I know your dog is smart, and maybe even smarter than you. Dog owners unknowingly get into many bad habits. How dog owners use their voice inflection and body language impacts the dog’s response to them. Over time these habits can un-train your dog. Could you be conditioning your dog to tune you out?

Paws For A Minute™  Quick Tips for People Training

1. Use of words like “Uh,uh, uh!” can send a mixed signal to your dog.

Better to say the word “No!” to stop your dog from doing something wrong.

2. “Hey!”

Hay is for horses. What most dog owners mean to say instead of  the word “Hey!” is actually “No!” or “Come.” We often reference the word “Hey” to mean “Come back here!” or “Stop!” It is better to say the word “No” to stop your dog and then in a happy voice say the word “Come!” Try it and see what happens.

3. Repeating your dog’s name over and over in order to get his attention.

Using your pet’s name repeatedly in order to get his focus is a bad dog owner habit. This actually teaches your dog to tune you out! (Ask your spouse if this technique works) It’s better to use movement with praise to get your dogs attention. For example, use movement along with the phrase “Let’s go!” to get your dog to follow you. You don’t need to say your dog’s name first.

4. Trying to catch your dog or coaxing him to come creates the opposite effect.

Reaching out for your dog or trying to catch him will actually teach your pup to run away from you. Trying to snatch your dog or chasing him indicates play. Therefore, a game will start and so will your frustration. Try walking away from your dog and whistle, then he will follow you.

Bottom line: Training your dog formally (on a leash) and learning basic obedience commands is key. Then both you and your dog will be referring to the same language. Think first when wanting your dog to follow an action and be clear.