Quote Originally Posted by Jessika
Yes, even if you don't tell him to speak first. This way he will be able to associate the word "speak" with barking.

It's the same concept as if I'm trying to teach my pup "bring". I can't MAKE her bring me the toy without doing it myself, and then I'm just confusing her more, and she's not learning anything. But if I say "GOOD BRING!!" and act stupidly excited when she just walks in my direction with a toy in her mouth, she will start to associate "bring" with bringing toys to me.

I can understand doing that technique for some commands (like bring) but I have always been leary of using it for certain commands (like speak) but I tried it last night anyways. I may give it 1 more day but it seems as if it is making it worse just like I thought.
Since he only barks when he is playing with the other dogs I think he is associating speak with speak & play and LOTS of it. He is really barking out of control now and playing very hyperly. I think I am kind of cofusing him, he doesn't really know if he's getting praised for playing or barking or both, not only that but he's also getting praised for barking when NOT told to do so.

Thanks for the idea though. It was worth a shot.