Silence is Golden

It's no secret that I love to work with dogs. I enjoy watching them figure out problems, work to perform what they think I want, and I am continuously amazed at how they can adjust and adapt to their environment. Their human counterparts, better known as owners or pet parents, could learn a thing or two just by spending some time watching them.

Think about how little dogs "say" and yet they communicate among themselves quite clearly. They only use verbal communication, barking, when absolutely necessary. Even confrontations can be solved without verbal communication. A subtle lift of the lips, a change in ear position, or tensing of the muscles can clearly say "back off" without even so much as a sound!

When I work with a dog I always observe his body language first. I wait to see if he will offer me attention, often without making a sound to cue any particular behavior. When I teach a new behavior I rarely give a verbal cue, preferring to wait until I have the behavior first, then building an association between the new learned behavior and the human word. After all it is the human who needs to call the behavior something. A simple hand motion (signal) or body language cue and the dog understands what I want. 

My vocabulary when working with dogs is often quite limited. I use "yes" to mark behaviors I want, praise in a happy tone when I want to maintain attention especially when moving or teaching walking skills. I sometimes use an "oops" cue but more often than not I let my actions tell the dog he is wrong. My students are always amazed at how much focus I get from even an aroused or excited dog. Noted trainer and German shepherd breeder Suzanne Clothier calls this "connection." 

When we are connected we can learn from each other. When connected we move together. Dogs connected to their person ask for permission instead of pulling toward what they want. Owners connected to their dog recognize what the dog needs, and they know how their dog can earn it. They also know how to "pay" their dog, recognizing the behaviors that need a jackpot of rewards, and those that a simple smile or "yes" will suffice.

The disconnect often occurs when the human uses his mouth instead of his brain and body. Owners verbally ramble, repeat the dog's name or commands over and over, often raising their voice as if the dog was deaf. They keep walking forward as their dog pulls towards other dogs or people, instead of standing still, waiting for the dog to reconnect. They complain about their dog's behavior, or worse yet make excuses, instead of committing the time to train. Then they reach for punishment based tools and techniques out of frustration.

Try not talking to your Pug. Just stand there in the room with him. And wait. Be patient. Then reward him when he looks at you. Pet him, tell him what a good dog he is. Treat him, then stand quietly and wait for his response. You might be surprised at how connected you become. 

Silence is golden. Body language speaks volumes! Especially when you are a Pug!