Proofing the Cue

A quiet that only works in your living room isn't finished. Test it against real triggers, but turn the volume down first. If the doorbell sets your dog off, start with a soft knock instead. If other dogs are the problem, practice far enough away that yours can still think. Then close the gap one notch at a time, asking for a little longer silence at each step before the treat appears.

The goal is not a silent dog. Let them sound the alarm, then teach that calm after the alert is a behavior you notice and reward.