How to Train a Labrador to Speak on Command
Labradors are a very handsome, intelligent and eager to please breed of dog. They are trained for a range of purposes, including as guide dogs or as service dogs for people with disabilities. They can be taught a number of commands, like sit, down, stay and heel. They can also learn more interesting tasks or tricks, like shaking hands and barking on command. If you have a Labrador that is eager to learn, try teaching him to speak on command.
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Instructions
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Choose a command word to use with your Lab. Many people use "speak" or "talk" or even "say hello", but you can use any word that you want as long as you are consistent.
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Keep treats on hand when you spend time with your Lab. Most Labradors are fairly excitable and may bark easily. Be prepared for when yours does.
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Squeak a toy and act excited to get a calm or quiet Lab excited too. The more noise you make and the more you jump around, the more likely your dog will bark eagerly to play along.
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Praise your Lab when she does bark by saying "good," followed by the command word (for example, "Good speak!") Also make sure that the treat gets into her mouth as fast as you can.
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Repeat until your Lab starts barking and then waiting for a treat. At this point, you can begin giving him the command before he barks. Do not give him treats for unrequested actions. Instead, give him the command (once only), wait for him to bark, then treat.
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Treat irregularly once your Lab can follow a spoken command to keep her on her toes. She should know that her obedience is appreciated but that it will not be rewarded every time. This will prevent her from refusing to obey when she knows there are no snacks around.
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Tips & Warnings
Add a hand signal to your command by performing the signal as you give the verbal command. Canine Companions for Independence uses the following: make a gentle fist, and as you speak the command, move your hand toward your Lab and simultaneously flick your fingers toward him.
