Dogs and language

Dog Vocabulary

 

The March 08 issue of National Geographic discusses the controversial subject of animal intelligence and discusses dogs' ability to learn and identify objects by name.  A Border Collie was reported to have a vocabulary of over 300 words!  Do not get a BC unless you are willing to devote time and energy to training.  Smart dog will become frustrated and destructive when they are not stimulated.  The easiest dog to train is NOT the smartest dog…it is the WILLING one. 

 

Any dog is capable of learning over 50 commands with proper guidance, although some stubborn breeds need more time and effort to reach this number.  Below are some suggestions:   

 

1. "Dog's name"
2. "Good boy/girl"
3. "No, phooey, tsh, eh" – any stop action command
4. "Sit"
5. "Stay"
6. "Down" – means lay down, not get down
7. "Heel" – walk by your side
8. "Come, here" – this takes about a year to train
9. "Kennel, crate, bed"
10. "Quiet, hush, enough"
11. "Off" – get off the counter or furniture
12. "Leave it"
13. "Place" – select a place for them to relax and stay
14. "Potty, hurry up, do it"
15. "Hup, up, load" – invites them into or onto a place
16. "Let's go" – a causal walk with no pulling
17. "Stand" – your groomer and Vet will love this
18. "Wait" - temporary stay
19. "Give paw" – good for wiping wet paws
20. "No bite"
21. "Free dog, okay, relax" – to release your dog from working
22. "Gentle, easy, take it" – dog can take food or toy
23. "Fetch, get it"
24. "Out, Give, drop, release"
25. "Find your truck, go for a ride" – may save your dog's live when loose in the park

 

An action must be paired with a command for an association to be established.  The average dog will learn a new command after repeating the pairing process 30-50 times, but it may take a stubborn dog 100 times to make the association. 

 

EXAMPLE:  The "sit."  Lure your dog's nose in the air with a toy or treat.  When the nose goes up, the butt goes down.  Say the command "sit" as the butt hits the floor.  REWARD within 1-2 seconds to reinforce the action.  Often people reward the wrong thing.  For instance:  You say, "sit."  Your dog sits, then slides into a "down."  You say "good boy."  What just happened?  You taught your dog to lay down with a sit command.  Proper timing is the hardest thing for people to learn. 

 

Positive reinforcement will increase your dog's desire to repeat the action.  Use a variety of rewards like praise, treats, or a toy.  Don't repeat commands.  Be fair.  Be Patient.  Be consistent.  Have FUN.  End training sessions on a positive exercise and a special treat. 

 

2008 Written by Susan Jakobs:  Owner of Midwest Canine Academy, Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  Visit www.dogbuilders.com or www.midwestcanineacademy.com  or call 815-590-8008