Traveller and the Toy

Training Tip #2

Dogs CAN learn English, but only if it is taught to them one word at a time. When you were taught a foreign language in school you were basically given a list of words and their meanings. You would study and learn one word at a time. Eventually you learned that "Hola" meant hello and "Adios" meant goodbye. Dogs learn in much the same way, with repetition and consistency. Think about the easy things dogs are taught, they are all one word: Sit, Stay, Come, Fetch.... with enough repetition you can teach your dog any word. Eventually you can even form a full sentence with the one key word the dog has learned and he will completely understand.
For instance teach your dog the word "walk". In time you can say "Gus do you want to go for a WALK?". He will understand that sentence due to that one key word.

Had the pleasure of meeting the neighbors new dog up close and personal tonight. He is a cute little guy about 2. He needs a little training but he is a very smart dog. He will learn quickly. Traveller(my dog) has been obsessed with him through the fence for a few months now. He was finally able to play with him and they had a great time. Gus (the new dog) gave me the idea to blog about training tips.
So here goes: These are tips I have learned myself through my day to day observations of the dogs I care for.
Tip 1 - Dogs learn through consistency and repetition. Example: If you are teaching your dog to get OFF the couch. Consistently remind him every time he gets on the couch to get OFF. Consistently use the same word OFF. Do not mix it with other words such as : Gus get OFF the couch. The word OFF will get lost in the mumble jumble of the human language. Simply walk over to him and say "OFF". If he doesn't get off the couch gently assist him but do not pull him off the couch. Assist him so he can make the decision himself to get off the couch. With repetition you will soon be able to get him off the couch with a friendly reminder from across the room.