Quote:
Originally Posted by MyPemCharlie
In concurence with what Peggy and Michael wrote, my thought was, "What's wrong with puppy play barking?" When Charlie barks I actually say, "Speak! Speak!" Maybe I shouldn't be doing that...LOL. I figure if he knows "Speak", then I can also teach him, "No Speak!" if he's going on too long (or too loud).
|
IMO, using "quiet" would be better than "no speak". The theory is if you teach a behavior you have better control over it, but with barking, well sometimes, not so much.
If you don't mind your puppy barking then go ahead and encourgage it. But remember that others may not find it cute so he'll need to know there are times when he needs to be quiet too.
And yes, I did teach one to whisper. Blackjack liked to bark in the show ring. To the point that the judges got annoyed. Woof! ("Mom, I'm bored!"), Woof! (I want another cookie!) Woof! (Is it my turn yet?)
I would put my finger to my lips and tell him "no bark" very quietly and give him a little pop of the leash (colllar correction) and yes, he learned to "woof" very quietly or to wait and not bark.
Peggy