TAKE THE LEAD

The importance of clear communication in dog training.

Why Clear Communication Matters

When training your dog, think of yourself as a parent. Just like in raising children, an invested parent helps children understand what’s needed by giving clear instructions. For your dog, you are that advocator. Clear communication means telling your dog exactly what you want in a way they can understand. It’s about being consistent, just like using a red light to mean ‘stop’ every time.

When communication is clear. We thrive in learning and our relationships flourish as there is no anchoring frustrations or inconsistencies.

How It Helps the Handler

For you, the dog’s handler, clear communication can make training easier and more enjoyable. I had an opportunity once to work with a man who coined the phrasing “Dancing with Dogs”. It’s true When both you and your dog know the steps, you dance together smoothly. If you’re clear and consistent, your dog is less likely to get confused. This means less frustration for both of you and more fun times. 

There is nothing quite like running a leash out the end of your hand and knowing that your partnership through communication brings about success. Whether applied through verbal markers, leash pressure or otherwise, it is a pretty surreal feeling to communicate with an animal in this way.

How it Helps The Dog

In relationships, we value consistency and dependability. So too does your dog. Great communicators capture attention, beseech value and moreover, maintain an audience. Dogs thrive in the consistency of what is. They are only motivated by bettering their situation. If you give the map to find value, they will carve out the path to it.

The Power of Using Markers

Markers are like the gold stars you get in school for a job well done. They tell your dog, “Yes, that’s exactly what I wanted!” You can use a word like “Yes!” or a clicker, which is a small device that makes a clicking sound. The important thing is to use it the same way every time. Give your dog a treat after you mark the good behavior, and they’ll soon understand that the mark means they did something great. Markers also allow for human error and inconsistencies. They bridge a gap in time so that our reinforcer maintains its effectiveness. It’s a promissory note.

You wouldn’t mind waiting a few seconds for someone to write you a big fat cheque, would you? A marker is that promise.

Keeping It Simple and Fun

Remember, whether you’re a kid or an adult, learning is easier when it’s fun. Keep your training sessions short, sweet, and full of positivity. If you’re going to dance with your dog. Why not take the lead. First, Understand, then motivate and communicate.

Being clear helps the dog find its way to good behavior. For the handler, it’s a simple means of providing feedback. By using markers and keeping things upbeat, you and your dog can look forward to training time.

It’s not just about obedience or behaviour modification; it’s about building a friendship based on understanding and mutual respect.