More thorough understanding of human communication takes a while. For example, a hug will show your dog that you are pleased or proud, and a straight upright posture shows that you are boss! How do I create word associations for my dog? Regardless of gender or age, all pet parents should be ready to back up their words with actions. Women and children, on the other hand, often have to lower the tone of their voice and raise the volume to sound firm and authoritative. They may have to consciously raise their pitch to communicate a positive message. Men often have lower pitches that sound firm and commanding. The differences in human tones and volumes affect how dogs respond to their owners. Does gender matter when it comes to vocal commands? Even young children can feel confident and in control when utilizing proper vocal tone and volume. Voice commands also cross the size barrier and allow a tiny person to control an enormous dog. Verbal commands will be the primary method while you train your dog with hand signals or other non-verbal cues if you are working on obedience or other dog sports such as agility. A quick call out the back door should produce a dog running toward the sound of your voice. Good verbal communication also allows you to control your dog when you can not see him. This is critical in times of emergency when your dog may not be facing you, but needs to hear an important command. The advantage of verbal communication is that your dog does not have to see you to know what you want of him. Pet parents want their dogs to mind them.
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When approaching traffic, your dog should freeze when you shout, “Stop!” Why is vocal communication so important? If you overuse this tone, it loses its effect. Use this tone only in emergencies when you want your dog to stop in his tracks. Caution – (high volume and high or low pitch) When faced with a dangerous situation, a sudden command will get your dog’s immediate attention. Even though you are still your dog’s best friend, he respects this tone of voice and realizes that he had better listen now! If you say, “Stay”, he should do just that.ĥ. Firm (low volume and low pitch) Commands or corrections given with a firm tone get a dog’s attention. Saying “Sweet pup” when petting your dog tells him that you really love him.Ĥ. Think of how you sound when trying to comfort a baby. Soft and reassuring (low volume, high pitch) – A soothing tone of voice expresses affection and caring and is often used when bonding with your dog. Likewise, he will soon learn that “Not nice” means he should not chew your slippers.ģ. Your dog may respond by lowering his head and tail. Disappointed (low volume, low pitch) – This tone of voice commands attention, especially when accompanied by a frown and tells your dog that you disapprove of a particular behavior. “Good dog!” will tell him he really did “good” when he fetched the morning paper.Ģ. And he will learn to associate a particular behavior with a happy owner. Your dog may respond by perking his ears or wagging his tail. Speaking to your dog in a cheerful voice will tell him that you are proud of his behavior or that you want to play. Cheerful (high volume, high pitch) – Cheerful tones often sound silly and playful. Here is what your dog understands when you change the tone of voice:ġ. There are five common distinguishing tones used in dog training. You can whisper, speak softly, talk at a conversational volume, or outright shout! The differences in intonation are a little more subtle. What volumes and tones can a dog distinguish?ĭistinguishing volume is fairly simple for people and dogs alike. Similarly, your dog detects tonal changes from happy to demanding, or sad to cheerful. For example, if you speak at a regular volume, then suddenly shout, your dog will know that something is up and he should pay attention. Dogs respond to certain intonations and volumes, regardless of what is being said. If your volume changes from soft to loud, he will pick up on that, too. If your tone reflects pleasure, love, sadness, disappointment, or worry, your dog will pick up on it. It is not what you say, but how you say it that sends him the desired message. What does my dog hear when I speak to him?īefore he learns word associations, your dog hears “yadda, yadda, yadda” when you speak to him. The same also holds true when communicating with your dog. Nonverbal cues are essential to effective communication with other people.
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Sometimes it’s not what we say, but how we say it that resonates in interpersonal communications.