It is important to remember that dogs bark for a reason. They can bark when they are happy, They bark to warn another dog to stay out of their territory. They bark when danger is near or when they are about to attack.
However, too much barking can become a nuisance and dog owners need to take a responsible attitude to the barking of their own dogs.
Teaching a dog to bark on cue means that the dog is less likely to bark when it does not receive that cue.
When your dog has learnt to bark on cue it is easier to get them to stop barking on cue too.
step 1: Get your dog to bark
Get someone to make a noise so that your dog barks. Let him bark 2 or 3 times and then put a tasty treat in front of his nose.
step 5. When your dog is reliably barking on cue it is time to teach a cue to stop barking.
Your dog should learn that it is OK to bark until he is told to stop. Use a cue such as "be quiet". Simultaneously hold a treat in front of his nose, Dogs will normally stop barking immediately to smell the treat.
step 6. praise your dog continuously during his quiet time,
When your dog stops barking to smell the treat, reward him immediately and praise him. Praise him continuously until you want to repeat the process and issue the speak command.
When he makes a mistake and barks when he shouldn't reprimand him immediately. Then do something that gets his attention such as clapping your hands loudly. As soon as he stops barking reward him instantly.
step 11. Ask your friend to walk a bit closer with their dog
Ask your friend to repeat the exercise but this time walking a bit closer. Over time the distance can be decreased. Be patient with this, it could take some weeks for the dog to consistently pay attention to you and the treats without barking at the other dog.
step 13. when you have taught your dog the quiet command in a calm environment you can now use it in Increasingly demanding situations.
You spent some time teaching your dog the speak and quiet commands. Now it should all pay off. You can use the quiet command in all kinds of different situations. Be patient and don't expect too soon. Use the command in situations which are increasingly difficult.
step 16. make it more difficult by opening the door
When he is reliably going to his bed to earn a treat make the task more difficult by opening the door. If he gets up close the door immediately. If not, give him a treat and praise him.
Gradually increasing the difficulty by leaving the door open for longer periods. Then increase the difficulty again by getting someone to ring the bell or knock on the door.
Reward him if he stays in his place,
All of these techniques will help you control a dogs barking. However, you must be patient and persistent. Don't expect miracles overnight. Every now and again the dog may seem to slip back. In this case just go back a step and start over.
To see this training in more detail watch this video.