One of the basic commands a pet dog should know is to be quiet. This command is useful in many situations, such as when you're having a guest and don't want your dog to jump around your guest, or when you're lifting heavy things and want your dog to get away. Although the teaching process will take time, with persistence and hard work, you will be able to train your dog to be quiet.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Train your dog if and only if you are in a good mood
You should be fresh and alert when training your dog. If you're not feeling well enough, or if you're too busy, you won't be able to make enough time for your dog. This is especially important if your dog is young, because it can show disobedience. If you're not in a good mood, you may end up scolding your dog and turning the practice session into a negative experience.
Step 2. Plan a short training session
Training sessions with your dog should only last a few minutes and be held evenly throughout each day of the week. Training should be done every day because if a day is skipped, your dog will forget the training he was given. Giving two sessions, five minutes each, on a daily basis will give better results than an hour-long training session on a weekend. Consistency in training will get your dog used to the training routine and will allow him to absorb what you teach him more quickly.
Step 3. Find out what gifts your dog likes best
The training session will require a lot of positive reinforcement. For dogs, you will need a treat to give. Find out what treats your dog likes best and give them as a treat if the training session goes well. Rewarding will motivate your dog to do the right thing which, in this case, is to be quiet.
- Dog biscuits are a great snack option to give away. They are small and can be eaten quickly, which is an advantage because you will have to give them more than one amount in a training session.
- Your dog may also like a certain toy. Give the toy to him when the correct action has been taken.
Step 4. Teach your dog to sit
When training your dog to be still, you should usually start from a sitting position. Therefore, beforehand, you should make sure your dog can obey the command to sit. Read How to Train a Dog to Sit to teach him the command.
Part 2 of 3: Teaching Your Dog to Be Quiet
Step 1. Plan this exercise routine for a long time
Remember that your dog does not speak your language. Your dog must learn how to associate a command with a specific action. This will take some time. Some dogs learn it quickly, some don't. The most important thing is that you are persistent and consistent in providing training.
Step 2. Instruct your dog to sit in a comfortable place
Start by instructing your dog to sit in a good place. Make sure the surface is not wet, cold, or covered in anything that could make your dog uncomfortable.
Step 3. Open your palms in front of your dog's face and say, 'Shut up
' A combination of verbal cues and hand signals will help your dog to associate the command with staying still.
- Repeat 'quiet' a few times before doing anything else to let your dog learn the word. Say it in a pleasant tone; don't use a firm tone except when your dog makes a mistake.
- Make sure you use the same action every time you tell your dog to be quiet. If not, it will take your dog longer to understand.
Step 4. Go back a step or two
Keeping your arms outstretched, command 'shut up' while you take a step or two back.
- In the first few replicates, your dog may get up and follow you. When your dog begins to rise from a sitting position, correct him with a 'No!' or 'Wha! Wha! Wha!' in a firmer tone.
- Give praise when your dog sits back down. Reuse the friendly tone of voice if your dog remains silent or sits back down after you give the corrective command.
- Repeat this step as many times as needed. The first few sessions may feel very hard. Your dog will want to follow you as you start to drift away. Keep correcting your dog, giving him orders to sit down, and don't give him treats when your dog gets up and runs towards you. Teach that sitting still will reward him.
Step 5. If your dog stays still, give him a treat
Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog. If your dog stays still even after you take a step back, it's a sign that your dog is starting to understand the command. Strengthen his obedience by giving him a snack.
Don't ask your dog to come over to give him a treat. This action will teach him that stepping closer will earn him a reward. Instead, you have to teach that staying still will pay off. Approach your dog, say words of praise in a pleasant tone, then give him a treat. Once your dog has mastered the command to stay still, you can teach him additional commands to approach you
Step 6. Command your dog to approach you
Once your dog has mastered the silent command, you can complete the training by having him come over to you. Use a word that will tell your dog to stop standing still. A common example of a cue is to lower your hand and say, 'Okay.' Once your dog comes to you, give him treats and praise.
Make sure you use a different tone to end the still position. Otherwise, your dog will expect a treat every time you say 'okay' or other normal words
Step 7. Increase the distance you step back slowly
Once your dog has begun to master the silent command when you walk away from him a few steps, gradually increase the distance. Go back five steps, then ten steps, and so on. If so, then try to backtrack across the page. The goal of this stage is to make sure your dog stays still as long as you haven't ordered him to move again.
- Don't forget to give praise and treats whenever your dog obeys a command.
- If your dog gets up and runs to you without a command, don't give him a treat.
Part 3 of 3: Using Advanced Techniques
Step 1. Teach your dog to sit still while lying down
You may be faced with a situation where you have to tell your dog to lie still. For example, if someone who is afraid of dogs comes to your house, you might be able to make them more comfortable by telling your dog to lie still. To teach your dog to lie still, use all the steps in Part 2, but start from a lying position.
Step 2. Add the duration of the silence
Once your dog is comfortable sitting even if you're quite a distance away from him, start increasing the amount of time. Start with a few seconds, then increase slowly. Keep adding up to a few more minutes if possible.
Step 3. Turn around as you walk away
While your dog learns to be still, you should stay facing him. Once there's an improvement, start turning your face away from it as you walk away. Absence of eye contact or hand movement will be a new challenge for your dog.
Step 4. Distract your silent dog
When you tell him to stay still in real life, there's a good chance that something will come up and distract your dog. Therefore, teach your dog to maintain his concentration in the face of these conditions. If your dog gets up because of a distraction, repeat the command again.
- Wave your hand while your dog is still.
- Try jumping in place.
- Throw a tennis ball as you walk backwards.
- Ask someone to walk past your silent dog. Then, ask the person to try to run past him.
- Ask someone to take another dog past your dog.
Step 5. Out of sight
Once your dog can obey the silent command very well, you can try this advanced technique. Try turning a corner or stepping into the house for a few seconds before returning to your dog's presence. Then increase the amount of time you are out of sight and observe how long your dog will remain silent with you out of sight.
Tips
- The first time you do this training session, don't keep your dog quiet for too long.
- If you are upset with your dog, don't show it. If you point this out to him, your dog will get scared and have a hard time obeying you.
- Always be patient. It will take your dog a long time to understand the training you are teaching him.
Warning
- If your dog doesn't obey the command to be quiet, don't be scolded or punished. Just put him back in his previous position and praise him when the command is successful.
- The training process will take a very long time. So don't give up! Do this training persistently and consistently!
