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How we confuse our pups
We know the rules of human interaction, but we are considerably less
clear on how to communicate with our puppies. And since puppies don't
come with instructions attached (be nice if they did) our human-to-human
communication patterns, as baffling as they are to our puppies, are what
we fall back on. Word repetition, word inconsistency, using a
questioning tone and increasing frustration when we don't get the
expected results are human habits that are not helpful to our puppy's
learning process – in fact, they can slow learning down.
Repetition
With another person, we may repeat things when we don't get a response
the first time. "Excuse me? Excuse me?" is a typical example. However,
to a puppy, repetition is simply confusing. If you issue a command and
your pup doesn't respond, there are two possibilities. Your pup did not
hear you, which is rare, or your pup did not understand, which is
common. Repeating yourself to a pup who does not understand you only
confuses things further. Instead, be prepared to help your pup once you
say a command. This may mean guiding him into position physically, or
luring him with a treat or toy, and then rewarding him. There is no need
to get upset with your puppy if he doesn't understand. Remember, your
pup is not trying to be difficult.
Inconsistency
Pups only learn what we teach them. They don't understand words, so when
we say "sit" in one instance and "sit down" in another, and mean the
same thing, our puppies can become completely confused.
How about your expectations – are you consistent with them? Do you ever
say "sit" and not follow through? Do you ever say "sit" and, if your pup
lies down, you shrug and think, "Close enough." If you do this you're
not helping your puppy; you're just confusing him further. The clearer
your pup is about what you want and when you want it, the better.
Questioning
Humans mask commands to each other with questioning tones. "Honey," you
call your spouse, "Would you mind picking up some bread on your way
home?" That is polite. That is nice. That is confusing to pups who
understand tone better than words. A more effective approach is to state
a command as if you are giving directions. "Go down three blocks and
turn right," would be an appropriate tone for "pup, sit." That is calm,
clear and confident – perfect!
Frustration
When pups fail to understand our communication patterns we can become
frustrated with them, instead of with ourselves. Next time your pup does
not respond the way you hoped he would, ask yourself the following
questions: Was I clear? Have we practiced this many times (think dozens
of times) in a calm environment? Does he consistently respond in a calm
environment? What was my tone? How can I help him understand what I
want? How can I make it fun for him to respond?
Since you are the teacher, your pup reflects your teaching. If you are
unhappy with his response, look to ways you can help make things easier
for him to understand. Using training as a way to build on the positive
is an effective puppy-training strategy.
© 2008 Mars,
Incorporated and its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
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