[plumseverywhere]

Does it just happen naturally or is there some degree of instruction needed to encourage a dog to bark when the doorbell rings etc? He's only 5 months or so, so probably too soon but Murphy just looks at me a bit odd - as did the Tesco man when he looked through the window and saw me on all 4's saying "woof woof woof" to the dog a couple of weeks ago. That method is obviously a fail. 

[doganjo]

Emmm - this is the opposite of the usual problem. 

Does he bark at any other time?  If so, every time he barks give him a command - you can use the word 'bark' or 'jingopoo' or anything else - so long as you always use the same one, and praise him.  Keep cat biscuits in your pocket and throw a few down for him. 

I teach my dogs to bark now, and my old girl is a pest as I didn't teach her and she barks incessantly when she want's something.  Mine all bark at the doorbell but stop when I tell them to(even her!)

If he's not barking at anything yet you'll just have to wait until he does I think..

[Mammyshaz]

It comes more natural to some breeds than others.
 Saying that, a natural guard male german shepherd I had a few years ago was so people friendly that we stopped the window cleaner coming as he always brought different young lads from a not so good area. They would put their arms through the window to pet him. He never barked at a knock in all his 7 years.
He was trained to bark on command for trials competitions and I think this helps.

Murphy will probably start protecting his territory naturally as he matures, which is probably nearer a year old for his breeding. He is a bit young yet, just hitting lower end of his teens so there are too many exciting things to think about without worrying about keeping strangers away 

One word of warning. Teach the command 'quiet' BEFORE teaching him to bark or you can end up with a noisy dog  very easy to do. Just say the command when he is looking at you without making a noise. Then praise him. 

[Mammyshaz]

Oops sorry doganjo, cross posted   

[doganjo]

  Great minds ................................

[plumseverywhere]

He barks if I vaccuum or if Scarlett drives her remote control campervan around - oh he also barks at the cat when he thinks he's at a really safe distance..until she walks near him and he runs.

[doganjo]

There you are then - two new commands - Quiet and Bark! 

[Mammyshaz]

I would be careful teaching the command to bark as the situations you mention are not a bark at the doorbell. You could potentially encourage him to get the confidence to nip or bite as you would be encouraging him to reprimand a situation he doesn't like. If, for example, he doesn't like somebody who wants to pet him outside, he then thinks he is doing what you have been asking when he nips or bites this person to stop their actions. After all, when he barks to stop the hoover or the camper, you praise him.
Hope this makes sense 

  Teaching speak can be encouraged when he is excited and barking such as barking for excitement when he sees his lead for walks. As soon as he even squeaks a little bark of excitement then say the command and praise. Remember to teach the 'quiet' twice as often as the 'speak' There's nothing worse than a constant barking dog that doesn't know when to quit 

[happygolucky]

Not sure why but Rhum is our barker...often to get my attention, the crafty dog also pulls the tv Ariel from outside so I have to see what she is doing.....
I lived backing onto a woodland and a school so I used to shout "KILL" more for effect, and the dogs would run full pelt up the garden and scare the kids off who were having a crafty fag between lessons They were a  Black Lab and a German Shephard....maybe a bit extream but you can get a dog to bark if you get them excited but like everyone said, the shut up bit is more difficult....................must work on that one!!

[doganjo]

Teaching 'quiet' is not difficult.

[Marches Farmer]

In my experience an unneutered dog will defend his territory once he's mature enough.  If he sleeps in the house that'll be his territory, if he's kennelled in a barn then that is. He's alerting the rest of the pack (you) to someone who may want his dinner!

[colliewoman]

I cheated when mine were little and played a you tube clip of a barking dog whilst I rang the doorbell. The little ones soon joined in and I never had to say a word

[in the hills]

My Flattie is 7 and only barks occasionally if someone is at the door. More often than not, he just stands there, tail wagging, waiting to greet and kiss.     


Most of the labs and retrievers I've owned didn't bark at the doorbell, only maybe at unexpected loud bangs.


I know it can be useful if they do but sometimes a very barky dog can be more of a problem - in my opinion.

[doganjo]

In my experience an unneutered dog will defend his territory once he's mature enough.  If he sleeps in the house that'll be his territory, if he's kennelled in a barn then that is. He's alerting the rest of the pack (you) to someone who may want his dinner!

My entire dog only barks when the doorbell goes, and stops when I tell him.

[thestephens]

really interesting, can you explain more using the quiet command, how to stop the barking ......at the hoover, at the tv when dogs are on it and when waiting for her turn at puppy classes!! 6 month bassett.