How to Train a Husky to Bark

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How to Train a Husky to Bark

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3-6 Weeks

General

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Introduction

The Siberian Husky is perhaps best known for its delightful singing voice. In fact, while Huskies will sing, whine, and chirp, they do not tend to bark very often. But the one thing that is very cool about Huskies, is that they love to please their owners and are willing to take on any task you are willing to put in the time to train him. Teaching your Husky to bark on command is a great way to get started training him to be quiet.

For many dogs, the best option is to teach both "Speak" and "Quiet" on command at the same time if you can. But, there are other methods of teaching your dog to bark on command that simply teach your pup to bark but do nothing to teach him to stop. Here, we are concentrating on teaching him just to bark.

Defining Tasks

The basic idea is to train your dog to bark on command. Keep in mind that barking is one of only a few ways your pup has of communicating. With this in mind, you should never attempt to strip your pup of his voice. This being said, there is no reason why you cannot train your dog to bark on command and only on command.

There are a number of ways you can about this, but once you choose one, be sure to stick to it. This will help keep the training moving along smoothly and help your pup learn to speak much more quickly. Be patient and work with your pooch frequently and he will figure it all out.

Getting Started

Before you start working on teaching your pup to bark, he needs to have mastered the basic commands of 'sit', 'stay', 'come', and 'down'. Teaching him these commands first helps to establish the pecking order in your "pack" and lets your pup see what his place in the pack is. You will also need a few supplies to facilitate the training. These include:

Treats
Leash
A tree or pole
Toys
Baby gate
An assistant

Along with these, you must have plenty of time and patience as this training is best done in short sessions of about 15 minutes two or three times a day. It can take a few weeks to master, but keep working on it with your pooch and he will figure it all out.

The Helper on Hand Method

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Step

You need a helper

Choose someone your pup doesn’t know to help you with this training method.

Step

Bring in the pup

Bring your pup in the same room as you and make sure he stays in it. Keep an eye on him.

Step

The bells, the bells

Have the helper ring your doorbell. If your pup barks at the sound, you are already well on your way. Be sure to praise him and give him a treat. Repeat this every ten minutes or so for the entire training session.

Step

Practice

Or in this case every day more training. Repeat the above training until your pup understands he can bark at the bell.

Step

Add a cue

The next time your assistant is available, have him ring the bell. Give your pup your chosen command such as "Speak" and reward him with a treat for "speaking." Work on this training until he is barking on command with the bell and your cue.

Step

Putting it all into action

Time to see if your furball has actually learned anything. Start giving him the cue word out of the blue. If he responds with a bark, praise him and give him a treat. Keep working on this and before long, your pup will pipe up immediately when he hears the cue.

The All Revved Up Method

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Step

Time to rev your pup's engines up

Take some time to play with your pup and get him all revved up. Play games like fetch and tug-of-war. Anything that gets your pup excited and ready for action. This shouldn’t take much in Huskies, they are always ready to go.

Step

A single bark

The more excited you get your pooch, the more likely it is that he won't be able to hold the barks back. In most cases, it will be a single happy bark. When he does, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.

Step

Work it

Work the above for a few days to make sure your fuzzball associates barking with being given a treat. Add to the training by introducing your cue word just as he starts to bark. This will help your pooch connect the cue with the action and then with the reward.

Step

Spend plenty of time

You can't spend too much time working with your pup. The more you practice this skill the better he will become at it and the less likely he will simply bark because he feels like it.

Step

On and on

Keep working with this training until all you have to do is look at your pup and give him the cue. At this point, your pup will be delighted to tell you all about his day.

The Toy Method

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Step

Supplies you need

To train your pup to bark, you need a few supplies, one of your pup's favorite toys, a length of rope, a broomstick, your dog's leash, and some treats.

Step

Hook your pup

Hook your pup to the rope, take him outside and tie the other end of the rope to a pole, tree, or fence post. Do not leave your pup tied up unattended.

Step

Create your training lure

Using a length of string, tie the toy to the broomstick.

Step

Check this out

Dangle the toy in front of your pup just out of his reach. Start moving it around until your pup simply can't take it anymore. At this point he should bark and when he does, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.

Step

Repeat with your cue

Start repeating this training and introducing your cue the moment he starts to bark. Of course, keep up with the treats and praise.

Step

Words only

Finally, start giving your pup just the cue and if he barks, give him plenty of praise and treats. Keep working with your pup until he figures out what you want of him. Time to practice this new skill in a range of locations until you are sure he will always bark on command.

How to Train a Husky to Bark

Introduction

Defining Tasks

Getting Started

Success Stories and Training Questions