Lesson 2 for Ted
Bark
Bark
Strategies to Reduce Ted’s Barking
🎉 Hey Joey, welcome to Lesson 2! You’re making great progress with Ted, and now we’ll focus on helping him stay calm around other dogs, strangers, and unexpected outdoor triggers.
Need a refresher on Ted’s barking triggers?
How to Help Ted Stay Focused and Calm?
These exercises will teach Ted to shift his focus, manage his excitement, and respond more calmly to triggers.
Step 1: “Look at Me” – Building Focus & Reducing Barking
Ted 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 Ted gets distracted, or at home by playing a recorded noise at a low level.
Wait for Ted 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 Ted 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 Ted 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: Desensitization and Counterconditioning Towards Dogs Outdoors
Ted’s excitement or frustration when seeing other dogs may cause repetitive barking. This exercise helps him associate other dogs with calm behavior instead of reacting impulsively.
📅 Practice: 4-5 times per week | 5-10 min per session
🕒 Best times: When dogs or people are visible at a safe distance.
Step-by-Step Training Guide:
Start with distance – Begin in an area where Ted can see another dog but isn’t overwhelmed (e.g., across the street or at a park’s edge).
Observe his reaction – If he remains calm, reward him with a treat before he starts barking.
Gradually decrease distance – Over multiple sessions, get slightly closer while reinforcing his calm behavior.
Engage him with an alternate behavior – If Ted starts fixating, ask for a “Look at Me” and reward his attention shift.
Repeat frequently – The more he practices calm behavior, the more he’ll learn that staying quiet earns rewards.
🐾 Paw Tip: If Ted barks, increase distance and wait for him to relax before trying again.
Bonus: Keep Ted’s Mind Engaged with Enrichment!
To help prevent barking out of boredom or frustration, try engaging Ted’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 Ted 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!
What’s Next?
In Lesson 3, we’ll tackle how to help Ted stay calm with barking triggers. And remember, you’re doing an amazing job — keep it up! 🎉
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