Lesson 2 for Momo
Bark
Bark
Strategies to Reduce Momo’s Barking
Hey Ana, welcome to Lesson 2! You’re making great progress with Momo, and now we’ll focus on helping him stay calm around distractions, visitors, and unexpected noises.
Whenever you’re curious about Momo’s barking triggers, just hop back to Lesson 1 for a refresher!
Need a refresher on Momo’s barking triggers?
How to Help Momo Stay Focused and Calm?
These exercises will teach Momo to shift his focus, manage his excitement, and respond more calmly to triggers.
Step 1: “Look at Me” – Building Focus & Reducing Barking
Momo thrives when he knows where to focus his energy! Teaching him to make eye contact on command will not only strengthen your bond but also help him feel more secure, confident, and in control — turning distractions into opportunities for success!
📅 Practice: 3-4 times per week | 5-10 min per session
🕒 Best times: During walks, playtime, or when external noises occur (e.g., knocking, doorbell).
Step-by-Step Training Guide:
Create a controlled distraction – During walks, when Momo gets distracted, or at home by playing a recorded noise at a low level.
Wait for Momo to notice the noise – If he stays quiet, move to the next step. If he barks, lower the volume or distance from the sound.
Get his attention – Call his name in an upbeat tone.
Mark and reward – As soon as Momo makes eye contact, say “Yes!” and offer a high-value treat.
Gradually increase difficulty – Start in a quiet setting, then slowly introduce more distractions.
🐾 Paw Tip: The key is rewarding Momo before he starts barking. Catch his good behavior early!
🌟 Get the most from exercises
Just like us, dogs have food preferences! Discover which protein motivates your furkid the most.
Step 2: “Calm Greetings” – Teaching Momo to Welcome Guests Politely
Momo’s excitement during greetings is adorable, but we want to teach him that calm behavior gets the best rewards! 🏡✨
📅 Practice: Daily, as visitors come and go.
🕒 Best times: When guests arrive.
Step-by-Step Training Guide:
Ask visitors to ignore Momo initially – No eye contact, no talking, and no petting until he’s calm.
Encourage sniffing instead of barking – Scatter a few treats on the floor to redirect his focus toward sniffing.
Reward calm behavior – Toss a treat onto the ground when he remains quiet or sits.
Gradually increase interaction – Once Momo is relaxed, visitors can slowly give him attention, reinforcing that calm greetings lead to positive experiences.
🐾 Paw Tip: Some dogs take longer to calm down. The more consistent you are, the faster Momo will learn!
Bonus: Keep Momo’s Mind Engaged with Enrichment!
To help prevent barking out of boredom or frustration, try engaging Momo’s mind with interactive activities:
🦴 Long-Lasting Treats & Puzzle Feeders – Keep him busy with a licking mat, stuffed Kong filled with peanut butter or a long-lasting chews at your choice!
🔍 Scent Games & Hide-and-Seek – Scatter treats around the house for Momo to sniff out or try this nosework toy. Mental stimulation tires him out just as much as physical exercise!
🐶 How’s training going?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your progress, ask questions, or get personalized feedback on the exercises — we’re here to help with all things barking!
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What’s next?
In Lesson 3, we’ll tackle how to help Momo stay calm with barking triggers. And remember, you’re doing an amazing job — keep it up! 🎉