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Topic Dog Boards / Visitors Questions / TALKING COCKERS!!
- By guest [gb] Date 30.09.01 08:18 UTC
I have got a 3 year old and 11 week old cocker (both bitches) and everything is going really well.

I have read somewhere that it is possible to teach cockers to bark on demand and to stop on command. I can not remember where I saw this though. I was wondering if any of you knew anything about this and how to train them to do it!!

Thank you for your help in advance.
- By Leigh [us] Date 30.09.01 09:18 UTC
Welcome to the forum.

Any breed of dog can be taught to bark on command but make sure that you teach it the "quiet" command too !!

The technique that I use is to wind the dog up so that it naturally wanted to bark. It is easier with some dogs than others. When the dog barks, I would say "speak" and give the dog lots of praise. If you do this on a regular basis, before you know it the dog will do it on the "speak" command and without you having to wind it up. It is important that you give this command and the praise for getting it right in a quiet voice. NEVER shout "speak" at your dog. :-)

When your dog has mastered the "speak" command, then you MUST teach it the "quiet" command. I would encourage the dog to "speak" and then after a couple of barks, using a very firm and slightly louder voice say "quiet". You could also take advantage of situations that may arise and that trigger the dog to bark eg: someone knocks at your door and the dog barks. Allow him to give the alarm bark and praise him for doing it, but if he continues give him the "quiet" command. If he continues to bark I would then take hold of his muzzle in my hand so that he couldn't open his mouth to bark, give him a 'firm look' and repeat the "quiet" command. Hold his muzzle for a few seconds and then release. If he continues to bark , take hold of his muzzle again but this time be firmer and hold him for longer. You must control all of his barking from then on.

It all comes down to repetition. Do not be tempted to cut corners. You will have no problems teaching your dog to bark but you will have problems shutting it up if you do not take your time.

Leigh
- By Brainless [gb] Date 01.10.01 08:07 UTC
Our breed doesn't need teaching to bark, its the quiet that can be a challenge, lol. If barking is a problem the above advice is sound, but if the dog chooses to stay out of reach (so it can continue to bark!) I have found that a well aimed and timed jet of water sprayed ( using a plant or other spray that can be adjusted to a good jet, not a sprinkle) in the face followed by the command works wonders. Even dogs that like water find the squirt a shock, and will momnetarily stop what they are doing, so you can get the command and PRAISE in!

Goes something like this Dog; "Bark barki bark" Owner; "Quiet", if barking continues quicj squirt, when dog looks at you say "Good dog quiet" and call over for a pat. I think the principle is similar to the pebbles in tin can, thrown chain, rattling disks etc, working on distraction. also it is mildly unpleasant, so for a stubborn dog works better than simple distraction, but the beauty is you can't inadvertently hurt them, and also in a heated situation the dog cannot physically resist you, as when holding the muzzle, which can turn into a contest of strength, and if the dog wins then the werong signals regarding who is incharge are given.
- By Leigh [us] Date 01.10.01 08:17 UTC
Yep, and failing all of that and as a last resort a well aimed tin of baked beans works wonders ;-) lol.

Leigh
- By Brainless [gb] Date 01.10.01 17:22 UTC
I don't beleive you would throw a tin of beans, they might just think it is dinner!!!
- By Leigh [us] Date 01.10.01 17:29 UTC
*Grins* ;-)
Topic Dog Boards / Visitors Questions / TALKING COCKERS!!

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