How to Communicate With Your Dog

Realize that dogs understand words. Although canines lack the necessary vocal chords to reproduce human speech, dogs do understand much of what you say. Treat your dog like a child learning a new word and point at the object or task and repeat the word frequently. If you gently push the dog into a sitting position and say “sit” enough times, your loyal friend will get the picture and start sitting on command.

Practice consistency. If you say “sit” one time, “down” another, and then “squat” yet another, your dog is likely to get confused. Be consistent in the words you teach your dog and in the ways you teach them. Because dogs read body language, accompany your commands with reliable actions. For example, point at the floor while saying, “sit.” This makes the message much clearer for your pet.

Provide rewards and discipline immediately. If your dog obeys a command, reward them with a treat right away. This will form a link in the dog’s mind between the behavior and its consequence. Likewise, if your dog does something naughty like eating your shoes or rummaging through the trashcan, discipline them immediately. If you clean up the mess first, and then say “no” and spank the dog, it is likely that the connection between the action and its consequence will be too far apart in the dog’s mind. Delay your response and the dog may believe your behaviors are nothing more than random actions.

Focus on simplicity and tone. Giving your dog a speech about how disappointed you are that it knocked over the trashcan is not likely to be very effective. A simple “no” is much better. Furthermore, your tone often says more than your words do. Make your discipline firm and your rewards pleasant by heightening your voice inflection. A wimpy “no” could be taken as a “yes,” and a harsh “fetch” may seem to your dog less like play and more like punishment.

Take time to listen. Remember that communication is a two-way street and that dogs have just as much to say to you as you do to them. For this reason, it’s important to learn your dog’s vocal and physical cues. Dogs growl as a warning, bark to get attention, scratch at doors to be let inside, and whimper when hurting or afraid.

Establish dominance. Aggressive dogs will approach with stiff legs, a raised tail and bared fangs. They will make direct eye contact and seek to intimidate their target by securing what they perceive to be their “territory.” Such behavior is never acceptable toward you or your family, and it could lead to attacks. Meet the dog with a firm stare and a firmer resolve. Once you assert your dominance, the dog will understand and allow you to “lead the pack.”

Open yourself up to playtime. Playful dogs will have a cheerful, non-threatening bark and may bring sticks or toys to you. Their body language is relaxed, usually accompanied by panting and wagging an energetic tail. Seize these opportunities and you’ll build a strong bond with your furry friend. In fact, there are several ways to initiate playtime yourself, such as smacking the floor, rolling on the ground or teasing your companion with a treat. Whatever the case, communicating with your dog is as much about listening as it is talking.