Three Tips From a Top Dog Trainer That Will Make a Big Difference to Training Your Dog
Tuesday, December 29, 2009Dogs are ruled by instinct. Up to 80% of your dog’s behaviour, meaning anything your dog does, is based on its wild dog or wolf instincts, the other 20% is down to its breed and any training it might have had.
Dogs use their smell and hearing to hunt prey and they have poor eyesight. They are also incredibly aware of any changes in body language and speak to each other using only slight movements of the tail, ears or mouth, for example. It is important that we understand this if we want to train our dogs effectively and without the use of force.
I do not support the use of pain or force. Nor do I bribe my dogs with treats. I reward and encourage them. My four year old Border Collie, Rocky, has learnt how to learn and is always willing to ‘train’ so he can learn more things. I might point out that he is a terrible show off too!
So my three tips are:
1) Voice Level
2) Using too many words
3) Body Language
Voice Level
Dogs have over 40 different barks and growls that we couldn’t possibly emulate. Their hearing is so sensitive they can pick out a sound from a distance and work out which direction it’s coming from with 5 degrees. The way you use your voice is imperative to how your dog hears your commands.
Use a high pitched voice for reward and encouragement. Be careful some dogs are so highly tuned to high frequencies they will become over excited too easily and be difficult to train. Women are much better at delivering voice encouragements than men; but both can do it well with practise.
Use a strong, firm voice for giving commands. This is different from your normal speaking voice; more like the voice you would use for public speaking.
Use a gruff, growly voice for reprimanding your dog. A loud ‘Ahhh’ or ‘NO!’ can do wonders at letting your dog know that it is doing something wrong. Men are usually much better at using this voice level. When training a new dog or a puppy it is best to start very gruff and then you can ease up as the dog learns what its boundaries are. I only have to ‘tut’ and my dogs will turn and look to see what’s wrong.
The trick with using these three different levels of voice is being able to change from one to another quickly. This is something you might have to practise.
Using too Many Words
One word equals one command. ‘Sit’ means sit. If your dog does not obey you, then there is little use repeating or rephrasing the command. Don’t say ’sit’, ‘come, sit’, ’sit down’, ‘SIT!!’ - your dog obviously doesn’t know what it is you are asking or its attention is too firmly focused on something else. Also, the more you repeat yourself, the more confused your dog will become and it will actually give up and stop learning.
Body Language
Anyone who has worked a dog in an agility or obedience ring will tell you how important body language is. Dogs, remember, read our body language so well it seems as if they are reading our minds. If you are calling your dog to come to you get down low or walk backwards. When the dog comes closer, turn your body slowly in the direction you want the dog to go in.
When training with treats don’t hold the treat high up. Keep it at the dog’s eye level. This will stop unwanted jumping up and help keep your dog’s focus on what you are asking him or her to do.
When you are out walking and your dog is unsure or frightened. Stand straighter, hold your head up and look straight ahead. In other words, be confident. Swing your arms if you can and speak in your command giving voice and you will be showing your dog that it has nothing to fear and that you are cool headed and calm. The worse thing you can do is squeeze the leash tight. The pressure on the dog will be signalling that there is something to fear and your dog will become anxious.
If you have been training your dog and it’s not working, ask someone to watch your or better still get a video and watch yourself. You’ll be amazed at how much effect slightly leaning forward or hands moving too fast can make on a dog’s training.
Sue Day is a dog behaviourist with experience in puppy training, dog agility, obedience, and re homing shelter dogs. Sue owns Messy Pawz Dog Training which advocates positive training methods. Sue has made a lot of information available for free on her website: http://www.messypawz.com
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