The dog handlers welcome the owner’s desire to train the dog in all basic commands, which includes to “Speak” on command. If a pet knows and follows a command without any problems, this does not mean at all that he is smarter than other dogs who have not been trained in this command.
The skill of speaking on command is necessary primarily for working dogs:
⦁ hunting dogs – to track and take a quarry;
⦁ guard dogs, sheepdogs – to react to the incoming danger;
⦁ tracker dogs, guide dogs – to detect an object, a person, notifying about the danger
Starting a training, you should take in consideration your pet’s temperament. Calm and melancholic pets, especially in adulthood, are quite difficult to teach this command. The most manageable animals for training are curious puppies and active younger dogs. They are interested in everything around them, loving to play and run for a long time.
Dog Training
Experts recommend starting dog training at an early age. Puppies at the age of 3 months acquire all new information more easily than older animals. It is also important to remember that dogs, like humans, are individual. Not all animals follow the “Speak” command. If the owner noticed that after a long training the dog has not learned to follow the “Speak” command, then the training must be interrupted. This will avoid the dog’s psychological trauma.
Sometimes, the owners train their pets to the “Speak” command just for fun. Barking loudly, the animal can not only give an appropriate signal and express his attitude to what is happening, but also protect the owner’s house, the owner himself in a case of danger, and also scare an unfriendly person.
The best way of training to the basic command “Speak” is to start only after the animal has already learned such commands as “Come!”, “No”, “Heel”. Before any training, it is necessary to choose a place that is well protected from external irritants, preventing the puppy from being distracted during training. The duration of training should be no more than 30 minutes to give the puppy time to adapt.
During training, you need to repeat the previous commands you have already studied before, and only after that repeat the new one. The pet will quickly learn what is required of him, and it will be easier to receive new information. Each time the command (long time or new) should be pronounced loud and clear.
There are three methods to train your dog to Speak:
1. Awake his interest
The easiest way to train your dog the “Speak” command is to awake his interest. This will be much easier with a treat. The pet will be motivated by quickly remembering the order of actions that the owner requires to perform. In addition to treats, a dog’s interest can be aroused by his favorite toy, pre-warming up the motivation by active games with the animal. Using this method, it is important to remember that the animal receives a treat or toy only after he speaks.
2.Picking out behaviour
Another easy way to train your dog the “Speak” command is picking out behavior. This is suitable method for melancholic and quiet dogs.
The training method involves the following: the owner needs to keep a sharp lookout for the puppy, catching the moment of excited barking. The algorithm of actions is: the dog barks – immediately encouragement and praise “well done speak”, “good speak”. Some day or other, the pet will associate reinforcement with speaking.
3.Method of imitation
Another method of training is the method of imitation. Many pets like imitate his relatives. This is a trick that most breeders use while walking. The pet learns the “Speak” command quickly enough on the example of other dogs. Sometimes it happens at the first try. It is important that the other dog is able to perform several commands, including to “Speak” on command.
While one animal is following a command, usually receiving praise or a treat, the other dog must keep a sharp eye on him. The puppy will want to get his portion of affection or a treat, so he will try to repeat the actions of his relative.
If your dog is hesitant and fearful in following commands, you may have been too critical with him. To remedy the situation, generously reward your pet after completing the next command. It is very important for your four-legged friend to get the owner’s support.
An interesting fact is that the “Speak” command has nothing in common with the dog’s ability to train. There are very “talkative” dogs, such as Sheepdogs, Husky, Collie, Dachshund, Chihuahua. Such dogs are very fond of “speaking”. And the other way round there are silent dogs and they simply do not know how to speak. Basenji breed is a perfect example of this and Akita as well are just very silent dogs.
In Japan, there is even a proverb “If your Akita speaks, there is trouble brewing”, since it is almost impossible to hear the “woof” from these dogs sometimes.
In conclusion, please see into a few short tips from the dog handlers that will help you train your pet:
⦁ The experts recommend to accustom to the “Quiet” command alongside with the “Speak” command. At the first request, the dog must stop making any sounds.
⦁ It is not necessary to push the dog to work when he is “not in the mood”, it is better to cast aside the training for a more favorable time.
⦁ Do not use ironfisted methods of correction or beat the dog during the training – this will lead to not trusting relationships and your pet will give up on you.
⦁ When the puppy already knows what you want from him, it is necessary to achieve the following of the command.
⦁ The first trainings should not stretch for a long time – 10 – 15 minutes is more than enough.
⦁ It is better to start each training with a repetition of the skills already learned, and end with the successful implementation of the newly introduced command.
When you choose methods for training your pet, you should remember the main thing – dogs are intelligent species who claim attention and kindly treatment. The trusting and friendly relationship between the owner and the pet are an excellent basis for any endeavors.
