How to Get My Dog to Bark When She Needs to Go Out

Inside dogs do not have the luxury of going to the bathroom whenever they want. Instead they have to communicate to their owner that it is time for them to go outside. Many dogs will simply scratch at the door or circle when it is time; however, if you want your dog to bark to let you know its needs, you can teach it this skill with little effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

  1. Teaching "Speak"

    • 1

      Hold a treat in your hand and show it to your dog. Allow the dog to sniff it and get excited, but do not give the treat to the dog.

    • 2

      Tell your dog to "speak." Use an excited tone to get your dog excited. Excited dogs are more prone to bark. Continue to say "speak" until your dog barks, using playful gestures and the treat to entice it into speaking.

    • 3

      Give your dog the treat and praise it once it barks.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 1, 2 and 3 until your dog barks on command, without the aid of treats.

    Teaching Barking to Go Out

    • 5

      Pay attention for your dog's usual warning signs that it needs to go outside to potty. Some dogs will circle around the door, others will stare at the door and still others may scratch. Whatever your dog usually does to let you know, use this as your cue to proceed with the next step of training.

    • 6

      Tell your dog to "speak" when you see signs it needs to go out. When the dog barks, praise it and then let it outside. For praise you can give a treat or just verbal praise and pats. If the dog does not bark on command, ask it again. Do not let it out until it speaks. This will help it make the connection between the barking and the reward of getting to go outside.

    • 7

      Repeat Step 2 every time the dog goes out, including when it asks to go out, when you let it out before after coming home or when you let it out for playtime. This helps concrete the purpose of the barking. Once the dog barks without you telling it, you can cease training.