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How to stop dog barking excessively for treats after command training?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 25 days old

Hey so I just started training max to bark on command by giving him a treat whenever he barks. (It took a while to get him to do this) but now whenever he's in his crate he starts barking like mad hoping for a treat. How do I make him bark only when asked to. I have tried repeating the command and then give the treat but it didn't work.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 16th, 2017

Well down on teaching Max to "speak"! You are half way there to now teaching him how to be "quiet"

Begin by working with the “speak” command. Say speak, then wait for your dog to bark a few times in succession. If you dog seems confused, put him or her in a situation where your dog will most likely bark, and then use the word “speak” during the action. Offer a treat to stop the barking and don’t give it to your dog unless the barking has stopped completely. Offer praise and rewards readily.

Once you have established and mastered this command, begin to work on the “quiet” command. When your dog starts barking wait patiently until he or she finishes, then calmly use the word “quiet”. Then offer praise and a reward. Once your dog is effectively following the verbal commands with treats you can start using the commands without a treat every single time.

Be consistent and enlist the help of other individuals to use the commands when they come to your home.


https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-stop-excessive-barking-in-dogs
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