The bond between humans and dogs is long-established and enduring. Over thousands of years, extraordinary things happen in this life-changing partnership. Despite the fact that the understanding between humans and dogs is high, our communication with our dogs can easily go astray.
Taking the time to work out efficacious communication strategies with your canine can make all the difference. Whether your canine is from a shelter or a breeder, a companion or working dog, remember that all dogs are unique individuals and their history might affect your communication approach. Here is our compilation of tips to enhance communication with your beloved pup.
Give Cue Command Once
We often have the habit of repeating commands, especially when we are eager that our canines jump right into action. This may result in your canine misinterpreting your command. Your dog can interpret that it is optional for them to comply at the first, second, and thereafter cue. It is therefore more effective to give cue words once so that your dog will understand that he should comply immediately at the first cue.
Acknowledge the Action
When your pooch successfully accomplished its mission, it is important to give it a signal as acknowledgment. The signal should be a consistent body gesture, verbal signal, or even a clicker. This would tell your dog what it did correctly and that it has earned its treat. One example is by saying “yes” each time your dog complied with your command. A hand signal like opening up your fist when your pooch is obedient is useful for a dog with hearing impairs. To motivate their compliance, offer them a treat within 1-3 seconds after your acknowledgment signal.
Add Hand and Body Gestures
Dogs are sharp at detecting and observing body language. Pairing a verbal cue with a hand signal or body gesture can ease your dog’s understanding of the command.
Use Alternatives to No
Instead of telling your dog no, a better way of communication would be to educate which behaviors are desirable. You can effectuate this by replacing no with another command. For example, if your dog gets excited and pops her nose on your pizza, say “Leave it!”.
Release From Action
Your dog needs to comprehend when the exercise has been completed. You can round up the exercise process by transmitting a release word to your canine. Upon hearing or sighting the signal of release word, your dog will understand that it is allowed to be free. The choice of the release word is important. Some dogs might be confused with words that are frequently used in daily conversation, such as “ok”. For example, when you are ready to release your dog from its sitting position, you can say “free”.
Progress Slowly
Be patient when it comes to training your dog, increasing the challenge progressively. Start with learning a skill in a quiet and familiar environment, such as your home. When your dog has mastered the skill at home, you may progress to practice the skill in the park.
Effective communication is not just about giving orders, it can deepen your human and dog bond and take away frustrations of communication blunders. Show your canine how you covet them to behave in the language they comprehend and be amazed by the results!