My dog has a "bluff" command that when spoken makes him act like he's going eat the face off of anyone it's directed at.It's a useful command especially in this area and he's very good at it.

There are a few parts of the command. He's supposed to hold the heel position beside me, bark like an angry guard dog, and sort of move in place like he's itching to eat someone's face...

However we're having a slight issue with the way he performs the "scary bark" part of his bluff. Since the point of this is to both draw attention and sound scary that part is kind of important.

My pup goes silent when there is pressure on his collar, and by pressure I mean if there's a lead on it. He'll still mouth the barks...he just won't actually make noise...

Any ideas how to solve this? I taught the command originally by first teaching speak which came with a lot of excitement. Instead of phasing out the bouncy I just sort of shaped it into the heel position which gave me a sort of excited "I want to charge forward" sort of motion. Then I used his frisbee (the highest value toy) to teach the directional barking. I think I went wrong some where in teaching him to speak (he wasn't on leash when I originally taught the command). How can I fit this?

Easy lazy answer...buy this... harness with handle http://leerburg.com/1293.htm
keep it and the collar on him...when you need the command, let the leash go slack and grab the handle on the harness.

Now lets sit and wait for a real answer. LOL

the only problem with the "bluff" command, as in poker, you are sometimes called on it. maybe the "run like hell" command would be better

 Quote: dennis jones

the only problem with the "bluff" command, as in poker, you are sometimes called on it. maybe the "run like hell" command would be better

oh...we have one.....>_>

Interesting problem.

You could try either letting him drag the leash around in the house while you practice speak, or start with a short string attached to his collar during the speak exercises, and gradually add length and weight to his collar until it is his regular leash.

You could also label the "Quiet Voice" and reward him for that and then name his regular speak something new so there is no default to the silent speak.

I don't know.
I think a command that presents a quiet watchful and attentive dog is useful.
When shown as a united front of you and the dog not many want to cross that line.
I know I'm more wary of a quiet attentive dog than one going barking mad.

As far as the dog is concerned it can be a 'oh hello' command, except the people you're trying to impress hear, ATTENTION! or some form or another of the same idea.
You're trying to push the impression you and your dog not anyone to mess about with.

Shrug, a bluff is a bluff.

eta.
And sometimes you'll have to lay the cards down no matter what they are.