Training: Body Language Matters

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

08 Feb 2007 08:07 AM

My dog Moose was surrendered to a shelter because he was "too stubborn". This says to me that maybe his family didn't take enough time in training him, but then stubbornness is a stupid reason to dump a dog into a shelter, if you ask me. I'll admit, Moose is not the brightest dog in the bunch. It's taken me a while (we just had our three year anniversary together last month) to learn what works and what doesn't if I want Mr. Moose to listen.

Obedience training needs three things from you to line up: your tone of voice, your hand gestures, and your body language or posture. The words you say aren't as important as how you say them -- though the consistency is useful.

For Moose, the most important thing seems to be my body language. He's notorious for taking his time out in the yard very late at night. Coaxing him in doesn't really work. Getting mad doesn't really work. What he seems to respond to best is this: I say, "Moose! Let's go!" in a commanding voice. I slap my leg. Then, I turn and walk inside without looking back. Nine times out of ten, he comes trotting along after me. If he doesn't come along, it's often because I'm still standing outside, shivering and watching him.

Dogs are sensitive to your expression, your mood, and eye contact. If you crouch down (a playful body language), smile, and use a sweet, happy voice to tell your dog that he's a rotten stinkbomb, he's going to come to you with wags and kisses. It doesn't matter what you say, it's how you say it.

If you want your dog to really listen, check your posture. Standing straight with your shoulders back is a very commanding presence; crouching down to your dog's level is not. Make sure your posture matches your expression and tone of voice, and your dog will get a better idea of what you're asking of him.

More helpful training tips.

How to use training disks.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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