How to Communicate With Your Dog
Dogs utilize body language, vocal tones, scent, touch & taste in all of their communication with each other. When training a dog it is best to try to emulate the canine language in order to achieve faster success with complete understanding.
When using your voice, keep the frequency to a conversational level. A dog hears far better than we do, so there is no reason to shout. Shouting will not get the point across faster, it will only show your dog that you are not in control.
There are three tones of voice you should use when training your dog: a high enthusiastic tone when praising; a demanding authoritative tone preceded by your dog's name when giving a command; and a low growly tone when giving a reprimand.
When praising your dog use the word good repeatedly. When giving a command do so only once, so that your dog will learn to listen on the first command & not wait until you've said it five times. Use the word no with all reprimands.
It is important to use these words consistently so that he learns what you are saying. It will take him longer to learn that he is doing something wrong if you use several words such as stop it, no, don't or get down. Simply say "No!" Your tone of voice will clue him in but the goal is to teach him the language.
There are several body positions that will be helpful while training. When giving a command or a reprimand try to look dominant by standing upright. When greeting your dog, teaching him to come to you, or releasing him from work, crouch down to his level so that you are on more equal terms.
Everyone needs to hear the bell for quitting time. Your dog isn't any different. You need to communicate to him when he is working & when he is allowed to do his own thing. The word break or finished can be used when releasing him.
Since dogs also communicate largely with touch, it is best to keep your hands off him while he is working, otherwise he'll be distracted. He will learn the difference between work & break faster if he isn't touched while working & is petted when told to break. The exception to this rule is after he has come to you. At this time he should receive a pat on the head to encourage his good behaviour.
Food can play a large part in the training process. Very few dogs will turn down a tidbit & many will do almost anything to get it. Food will be utilized more in the training of tricks than in obedience work. During obedience work we are teaching him to listen to you, not the treats.
Derek
Dogs utilize body language, vocal tones, scent, touch & taste in all of their communication with each other. When training a dog it is best to try to emulate the canine language in order to achieve faster success with complete understanding.
When using your voice, keep the frequency to a conversational level. A dog hears far better than we do, so there is no reason to shout. Shouting will not get the point across faster, it will only show your dog that you are not in control.
There are three tones of voice you should use when training your dog: a high enthusiastic tone when praising; a demanding authoritative tone preceded by your dog's name when giving a command; and a low growly tone when giving a reprimand.
When praising your dog use the word good repeatedly. When giving a command do so only once, so that your dog will learn to listen on the first command & not wait until you've said it five times. Use the word no with all reprimands.
It is important to use these words consistently so that he learns what you are saying. It will take him longer to learn that he is doing something wrong if you use several words such as stop it, no, don't or get down. Simply say "No!" Your tone of voice will clue him in but the goal is to teach him the language.
There are several body positions that will be helpful while training. When giving a command or a reprimand try to look dominant by standing upright. When greeting your dog, teaching him to come to you, or releasing him from work, crouch down to his level so that you are on more equal terms.
Everyone needs to hear the bell for quitting time. Your dog isn't any different. You need to communicate to him when he is working & when he is allowed to do his own thing. The word break or finished can be used when releasing him.
Since dogs also communicate largely with touch, it is best to keep your hands off him while he is working, otherwise he'll be distracted. He will learn the difference between work & break faster if he isn't touched while working & is petted when told to break. The exception to this rule is after he has come to you. At this time he should receive a pat on the head to encourage his good behaviour.
Food can play a large part in the training process. Very few dogs will turn down a tidbit & many will do almost anything to get it. Food will be utilized more in the training of tricks than in obedience work. During obedience work we are teaching him to listen to you, not the treats.
Derek
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