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 say to their dogs in an attempt to achieve better behavior. Of course, a conversation requires two participants.???
I love animals more than words can say, and I too have loving and kind one-sided, conversations with my canine family, 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 we can go out.” You’re talking to the air. Your dog is never going to learn that way.
Dogs of average intelligence are capable of understanding at least two hundred words. An adult mature dog can understand short sentences by recognizing the operative words, tone of voice, body language, and accompanying familiar trigger or event. “Do you want to go for a walk?” may be easily understood by a mature dog, especially if said repeatedly, said in the same upbeat tone of voice, said while approaching the back door, and picking up his leash.
