Why Voice is Important When it Comes to Giving Dog Training Commands

Copyright (c) 2010 James Mahoney

When giving commands to a dog, a calm, firm, authoritative voice is consider to be most effective. Generally a dog will not respond well to hesitant, pleading voices, or certainly not to yelling, which to the dog sounds too much like threatening barking or scolding. It is also important that the word being used for the command, and the pitch of the voice always be consistent every time the command is delivered.

When you are first giving dog training commands to your dog you must realize that in order for your dog to take what you say seriously, you have to approach it seriously first. You should use an authoritative voice when giving commands to your dog as an authoritative voice is the most effective. Dog really do not respond well to yelling because it might sound like some kind of threatening sounding barking. They also will not respond very well if the voice sounds hesitant, or pleading. The word that is used for the command and the pitch of your voice be consistent every time you deliver the command. This way the dog will be able to learn what you mean.

You should make eye contact with your dog when you are teaching him with dog training commands, thereby making sure that you have gotten his attention. The auditory command should have his name in it (Sam, Sit!) Your voice should be of right tone and volume, and remember don't shout.

Speak the command clearly and in a firm voice, but in a slightly lower tone than what you would normally in normal conversations. Many experts think that lower voices are easier to hear, and that dogs listen best to deeper voices. Also by using a slightly deeper voice consistently in dog training commands causes it to be recognized by the dog as a "training voice", which can do a lot in helping to get your dog's attention in the future.

If you say the puppy's name before a giving any dog training commands, you can help ensure that your dog knows that a command is coming and that it is just for him, not other dogs, or children, or people. This way he will be more likely to pay attention.

You have to remember that because dogs hear a lot of human speech during the day that may have no relevance for them at all. This is important since you will find it is easy for them to disregard commands among all the voices they are hearing.

You must reward and or praise your dog in order to reinforce the dog training command when he performs the required action correctly. Doing this helps the dog to understand that he has done a good thing.

Dogs respond to a kind yet firm approach, and that includes voice and praise, along with proper firm corrections.

It must be remembered that many dogs are not trained with a voice command at all. Depending on what they are used for, they are taught to obey a combination of whistles and hand signals. For example deaf dogs are trained to obey visual signals only. Also there are obedience classes that teach hand signals for common commands in addition to certain voice signals. These voice signals are usually used in more quiet situations, at a distance, and in advanced dog obedience competitions.

Man and dog have been friends and companions forever. The behavior of your dog is the most important factor in determining how much you will enjoy your pet. Remember, that since all dogs have descended from pack animals, they learn first from their mother, then their littermates and in the role of adult pack member they will establish their behavior through their interactions with you.

Learning how to give dog training commands can guarantee good communication that will strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

About the Author

J. Mahoney is the owner of Dog Trainers Ideas.com. Just feel free to visit www.dogtrainersideas.com where you will find a resource providing you with advice on all aspects of dog training, house training and dog health.

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Dog Training Hand Signals

Is it better or worse to teach your dog hand signals instead of verbal?

My dog is a 7 mnth old Bichon/Moyen poodle, she takes much better to hand signals than verbal command. She knows a few sound commands like a whistle, kissy noises, tongue-clicking.

In your opinion, is it better or worse to train a dog in hand sign than verbal command?

I vote for "both" as well. If she responds better to hand signals, that can be your primary means of communicating, but you'll find that both verbal & hand signals come in handy in different situations.

One drawback of a hand signal is that they only work if the dog is looking at you. For this, you can teach a simple, audible "focus" command and still use hand signals for other behaviors. The focus command can be a word, a kissy noise, a tongue click, etc.....pick only one to use consistently, and teach her that it means "Focus on me". Then when you've got her focus, you can give her a hand signal command.

Also, keep in mind she's still a pup. Be patient with her. She'll get better & more consistent as she gets older. The next few months are usually the most difficult; this is the "adolescent" phase. Just like human teenagers, adolescent puppies will test their limits & try your patience, and will seemingly "forget" their training overnight sometimes. But if you keep working with her consistently, she'll get through this phase & you will see the fruits of your labor once she matures a bit!

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