No-No Bad Dog - Dogs Don't Understand English

"No! No! Bad Dog!" Those words have no meaning to a dog. The tone of voice that is used to utter the words tells the dog everything he needs to know. You can say, "No! No! Bad Dog" in an angry voice, and the dog realizes that you aren't pleased with him, but not because of the words that you are saying. On the other hand, you could utter the exact same words in a sweet and loving voice that says there is a scratch behind the ear coming, and the dog will wag his tail and grin from ear to ear. The WORDS mean nothing. The TONE means everything.

Dogs don't come into this world understanding the English language, or any other language, for that matter. They LEARN what certain words and certain gestures mean, but the one thing that all dogs understand, unless they're deaf, is the implication of the TONE of voice, and they understand body language.

That is why it is so important for people who are attending dog obedience classes or teaching their dogs obedience at home to learn to use an authoritative tone of voice and to use body language that is assertive and oozes confidence. The dog already understands tone and body language. You'll be teaching him the action that you want him to perform when you make certain sounds. He'll learn that when you make the sound "sit," he is supposed to drop his behind to the ground and assume a sitting position. He won't understand the word - but he will understand the sound, and he will certainly understand a tone that demands instant obedience.

When you are obedience training your dog, stand up straight - don't slump. Dogs take the slumping posture to mean weakness. When you give your dog a command, give the command in a strong and authoritative tone of voice. Do not ever request the dog to comply with a command with your tone of voice. Demand that the dog obey with the tone of your voice.

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