How To Communicate With Your Dog

What is communication with a dog?

Clear communication is the corner stone for the longevity of any healthy relationship, including the relationship we have with our dogs.

While it can be argued that spoken language is the common form of communication used throughout the world among humans, such is not the case with our dogs. Not only does your dog not speak English – nor will he ever -, he does not speak any other verbal language either. If we are fortunate, dogs learn that some sounds mean he should do something. Therefore, when we bring a new member into our family, the responsibility is on our shoulders to lay the foundation for healthy communication.

To make it simple, consider that our dogs have the capacity to be multilingual. Body, verbal, food, toy, collar, whistle and leash can all be considered languages of communication for dogs. Attempting to use all these languages at the same time sets up confusion not only for the owner, but more importantly, the dog.

Using Body Language

Dogs communicate with each other using body language very effectively. They are also constantly watching our body language for queues – sometimes queues we are not even aware of. Therefore, at Sit Means Sit Madison dog training, we initiate teaching communication without using any verbal commands. We use our body and integrate our SMS collar, treats, praise,toys and/or the leash as needed, to guide and create a desired physical movement. For most, this approach is counter intuitive, since generally folks assume – or act like – the dog speaks English, and then they start throwing out commands louder and faster, sending the dog into confusion all while yanking on the leash.

Don’t Speak Louder

The classic, “yell at the dog until he figures it out,” is the shortest route to confusion and the direct route to inconsistent compliance. This scenario is no different than someone yelling at you in a foreign language. Confusion and frustration show up quickly, followed by fear. This does not set a healthy stage for learning to take place for either you or your dog.

Some argue they need to yell at the dog because that is the only time he listens. That is because you finally got the dogs attention when you were yelling (there are easier and more effective ways to get his attention) and so he learned that sit was SIT!!! He now does not associate the sound of a soft sit with the action of sitting.

This last week at our group classes we conducted silent classes. It was great to see some dogs that have struggled to grasp a concept to finally get it. This happened because the owners had to use their body language to guide the dog and stop using confusing words the dog didn’t understand.

Attention is the Key to the Game

Teaching your dog a skill starts with gaining your dog’s attention. With our Sit Means Sit program there is no yelling, screaming or otherwise “hissy fits” involved to get your dog to learn. We build a line of communication in a planned progressive protocol. The progression is based on each dog’s capacity to demonstrate a level of comprehension of paying attention to the owner. Once the dog understands what is expected – to pay attention – then we begin with teaching a defined skill, followed by verbal marking. The initial skill set includes the commands “come” “sit” “place” and “break.” We can teach all these skills without a single word being spoken. Our deaf dog clients are usually the quickest to grasp this approach.

Try The Basics With Body Language Instead Of Words

By refreshing the importance of clear communication, it is our intention to shift your paradigm to the language of mutual understanding, so you can continue to teach your dog new skills. We would like to encourage all of you to check your communication style, and if need be, refresh your approach down to a whisper and go back to Sit Means Sit basics. Go ahead and dust off the place board, pull out the long leash and challenge yourself and your dog to go through the corner stone drill of Come-Place-Break. Then progressively add duration, distance, and distractions. Do all this to enhance your relationship and level of communication with your best four legged pal.