Hi!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Ok - so for training a dog to sit, the best method is using a treat to lure them into the sitting position, and to reward them once they do. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Use a treat to lure
- Hold a treat close to your dog's nose.
- Slowly move the treat upward and slightly over their head.
- As they look up, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground.
Step 2: Add the command
- The moment your dog's bottom touches the ground, say “Sit” in a clear, firm, but friendly voice (you can also add a hand signal to go with it).
Step 3: Reward and praise
- Immediately reward them with the treat and verbal praise like “Good sit!”
- Some dogs also respond well to petting or enthusiastic encouragement.
Step 4: Repeat and reinforce
- Practice multiple times in short sessions (5–10 minutes).
- Gradually phase out the treat by rewarding only every few times.
- Try practicing in different locations to reinforce the command in various situations.
It's the easiest trick to teach!
Now for barking, it's a little more complicated. Barking is a natural behaviour in dogs but excessive barking can be an issue. Here's what you need to do if you feel your dog is barking too much:
Step 1: Identify the trigger
Dogs bark for different reasons, such as:
- Alert barking (at people, noises, or animals)
- Attention-seeking barking
- Boredom or loneliness
- Fear or anxiety
- Excitement barking
Understanding the reason helps determine the best solution.
Step 2: Avoid reinforcing barking
- Don’t yell; this may sound like barking to your dog and encourage them.
- Don’t reward barking with attention, treats, or letting them outside unless they are quiet.
Step 3: Teach the “Quiet” command
- Let your dog bark a few times, then calmly say “Quiet” in a firm but gentle voice.
- Wait for them to stop barking, even if just for a second.
- Immediately reward with a treat and praise (“Good quiet!”).
- Repeat consistently, gradually increasing the time they must stay quiet before rewarding.
Step 4: Redirect their energy
- Give your dog something else to do, like playing with a toy or performing a command like “Sit” or “Down”.
- Exercise your dog regularly to burn off excess energy.
Step 5: Remove or reduce triggers
- If they bark at people outside: Close curtains, use frosted windows, or block their view.
- If they bark from boredom: Increase exercise and mental stimulation with puzzles and interactive toys.
- If they bark when left alone: Try desensitisation, leaving for short periods, and gradually increasing time away.
Step 6: Use desensitisation for specific triggers
- If your dog barks at doorbells, play a recording of the sound at a low volume and reward calm behaviour.
- If they bark at other dogs, expose them slowly at a distance, rewarding quiet responses.
Step 7: Try a “Speak” and “Quiet” combo
- Teach your dog to bark on command ("Speak").
- Once they understand that, teach them "Quiet" by rewarding silence after barking.
Step 8: Use a timeout (if necessary)
- If they don’t stop barking after a warning, calmly remove them from the situation (e.g., place them in a quiet room for 1–2 minutes).
- Avoid making it feel like punishment—just a way to reset.
Step 9: Stay consistent
- Ensure everyone in the household follows the same rules.
- Reward good behaviour consistently.
Step 10: Consider professional help (if needed)
- If the barking is due to separation anxiety or fear-based aggression, a professional trainer or behaviourist may be helpful.
I hope this helps! Best of luck!
Justine Seraphin, BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
