By: Bruce Fogle, DVM and Patricia Holden White, Dog Trainer
Article provided by ASPCA

A barking dog offers protection and makes an excellent burglar alarm, but you do need an on-off switch. When your dog has learned to "speak" on command you will be able not only to control its barking, but also to command it to be quiet. Once the dog knows that barking is only permitted under specific circumstances, it can be trained to bark on command, or on hearing such sounds as smoke alarms or noises outside a window. You should initially train to rewards like food and toys, using verbal praise, too.

1. Attach the dog's lead to a fence or post, and stand about 3 feet away. Tease the dog by showing it a toy, and give a food reward when it barks with frustration. Food is ready to be given at moment of barking.
   
   
2. Put the toy away (but visible to the dog), and change the reward from a food treat to a verbal "Good dog" when the dog barks, giving a food treat only occasionally.
   
   
3. Give the command "Speak" the moment the dog barks, then give the toy as a reward. Correct timing is essential here, and by observing the dog's body language you can anticipate the bark.
   
   
4. Once the dog understands the command "Speak", give the command "Quiet" when the dog is barking. Give the toy reward as soon as the dog stops barking, but put the toy away and command "No" if it continues. Do not give reward to barking dog.
   
   
5. After teaching the dog to bark or be quiet when you are near, move a short distance away from it with potential reward visible to the dog. Patiently repeat the exercise from the beginning, until the dog learns to respond to the commands.
   
   
6. Return to the dog and reward it with its favorite toy. Continue repeating the exercise until the dog consistently responds to intermittent rewards while secured to the fence. Then release the dog from the fence and continue training.