How Humans Communicate with Dogs

Question 1

One of the best ways for a human to communicate with a dog is during ________.

Answer 1

Play
Especially with things like verbal communication
Just like children, dogs are constantly learning when they are playing because they have to learn how to accept commmunication from their human companions

Question 2

What does it mean to “know the dog’s instincts” and what are some examples?

Answer 2

It means looking at what type of breed you have and learning about what they were meant to do
Herding dogs love chasing and fetching things
Hounds will stronger instincts to follow scent
Mixed breed dogs may have several different instincts
It doesnt matter what kind of dog, if you want to have the best communication possible, learn about their strongest instincts first. Once you know that, you can determine what type of play they like best and this is where they will have the best opportunity to learn

Question 3

How should you use the right tone of voice when working with dogs?

Answer 3

You can (and should) remain firm to keep the dogs attention but you should also make sure that your words are gentle and soft
Just as one might speak to a toddler

Question 4

How can you use positive reinforcements when working with dogs?

Answer 4

Small treats are quite helpful when learning to communicate with your dog (but you do not want to depend on them, they will become less effective)
Using instincts can serve you much better than treats (your dog will never forget its insticts)
The more you use this type of play with a dog, the more you and your praise will seve as positive reinforcement

Question 5

What are the two types of signals that dogs use to communicate and that you should try to follow?

Answer 5

Assertive and calming signals

Question 6

What are some examples of assertive signals you should use when working with your dog?

Answer 6

Use a low-pitched, calm tone and short words (Using a high-pitched voice can give the message that you are not in charge)
Use the same words for the same commands (EX if you want a dog to stay use only the command “stay” don’t also use “wait”, “don’t move” etc)
Stand tall, but not directly over dog (carry yourself like you are in control)
Consider acting “like a dog”, since dogs don’t have hands they don’t know a lot of hand movements (EX if you think a dog will jump up at you, instead of holding our your hands to say no, lean your body foreward and invade their space)

Question 7

What does it mean to be consistent with your vocal communication when working with a dog?

Answer 7

Pick a sound, when giving a command, and stick to it
If you are using a strong, firm voice to tell a dog to sit, you don’t want to use a sing-song voice the next time you tell the dog to sit

Question 8

How should your body language be when working with a dog?

Answer 8

You should keep your body language as even and relaxed as possible

Question 9

Why should you speak in a normal tone instead of one that is pleading, questioning or whiny?

Answer 9

The dog won’t respond well to these tones, they won’t acknowledge you or respect what you are saying

Question 10

Why should you never use an agressive/intimidating tone?

Answer 10

The dog will loose confidence, which is not helpful for cooperating and learning
Your dog is very capable of responding to you in a pleasant voice so there is no reason to make it any different

Question 11

Why is it important to make sure your demeanour matches what you are saying?

Answer 11

The dog will feel more appreciated which will lead to better communication

Question 12

Why is it important to be real with your dog and not try to fool them?

Answer 12

While you may think you can get away with it, you can never fool a dog you live with. They will know when you are being fake because they can read us much better than we can read them

Question 13

What is the point of all verbal communication with dogs?

Answer 13

It is to educate (not intimidate) and to only show love and acceptance

Question 14

What are some reasons to use hand signals with dogs?

Answer 14

Dogs have a superb ability to read body language, in fact its much easier for dogs to understand body language than verbal communication
If a dog is deaf, hand signals are the only way to communicate and allows the dog to learn the same commands as hearing dogs
If you live/work in areas where silence is necessary or you don’t want to be too loud
Using hand signals is fun?

Question 15

How to train a dog with hand signals?

Answer 15

1. Get the dogs attention (the dog must see you make the signal)
2. Give the signal
3. Follow training steps for the command that you are attempting to teach

Question 16

What should you avoid when training a dog to use hand signals?

Answer 16

Always train using hand signals alone, it can be confusing if you use both verbal and hand signals. Stick to one type fo training and then the other
When giving your dog a command always use the hand signal, then the verbal command

Question 17

How do you teach a dog to sit using hand signal?

Answer 17

Start out by showing the dog a treat and then draw it back towards the ears until they sit
Once the dog does this a couple of times, use the hand signal for sit
Hold your arm down with the palm facing the dog adn then bring your arm up to a 90 degree angle

Question 18

How do you teach a dog the command “down” using hand signals?

Answer 18

Have the dog sit and then take a small treat and lwoer it from the dogs nose to the floor, the dog should follow the treat and lay
Once the dog can do this well, bring the hand signal in
Hold your arm our towards the dog with the palm facing fown and then lower the entire arm

Question 19

How do you teach a dog to “stay”

Answer 19

Give the dog a treat and then give the signal, do this a few times
Then increase the time between giving treats
Raise your hand and hold your palm out facing away from you.Then hold the signal about or slightly above waist-high

Question 20

How does a dog view our body language?

Answer 20

Every motion, gesture and sound has a meaning
All of this can cause a positive or negative reaction, depending on the action
Dog’s watch their human companions very closely and interpret our actions

Question 21

If you learn forward and have your hadn towards the head of a dog that is submissive, how will they react?
How can you change your approach?

Answer 21

You will likely get a negative reaction, such as submissive urination
The dog is reading your actions as intimidating and dominant
You can chanage your approach to be non-threatening by crouching down to their level and bringing your hand to the chest first and then up to the head, you will get a positive reaction

Question 22

Why should you not go to pet a dogs head first?

Answer 22

Though we naturally go for the head of the dog, it is much better to go to the chest first, in order to avoid seeming dominant and intimidating

Question 23

What are the most common reasons a dog would refuse to come to you? How can you use your body language to help?

Answer 23

They see you as a threat or believe that they are in trouble
You can use body language to show them otherwise and they will come to you
Turn your back to the dog and crouch down (this is an invitation to come to you in “dog speak”)
You could also run away from them, they know running often means play. If the dog comes to you make sure you play with them as a reward

Question 24

What should you do when a dog has issues with yanking and pulling on the leash?

Answer 24

Everytime the dog pulls, change directions. This shows the dog (with your body language) that you are in control and that you make the rules

Question 25

Why is it important to maintain eye contact when training a dog?

Answer 25

It shows them that you are in charge and that they must pay attention to you

Question 26

How can you help a dog who has difficulties with maintaing eye contact?

Answer 26

Use a pointing gesture to paint at the dogs eyes and then your own
Or you can take a small treat and show the dog the treat and bring it up to your eyes

Question 27

When you are attempting to communicate with a dog, it is always a good idea to follow the _____ of a dog.

Answer 27

Cues, your dog will always watch you closely, to determine what you want them to do, so try to match the way your dog communicates with how you communicate with them

Question 28

The hand signal for sitting commandis holding the arm down with the palm facing the dog and then bringing your arm to a _____ degree angle.

Answer 28

90

Question 29

What is an example of a calming signal?

Answer 29

Higher pitched tones with a soothing voice, the opposite of hwo one should act when they are attempting to be asertive with their dog