Raising A Well Mannered Mutt with Sallie Palmer

TALK TO YOUR DOG

The new record holder for the dog who knows the most word commands is a Border collie in Germany. This dog knows an impressive 200 different word commands. The dog also knows countless hand signals as well. I know you’re thinking…it’s a Border collie one of the smartest breeds of dog. But just think, if that dog can learn 200 words, your dog should at least be able to learn 50.

So talk to your dog. Your dog probably knows more words then you give him credit for. Do you find yourself spelling words like w-a-l-k or l-e-a-s-h, etc? Well use words to your advantage. Each time you want your dog to do something, consistently and clearly talk to your dog. Keep it simple and be patient.

When you put a collar or harness on your dog say “Get Dressed”. You may be surprised that your dog will start to put his head into the collar opening. When you want your dog to go outside say “Outside”. Do the same for going inside. If you offer your dog a treat each time, he will probably run to the door. If you want your dog to get into the car say “Load up”. After awhile your dog will probably jump into the car or truck on his own. I say “where’s Bobby” and then have Bobby call my dog and reward him. Now my dog will look for Bobby on command. Whenever your dog does recognize a word, you should praise him. This will encourage him to do it again and he will most likely think this is a new game.

I accidentally trained my dog, Skete, to find the cats by saying “where are the kitties?” and then searching for them. Now no matter where I am, if I say “where are the kitties?” Skete instantly goes into search mode until he finds one of the cats. I can do the same with his toys. I have a client who accidentally trained her dog to run to the front door and sit by repeatedly saying day after day “What do we do?” before she would put on the dogs leash and open the door. Another friend taught her dogs “This way “. When she would go hiking, her dogs would run ahead of her, way ahead of her. When she would turn onto another trail she’d yell “this way” and the dogs would stop, run back and turn onto the trail. It was amazing to watch three dogs turning onto the trail even when they couldn’t always see her.

Imagine what you can teach your pooch. Just remember, be patient, be persistent, make it fun and rewarding. Dog love to work, this could be an easy way to give them some chores.

 

Sallie Palmer is a member of the International Assoc. for Canine Professionals. She teaches private and group classes in the Ukiah and Willits area. For more information go to www.wellmanneredmutts.net

 

 

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