How to Train a Labrador to Bark at Strangers

Hello Neeman, To teach pup to bark and be more alert, first, teach pup the Speak command. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-to-speak Once pup knows the speak command, recruit friends pup doesn't know to step onto the property or approach you (depending on when you want pup to bark at strangers) while pup watches from a window or fence or your side. Command speak and reward with a treat when they do. Practice with telling pup to speak each time the person approaches, until pup barks on their own when the person nears without saying speak. At that point, have the person step onto the property or come your direction, wait seven seconds to see if pup will bark on their own, reward if they do, and command speak if they don't - then reward but give a smaller reward when you tell pup opposed to when pup does it on their own. Practice until pup will bark each time someone enters the property or approaches you. Practice with different people you can recruit, that pup doesn't know so that pup will learn to do this with anyone who enters the property and not just that one person. Draw pup's attention to people outside or people on your property, and reward pup when you see them watching someone in general - so that pup will begin watching people and staying more alert as a habit. Pup doesn't have to bark to reward this one - just reward when pup is watching someone and you notice that. I also recommend teaching the Quiet command, so that you can tell pup when to stop barking after they alert. Quiet method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Oct. 6, 2020

Hello Binhu, If the chain is heavy you may want to try switching to a different type of chew-proof leash, like VirChewLy. Likely pup is trying to initiate a game of keep away and likes the attention of someone running after them, or they are fearful of the leash still. Pup also may simply not want to walk - in which case you need to evaluate why. If you are asking more of pup than what their self-control, attention span, or energy can handle, many dogs will react with stubbornness, shutting down responding, or getting hyper active. To help pup overcome any fearfulness, check out the article linked below and spend time reintroducing the leash, letting pup drag something light-weight but chew-proof, like VirChewly around the house while you are there to supervise. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-your-puppy-to-accept-leash If pup simply thinks this is a fun game, use a lighter- weight leash that's chew-proof at this age, and spray bitter apple, bitter melon, or white vinegar on the leash to make it taste bad. I don't know how those sprays will effect metal, so if you stick with your chain leash, do a little research to make sure the acid in those things won't corrode the metal. Many chew-proof leashes are coated with vinyl or something similar over the metal, which shouldn't cause an issue if a coating is present. I would also go back to some basics with heel training - I don't know what situation pup is getting frustrated in, but you may need to use a different method or different training equipment too. Heel Article - turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel As hard as it can be, remaining very calm, patient, and consistent in those situations is often most effective. For example, if a pup starts bucking on the end of the leash, you can plant yourself firmly to keep from being pulled over, take out some of the slack in the leash, then simply wait for pup to give up - when pup stops and gives a few seconds of good behavior, reward the good behavior then in a confident cheerful tone of voice command pup "Let's Go" and continue the walk. After pup has walked a little way doing well, then you be the one to turn around and go home - knowing that pup probably needs a break, before pup acts out again, so that pup is rewarded with returning home while they are behaving well still. Reacting like that can be difficult, but calmness, patience, and still insisting that pup complies even if it means taking time, often gains respect best. Heightened emotions, engaging in tug of war on the leash - which will cause a dog to pull against you more naturally (think sled-dogs), getting rough, or giving in and letting pup have their way, can all make it harder in the end. Pup needs to see that you will follow through with the instruction, but can maintain your own calmness and confidence in the process. Dog training is partially being more stubborn and out-thinking your dog, rather than intimidating. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

April 29, 2020