While we’re thinking about the words we’re using, dogs are watching us for the same visual signals they use to communicate with each other. Wolves have been observed to use 45 different movements as they interact socially. So if you want your dog to respond to your spoken commands, focus on how you use your voice to motivate your dog.
Follow these steps to use sound effectively to get your dog to do what you want him to do:
A. Number of Notes
Generally speaking, short, repeated notes encourage activity and single, long, low notes discourage it. For example, if you want your dog to come to you, use short, repeated notes to encourage her along. For instance, say her name twice and “Come.” Or, say “Where are you,” clap your hands and run away from her.
If you’re trying to stop or prevent activity, like a “Sit” or “Stay,” say it once. If your dog is chasing a squirrel, you don’t want to yell “Rosie, Rosie, Come!” after her; the repeated notes are only encouraging her activity. Blast out one short “No,” wait until she stops, then redirect her back to you with hand claps and repeated words.
To calm your dog in stressful situations, use one long, continuous note. Trainers of several different species of animals use this method to ease frightened or stressed animals. “Eeeeeeaaaaassy, boy” or “Goooooooooood dog” will go much further to soothe your dog than short, excited notes.
B. Pitch
Low pitches signify authority, confidence, threat and agression. High pitches usually indicate praise, excitement, immaturity and fear. So it is important to be conscious of what pitch your voice is at when working with your dog. If you want your dog to come to you, belting out a low-pitched “Come” like a drill sergeant will probably result in your dog, and everyone around you, stopping what they’re doing and just looking at you. Instead, use a high voice to excite your dog to coming to you. To get your dog to stop an activity or to have her Stay, practice saying “No” or “Stay” in a low, quiet voice. If she ignores your sweet pitch to come, change to a low “No” and follow it with the same sweet “Come” from before.
C. Pitch modulation
Use a flat, steady pitch to soothe an animal, and a changing pitch to excite them. In addition to use short, repeated notes to stimulate your dog, change the pitch as you say them: “Rosie, Rosie, COME!”
Only through consistent training will your dog reliably come to you. No amount of short, repeated words or low-pitched “No’s” are going to stop your dog from chasing the neighbor’s cat if you don’t give him a good reason to do so. But using your voice is a good tool.
Sources:
- McConnell, Patricia. The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. 2002. Random House.
