The Invisible Command How You May Be Sabotaging Your Dog Training Efforts
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
The Invisible Command: How You Might Be Undermining Your Dog Training
Summary
While waiting at my local HMO with a sinus infection, I picked up the latest issue of Outdoor Life magazine. To my delight, it featured an article on dog training that resonated with me, providing a perfect topic for this week’s e-zine.
The Article
On page 36, tucked between advertisements and fishing stories, was a piece by dog expert Larry Mueller. He recounted an intriguing encounter with James Evans from Naruna, Virginia, and his remarkable 11-year-old Lab-Weimaraner mix, claimed to perform multiplication!
Mueller described how Evans taught his dog to count by barking in response to questions about numbers. This incredible tale seemed too good to be true, and as a professional dog trainer, I’ve heard many similar stories that often unravel upon closer inspection.
Understanding Canine Behavior
Mueller shared, “Evans began to suspect that his dog was reading his mind.” However, those familiar with canine behavior know:
1. Dogs can't read minds but are adept at interpreting body language.
2. Dogs aren't mathematically inclined, especially not with multiplication.
Mueller, intrigued, decided to scrutinize videotapes of the so-called multiplication trick. He eventually discovered the truth when he observed Evans and his dog in person.
The Real Explanation
Mueller realized that certain subtle cues from Evans were prompting the dog’s responses. In his investigation, he noticed an imperceptible twitch in Evans’ body that acted as a signal for the dog.
When Evans was motionless or not visible, the dog’s responses became random, revealing that the dog was interpreting unconscious physical cues rather than solving math problems.
Lessons for Everyday Training
This story offers valuable insights for daily dog training:
1. The "Down" Command: Many owners unconsciously bend over before saying "Down," which cues the dog to respond to body language rather than the verbal command.
Solution: Always give the command before any body movement to establish a clear verbal link.
2. The "Heel" Command: Some handlers angle their shoulders back to keep an eye on their dog, causing the dog to lag behind instead of heeling properly.
Solution: Keep shoulders straight and, if needed, turn your head slightly to watch the dog without changing shoulder alignment.
These simple adjustments ensure your dog associates the right behavior with the correct commands, not your inadvertent gestures.
That’s all for now!
Adam
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Invisible Command How You May Be Sabotaging Your Dog Training Efforts.
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