Doggy Details
Doggies and People
Cats
Horses
Happy-Voice
Posted on February 19, 2010
These days I’m pretty lazy. I watch the Winter Olympics non stop. But after these two weeks are over I’ll be starting my own little Olympics in our backyard. I have about 30 painted PVC pipes drying in the garage and I cannot wait to assemble my new project. I think you’ll want to hear about. But not until next Friday… I need some time for pictures and stuff. So stay tuned.
For this week I have a little hint for your every day life and training with your dog. Something that I have to remind myself of quite often. And the super cool book I am reading right now reminded me of it again last night. (I’ll post a review once I’m done) How do you speak to your dog? How do you use your voice? Chances are you are like most people, the more frustrated you get the sterner and louder your voice gets. I am no different, and sometimes the circumstance (or dog) requires it. But in most cases it really leads nowhere, except to more frustration. And once I get into that agitated state it is hard to take a deep breath and step outside of the picture to evaluate yourself. However, I am a champ in seeing other peoples mistakes (and I’m not proud of it). So, when my husband gets more and more frustrated with a dog not walking on a leash or not coming I can observe a perfect example of what frustration and stern tones do to a dog. Mainly it is confusion, frustration or even fear. All I want to say then is “Use your happy-voice!” And as hard as it is, I think that is what we need to do: Take a deep breath, put on a smile and get back to the happy language we instictively use with babies and puppies. And we do so for a reason. Dogs as well as babies respond best to those high and happy tones.
(That reminds me of Mac’s first agility class… after I came home the only thing I could remember was a big group of adults talking excitedly in a very high voice… me included)
So remember, as hard as it sometimes seems, relax and have fun with your dog. Because as my favorite principle says: “If something goes wrong, always remember it’s your fault!” (~Silvia Trkman)
Leave a Comment
