods of teaching the voice command, you need to choose the one that is best for the pet, the method is determined by selection;
- in order for the team to be assimilated by the dog and not forgotten by it, it is necessary to engage in regular repetition and honing of the skill - two to three times every week;
- it is better for the “voice” command to train the puppy after mastering other principles: “to lie”, “to me”, “not to be”, etc .;
- You can teach a dog both at home and on walks, the main thing is that the pet does not distract from classes;
- first, the training can last thirty minutes, then the owner needs to extend the time to sixty minutes;
- the team should be pronounced in a clear and loud tone, rigor in the voice is appropriate, but you should not be annoyed, only a good mood will help both the owner and pet to tune in to a fruitful training session.
What mistakes should be avoided?
With the wrong approach to training, a positive result in a dog may be completely absent or there is a risk of negative consequences. What doesn’t have to be done when training a puppy to execute a voice command?
- The most common mistake many owners make is to repeat the command. If the dog does not bark after the first pronunciation of the word "voice", you do not need to say the command repeatedly. The main thing is to ensure that the pet obeys the owner the first time.
- Training a puppy is not a priority for a walk. First you need to let the pet run and play, otherwise he will not be able to immediately concentrate on the lesson. And when the puppy spills out the main energy in running and games, the owner can begin direct training.
- It is important to understand that the dog may get tired, feel bad, or be out of mood. Puppies are prone to whims, and the owner should in such cases show loyalty and patience.
- One of the main rules of any training is that only one person needs to teach a pet. Of course, all family members can participate in the process, but someone alone must give the team, otherwise the dog will not be able to concentrate on the performance.
- Do not be too strict. The puppy should not obey the owner because of a feeling of fear. The presence of irritation in the voice must be eradicated, otherwise such an unhealthy atmosphere will negatively affect not only the results of training, but also in general the relationship between the owner and the pet.And after the execution of the puppy’s command, it’s important to praise or treat him to a treat.
What training methods exist?
It is important to choose one of these methods and stick to it. Each dog is individual, so not all methods will work the same.
The following methods will help you teach your puppy how to bark.
Dainty Encouragement
This method will be appropriate for breeds that have a sanguine or choleric temperament. First, the owner calls the pet and gives the command to "sit." It is better that at this moment the dog is wearing a collar with a leash.
The owner needs to pull the leash a little to limit the pet’s movement and so that he can’t easily grab the treat. After that, you need to tease the puppy a bit with a treat until interest is visible.
Such a provocation should cause a dog to bark. At this moment, the owner needs to say “voice” loudly, give treats and pet the puppy.
Instead of eating, you can use a toy. The main thing is that the thing arouses genuine interest in the pet.
This technique is also available in a modified version. It takes into account the fact of an accidental barking of a dog. As soon as the pet speaks, you need to immediately say the command “voice” and give the dog a treat. Thus, the animal will develop a strong connection between the team and praise.
Emphasis on dog dependence on owner
This method can be used in two versions. In one of them, during a walk, the owner needs to tie the leash to something on the street and move a certain distance. After a short time, the dog will whimper and then bark. Then it is important to give the command “voice”, go up to the pet and stroke it.
The second option involves a little trick. When going for a walk, the owner needs to take a leash, and demonstrate to the pet his intention to walk alone. Having opened the door, it is important to look at the animal and clearly command the “voice”, usually the dogs react very violently to the anticipation of a walk, and such a provocation will definitely provoke barking. Once this happens, it’s important to praise the pet by stroking it.
Provide the dog with a living example
This technique involves the involvement of third parties with their pets. The owner can take with him for a walk his friend, in whom the dog is already able to cast a voice on command. All that is needed is to let the puppy follow the behavior of the other dog, the execution of the command, and the subsequent encouragement and reward in the form of a treat. The pet will also want to receive praise from its owner, so it will imitate another dog.
This method is quite effective, and if it is possible to implement it, then it is worth a try.
Relationship with security
Usually this method is used for guard dog breeds. Here, a third party is also required, but it is necessary that the pet was previously unknown. It is better to ask the new participant to disguise themselves by putting on a mask, otherwise the dog may develop a negative attitude towards the person in the future if she remembers her face.
The owner needs to tie a leash to something on the street (you can find a pole), after that you should put some object next to the pet, the bone will work well here. Next, the owner needs to move a short distance, and the third party to begin to approach the object of protection. The dog at this moment will not allow the stranger to take the bone, so it will begin to bark. Here the owner needs to give the command “voice”, and to a third party to hide from sight. Such training is effective, and it must be repeated regularly.
In the case of training, you should not wait for a lightning-fast result, and if the dog does not bark at the command for the first time, then you should be patient and continue to train. As soon as the pet begins to respond to the “voice” even from a great distance right away, we can confidently say that the necessary result has been achieved.
It is necessary to train the dog in advance, not only the voice command, but also quietly, because the pet's barking may not always be appropriate.
The main thing with any training do not forget about praise and refreshments, as well as being in a good mood. Only applying the right technique and showing patience can achieve the result!
How to teach a dog the Voice command can be seen in the next video.