How did you train your dog to be quiet?

I have read about various methods but none seem quite right for this situation, so I’m hoping someone has personal experience they can share. The main sticking point for me is how to get them to connect a non-action with being treated. Clicking the clicker when they get quiet seems to confuse them more than anything. How are they supposed to know they are being treated for being silent rather than for finishing the bark?

Tips on positive reinforcement methods are especially appreciated. My issue is actually with two of my goats, not with my dog. Most positive reinforcement type dog training methods are adaptable to goats, but no negative (except for electric fence training; they get that right away). There is no such thing as scolding a goat; they do not get it and it just makes them wary of you. And shock collars are not an option because a goat’s neck is long – their vocal cords are up at the top and collars slide to the bottom. Plus electricity (in the fence) tends to make them yell, so this training method would probably not connect easily in their minds. Tried a squirt gun, but they are smart enough to connect the squirt with me and just acted all hurt and wary for a bit. And they kept yelling.

They’re super sweet goaties and I love them, but if I can’t get them to stop screaming they will probably be donated to a local petting zoo/farm run by a friend of mine…unless they’re too loud for even that situation…in which case I have no ideas, because I’m not willing to slaughter them or sell them for meat.