Control

In order to maintain control over the dog, it is imperative to have deep understanding of the pack structure and the body language of the dog. Though dogs seem to understand what we say, in reality dogs do not have an inkling of what we are saying. The only way dogs comprehend what we say to them is through our tone of voice. Dogs act according to the meaning they associate with certain words which depends on how we deliver them. It should be kept in mind that dogs only attach one meaning to one word even though there may be multiple words meaning the same thing. For instance, “Come”, “Come here” and “Aija” all mean the same thing. However, for the dog, all these words have different meanings and using synonyms will only confuse the dog. So, to make your dogs’ lives easier, the entire family should use the same words to address the dog, preferably 1-2 syllabic words.

While in training, it is important to keep in mind that the command much be as short as 2 seconds. Since it takes a great amount of time for dogs to associate the tone of your voice with the command, while practicing, try to manipulate the dog with food rewards. Once a dog is familiar with a particular command keep practicing it on a daily basis. To introduce a new command, give the new command only 2 seconds and practice older ones. Increase the time allotted for the new command slowly while still practicing the old one.
Be cautious not to make any mistakes in this duration. For instance, it your dog only sits after you repeat the “sit” command three times then it does not mean that it has finally learnt it after three attempts. For the dog, it means that it has to sit only after you command it to sit thrice.

Voice control

Since dogs’ action depends largely on the tone of your voice, it is a matter a grave importance to learn to use your voice correctly. There are basically three tones used for training:

• Command voice

Command voice as you may have guessed is using firm and commanding tone. It is important to keep in mind that you have to “tell” the dog what to do, not “ask” it. Use a bold and assertive voice because a dog can easily ignore commands delivered in quiet and ineffective tone.

• Reprimand or discipline voice

In order to discourage your dog from doing something wrong, growl if can. Phrases such “Bad dog”, “No” and “Uh-uh” are also amongst other options. Instead of shouting, deliver your reprimands with severe crossness. Shouting and reprimanding your dog when you are angry will only further confuse your dog and may also disrupt a good amount of work done in the obedience training.

• Happy and joyful voice

Light, breezy and pleasant voice should be used to praise for dog. Always praise your dog by saying “good dog”, “well done” or “what a great dog” when your dog has done something nice or complying with your commands.

Reprimands
If you see your good chewing on your brand new shoes, then it is important to teach it that what it is doing is wrong since dogs do not have the innate ability to differentiate what is valuable and what is not. In order to so, you don’t necessarily have to be cruel. Though ignoring your dog for while as soon as it does something wrong may be a good idea, it is a solution which requires 24 hours commitment as it requires you to keep an constant eye on your dog so that whenever it does something wrong, you ignore it. An easier way is to actually try to emulate its mother which is very much effective. A bitch, when correcting her pup for its wrongdoing, will take the scruff of the puppy’s neck in her jaw and shake the puppy mildly or severely depending on the degree of seriousness of its wrongdoing. You should do the same. In case your dog is older follow the same method but instead of taking the dog by the scruff of the neck, grab it by the either side of the jowl and maintaining eye contact, shake it and say “No” at the same time. If you have a dominant dog then you may have to put the dog in a dropped position and stand over it.
In order for reprimands to be effective, you must issue it instantly as dogs do not think about things for a prolonged period of time. If you are even a minute late in reprimanding the dog, it will not understand what it is being reprimanded for.
It is essential for trainers as well as owners not to physically abuse dogs. Hands should only be used for petting and praising- not for hitting.

Praise
Like reprimands, praise must also be instantaneous so that the dog understands for what it is being praised. Always acclaim your dog when it has earned it as lack of praise and enthusiasm from the dog handler will actually result in a very lethargic and uninterested dog. Saying “Good dog” in a light voice or giving a nice tickle under the chin when it has done something praiseworthy will always delight the dog and encourage it to do that thing again as it feels it will be rewarded for doing so. If you have an excitable dog then it is better to put your hands off it because any body contact will only lead to additional jumping up or nipping problems. It is not contradictory to praise instantly after reprimanding. For example, you can reprimand your dog for chewing on the table leg, command it to “leave” and “sit”. If is complies to your command then praise it at it will associate sitting with receiving reward from the owner.