Teaching: Dog Commands

Basic dog commands used to train your dog

One of the important issue in training a dog is choosing a language (e.g., English, German dog commands, hand gestures) when teaching dog commands. Whether you're learning service dog commands, herding dog commands it is important to determine which method of communication works best for you and your pet.

Understanding your Dog's Natural Languages

Before attempting to train dog commands you should first become familiar with your dog's own languages. Dogs use a variety of vocalization and body language communication methods including barking, howling, whimpering, whining, growling, and movement of ears, eyes, tail, head, mouth, eyebrows, and entire body. Individual vocalizations or body gestures may have a variety of meanings on the basis of context. For example a wag of the tail may indicate excitement, playfulness, anticipation, happiness, tentativeness, uncertainty, submission, or anxiety depending on the situation. The following are some of the common methods of communication :

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Tail Movement

A highly held tail often indicates dominance or confidence, while a lowly held tail indicates submissiveness or insecurity. A bristled tail of ten means that the dog is prepared to defend itself or its position. Small slow wags indicate cautiousness while fast, large wags indicate happiness.

Ear Position

Erect ears indicate attentiveness while laid-back ears indicate fearfulness or negative emotions. Dogs with dropped ears such as Beagles have difficulty in communicating with other dogs in this manner.

Mouth Expressions

Yawning may indicate a variety of feelings including confusion, stress, sleepiness, or a desire to be left alone. Panting with relaxed lips and covered teeth indicates that the dog is happy or wishes to play. Snarling with retracted lips and exposed teeth indicates anger or aggressiveness. The body language should be kept in mind to determine the meaning of mouth gestures.

Eyes and Eyebrows

Eye and eyebrow movemen ts often mimic human's movements in terms of communication. Wide eyes and high brows indicate astonishment or surprise while lowered brows indicate anger or confusion.

Feet and Legs

Stampi ng of feet indicates excitement or a desire for attention.

Barking

Barks are used to communicate a variety of moods and needs. For example high pitched, repetitive, and atonal barks indicate stress or anxiety. Short, sharp barks indicate that the dog is in a playful mood. Researchers suggest that dogs may have different barks for other animals.

Growling

Growls may indicate playfulness or aggression based on context and characteristics. Soft, low-pitched growls often indicate anger or aggressiveness. Intense growls with covered teeth may often indicate playfulness.

Whines and Whimpers

Whines and whimpers may indicate excitement, pain, or fear depending on the situation.

Howling

Howls are used as long-distance communication to warn other dogs, keep strangers away, respond to loud nois es or alarms, or locate other dogs.

Human Speech

Some dogs are trained to mimic human speech, especially the ones with wide heads and short muzzles.

Common English and German Dog Comm ands

Although many people would rather take the easy route and train dog commands in English others choose to deliver basic dog commands in languages such as German. The German language is full of sharp, distinct sounds that quickly earn a dog's attention and respect. Some common commands in English (and German) include heel (fuss), sit (sitz), stay (bleib), down (platz), come (hier), stand (steh), fetch (bring), go out (voraus), let go (aus), speak (gib lout), crate (box), go outside (geh raus), go inside (geh rein), good (so ist brav), no (pfui), and eat (nimm). A variety of other commands are also used for dogs that provide special services (e.g., sight dogs, police canines).

Other Languages Used in Dog Training

Besides verbal commands, owners have the option of using other methods in communicating with their dogs. For example, whistling is a common way for an owner to call the dog or command the dog to complete a simple task. Hand gestures are another way for people to communicate with a pet. A wave may encourage a dog to approach or leave a person or place. Other gestures (e.g., holding a hand up) may indicate that the owner wants the dog to remain still or move in a particular manner. Clicker training is another method which involves rewards for preferred behavior. The scientific term for clicker training is "operant conditioning." This method of training allows the dog to form a positive association with appropriate responses to commands.

It is important for an owner to understand his dog as it is for the dog to understand its owner. Listen to your dog to determine his needs and preferred methods of communication. Types of training are diverse and may include anything from service dog commands to English or German dog commands.

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