Doggone Etiquette —

Time And Time Again

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

How many times are you told over and over again to do exactly the same thing? And how many times do you actually do it the first time you’re told? Or do you just ignore all those verbal commands until something really catches your attention – like “walk” or “dinner” or the sound of your very own cookie jar being opened. Then, of course, you are all bright eyes, ears up and tail wagging. Shame on you! Well, maybe you are off the hook on this one and it’s your VIPeople who are partly to blame.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Repetition is not just a two-way street. It’s a major highway when it comes to training a dog. We know that dogs learn through repetition, therefore trainers tell you always to use the exact same one-word command, and even the same tone of voice, if you expect to get the same desired result. That bit of instruction is fine for teaching the dogs, but people are, to say the least, verbal creatures, and the hardest part of that training for us is also the most important: it’s ONE WORD! We tend to be not only repetitive, but wordy, especially when talking to a dog that can’t talk back. It’s our talking that often causes our dog’s obedience to fall apart.

In obedience class you taught Rufus (or are still trying to teach him) to come when called with a one-word command such as “Come” or “Here.” You said it once and he was at your feet, but when you are not in school, be honest. How many times do you repeat that one word (along with a few choice expletives) when your dear dog does NOT come the first, second – or fifth – time? From the dog’s viewpoint, you have given him a choice where none should exist. In fact, you are actually teaching him (again, by repetition) that he can either come the first time you call – or not!

The decision to come or not to come is also up to the dog if you blew it just once by calling him to you in order to punish him, or to do something you know he is afraid of or just doesn’t like. (In those cases, you go to him – no command. Dogs have selectively good memories!)

How do you and your dog get along on walks? For instance, when Rufus is lagging a bit behind, you just say the word, “heel” and he doesn’t. So you follow it with, “Rufus, I told you to heel. What’s the matter with you? Why don’t you heel when I tell you?” During all this irate chatter, you are no doubt jerking on the leash. Poor Rufus! All he hears is repetitious verbal garbage. [Instead, stop, bring the dog up beside you, adding a warm “good dog” and then use that one-word “heel” AS you step forward.]  

Let’s say Rufus really misbehaves – digs up the roses, eats a corner of the couch, you name it! If (and only if) you catch him in the act, swift, non-physical, punishment is in order. Confined isolation, by the way, is a form of discipline most dogs understand. And ending isolation is where “repetition” is on your side. What you do next is very important. Release him from prison silently and without touching. Totally ignore the culprit. Ignore the nose bumping your leg for attention. Ignore the slowly wagging tail that says ‘I love you.’ Ignore the toy dumped in your lap, tempting you to forgive and forget. When you feel enough is enough, and depending on the extent of the canine crime, remain somewhat aloof – no cuddles, no games, no treats – for a wee bit longer.

Oh, and as I’ve said before, if you do not actually catch Rufus in the act of doing something really, really bad or destructive, put him in solitary confinement – and go stand under the shower until you have calmed down!

                            

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award last year.