I use phrases with Dixie and Dusty like "Do you have to go Potty?" and "Are you guys hungry", "Who wants to go out?" or "Want to go for a car ride". These are phrases that they understand but I never use them to shape a desired behavior such as speak or quiet. These commands need to crystal clear and not open for interpretation. A lot is how you say it to and your body language.

If I'm standing at the door and asking them if they want to go out, then it is not hard for them to see I am standing at the door and that is how they go out. Plus the word out is a clue word. Almost all phrases have clue words associated with them.

If you want to use phrases to get Jo to stop barking then it still needs to be a consistent phrase and it needs to be taught. I think it just confuses the issue more.