Conversational Dog Training 101. If you’re wondering what that means, it’s the title I gave to the “one-sided” lengthy conversations pet parents have with their dogs in an attempt to improve their behavior. Of course, a conversation requires two participants.?? That doesn’t mean you should stop talking to your dog.
Don’t get the wrong idea. I love dogs more than words can say, and I, too, have loving, kind, one-sided conversations with my canine family. Kids talk to dogs all the time, and talking to or reading to our canine friends is a wonderful therapy method for children, but this cannot be used in lieu of proper training.
You cannot teach a dog to stop jumping by saying, “Mommy told you she doesn’t like it when you jump. Now, be a good girl, and sit down so we can put your leash on, and then go out.” You’re talking to the air. Your dog is never going to learn that way.
Dogs of average intelligence can understand at least two hundred (200) words. An adult mature dog can understand short sentences by recognizing the operative words, tone of voice, body language, and accompanying familiar triggers or events. “Do you want to go for a walk?” or “Do you have to go potty?” may be easily understood by a mature dog, especially if said repeatedly in the same upbeat tone while approaching the back door and picking up his leash. Your voice and body language are your two most important assets when training…and you always have them!
Remember learning a second language for the first time? The process started with words like I, me, and you, and my name is Jenna. Your name is Joe. When training our canines, it’s always best to start with simple one-word commands like sit, stay, or even go-potty. There is no benefit to saying “Have a sit,” “Stay there,” or “Walk with me,” and additionally, it changes the intonation of what you are saying.
Ms. Othmar, the beloved teacher from Peanuts, is memorialized for her famous “Wah, waa, waa, waa, waa.” When you talk endlessly to your puppy, think of Ms. Othmar because that is what your “Snoopy” puppy hears. When talking to dogs, less is definitely more. Please keep it simple and try to stick to the words established for training so there will be less confusion. Snoopy always had bubbles with words over his head indicating his thoughts as of course our dogs cannot speak…even though we wish they could.
Great relationships that develop between pet parents and canines will form a method of communication where not only will your dog understand your spoken words, body language, and emotions, but you will also understand what your dog is trying to tell you. It’s really a beautiful thing!
Simple one-word commands are the foundation of teaching your dog our spoken language. With time, these words may become phrases, but if your dog should need to be cared for by another person, whether it is a dog-walker, dog-sitter, veterinarian, groomer, or boarding facility, knowing the basic command will always result in a smother transition and easier experience.
