These town criers are definitely predisposed to sounding the alarm, a job they take quite seriously. Although owners often feel that the barking serves a useful function (alerting that someone is approaching the house, for example) and therefore don’t want to extinguish the behavior, they certainly want to “control” it.
Teaching "Bark" and "Quiet" on Command
The game, then, is “bark/quiet on command.” The rules of the game are simple: the dog must bark when commanded to and stop barking when commanded. In other words, the owner should be able to turn the barking on and off at will.
At first, practice this game in a place where there are no distractions and when the dog is relaxed and quiet. Command her to bark. If at first she doesn’t respond, give the command again, this time exciting her in ways that will get her to bark.
When she gets the idea and starts to bark, praise her—“Good bark! That is a good bark.”
Once she seems to understand the “bark” command, follow that with the “shhh, quiet” command. If she doesn’t go silent, stand there impassively and wait. When she finally stops barking, count two full seconds, then praise her profusely and give her a high value treat, something very special that she only gets when she goes quiet on command. Steak, cheese, or hotdogs can often do the trick.
Once the dog has caught on, take the game to the next level. Have a friend call or come over at a pre-agreed time. A second before the phone rings or the friend arrives, give the “bark” command, followed by the “quiet” command.
Whenever the owner is aware of a noise or some movement that will set the dog to barking, give the “bark” command, trying to give the cue before she starts to bark on her own if possible. Give the command even at those times when she starts to bark before the game is initiated and then follow it by the “shhh” command.
Finding the Town Crier Another Job
Make sure to find the town crier another job. Whenever someone comes to the house, her job is to find her favorite toy and bring it to show the guest. Of course, she gets praise and a treat. Eventually she gets a treat at random times and eventually she is weaned off the treats. Always keep this type of dog mentally stimulated (through play, training, and an enriched environment), active, and well exercised.
Ah! Quiet at last.
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