 |
The Invisible Command: How You May Be Sabotaging Your Dog Training Efforts
Author: Adam Katz | Posted: 15-05-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 134 | 
I was sitting in the waiting room of my local HMO with a sinus infection and happened to pick up the recent issue of Outdoor Life magazine. Actually, it was the only thing to read, but that didn't bother me as most hunting publications usually include at least one article on dog training.
I was lucky, as this month's dog training article was interesting enough for me to tie into this week's e-zine issue.
On page 36, sandwiched between the 'Professional Bass Tournament'article and the "His camo-painted truck and 'Kiss My Bass' bumper sticker are the only endorsements you'll ever need" advertisement, I found a story by veteran dog man, Larry Mueller.
Mueller recants meeting 82 year-old James Evans, of Naruna, Va. who owned an 11 year-old Lab-weimaraner cross that could allegedly multiply numbers!!!
Mueller states that, "Evans decided to teach [his] dog to count to 10... 'What's the first number?' One bark. 'What comes after one?' Two barks. And so on. [His] dog counted backward, too, in addition to correctly answering what comes before or after any number not exceeding 10."
As a professional dog trainer, I hear amazing stories like this all the time. The only problems is that upon further investigation... they NEVER turn out to be true.
Mueller writes, "Evans began to suspect that [the] dog was reading his mind."
However, anyone who has studied the dog's mind (and canine behavior in general) knows that:
1.) Dogs can't read our mind. They read our body language.
2.) Dogs can't do math. Especially multiplication.
Mueller must have come to the same conclusion as I did, because he decided to review several video tapes of Evans and his dog performing their multiplication trick. But it wasn't until he actually met with Evans that he was able to ascertain how the dog was figuring out the math problems.
"All I knew for sure was that James Evans was no trickster trying to deceive the public for gain," and that the old man had wanted to know how the dog did it, as much as anyone.
Mueller continues, "I studied the video tape and recognized that the word, ' What's ' could be the cue to start barking. I thought the signal to stop might be Evans withdrawing his hand from his pocket with a kibble reward. But it didn't correlate, so I asked Evans if I could rig something to tell us the approximate location of the cue, if there was one."
To make a long story longer, Mueller found that when the dog could not see Evans, he stopped getting the answers right! After further study, Mueller noted, "I noticed an almost imperceptible twitch-- a reflex action like a blink occurring without conscious thought... I asked Evans to stand motionless. He found it difficult, and [his] dog's barks in answer to his questions [became] random." When Evans wasn't allowed to subconsciously cue the dog, the dog was no longer able to come up with the correct answers.
In sum, the dog was relying on his owner for the answers. Which, in and of itself is a pretty impressive feat, even if it isn't comparable to knowing your multiplication tables!
Here's two examples that probably apply to your daily training:
1.) Many owners tend to start bending over before telling their dog the, "Down" command. Because of this, the dog starts to cue off the owner's body language (just as Evan's dog did) and lays down anytime the owner bends over... but not if the owner stands up straight and issues the command!
Solution: Always give the command FIRST, before bending over and making the dog do it. This way, the dog will link the behavior with the command, rather than with your body language.
2.) Amateur handlers tend to tell their dog "Heel," and then walk with their shoulders angled back towards their dog, so that they can look at their dog while they're walking.
The problem with this is that the dog reads your body language and attempts to align himself with your shoulders, thus lagging behind the owner, rather than walking in the heel position (aligned with your left heal.)
Solution: Keep both shoulders straight forward as you walk. If you need to look at your dog (you should)... cock your head, without angling your shoulders. This will keep your dog lined up right alongside you.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam
Rate this Article:
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/the-invisible-command-how-you-may-be-sabotaging-your-dog-training-efforts-28074.html
About the Author:Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History." Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog" when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
How To Stop Fence Jumping
By: Adam Katz | 09/05/2006 | Pets
Basically, the dog needs to associate a negative experience with jumping up on the fence. But, this negative experience must have three things going for it. First, the negative must happen right as he is jumping up on the fence.
Leaving A Puppy Loose In The House
By: Adam Katz | 10/07/2006 | Automotive
Hi Adam, I purchased your book, and have made huge progress with my 6 month chocolate puppy (Kava). (To read about the book she's referring to please see http://www.dogproblems.com/newvideos.htm) Kava is a good dog, very smart, and basically obedient.
Can't Get Motivational Correction With Pinch Collar
By: Adam Katz | 15/07/2006 | Automotive
Judy writes: "I have a 6 month old Great Dane that I bought a pinch collar to stop bad habits (nipping, jumping up). This worked great for about one week but now it is very difficult to give a 'motivational' correction.
Do you Make These Mistakes When Walking your Dog?
By: Lisa Nobles | 22/01/2008 | Pets
Learn a few tips for getting your dog to walk better. Stop being taken for a walk and start being the walker!
What Andy Griffith Can Teach You About Dog Training
By: Adam Katz | 15/06/2006 | Automotive
Some people get worried and excited when their dog is off-leash and he's done something that requires you to correct him.
Boundary And Perimeter Training For A Wandering Collie
By: Adam Katz | 17/07/2006 | Automotive
Dear Adam: Hello! I only bought your book a few days ago but have read it cover to cover and reread certain things all the time. (To read about the book she's talking about, please take a look at http://www.dogproblems.com/newvideos.
Are You An Animal Lover
By: John Savage | 28/08/2006 | Pets
Some people seem to run a zoo from their home, but other people have nothing to do with animals.
Teaching Your Dog To Walk On A Leash Properly
By: Lisa Nobles | 31/01/2008 | Pets
If you've ever been to the dog park and watched some owners walk their dogs, it's hard to determine who is walking who. To make your walk times enjoyable for both you, as the owner and your dog, proper leash walking is imperative. And now you don't have to just...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we do if a SPCA member is not following up the Dog Act?
By: Sahigo | 17-05-2008
What should we do if a SPCA member is not following the rules and regulation of Dog Act? the SPCA members keep stray docs as well as a pet dog. We tried to speak to them but the SPCA member had filled complaint against us in court stating that we bit the stray gods. please reply on my mail ID sahigo@yahoo.com
My 3 lb yorkie has a probin his ears, it looks ...
By: earlybird58 | 14-05-2008
my 3 lb yorkie has a probin his ears, it looks like there are a bunch of scabs forming in his ear, can anyone tell me what this could be, and how to treat it
What is a proven product to keep my dog out of my ...
By: ginger's mom | 14-05-2008
What is a proven product to keep my dog out of my flower bed?
My dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but ...
By: silverrunt | 13-05-2008
my dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but my ferrets would rather play whith each other . what do i do ? PLAY as in puppy play .
I am thinking of purchisin a new cage for my ...
By: ilovecookies | 12-05-2008
I am thinking of purchisin a new cage for my cokcatiel. Is this cage suitable for 1? http://www.amazon.com/Brand-Cages-17x12x47-Stand-1704AS/dp/B0006FMVA6/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1210617791&sr=1-25
Dogs Disobedient When Together, Angels Rest of the Time.
By: ftsisthebest | 12-05-2008
My two dogs are really obedient when they are apart, but absolutely unmanageable when together. We've started taking them on separate walks and leashing them at all times, even though we live in the country. If we're walking and one of the Boston Terriers is alone with us, a car can drive by and they will heel. If we have both dogs out together and a car drives past, they will chase it at top speed until they can no longer see it, and not heed our "stay" or "come" commands at all.
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Automotive Articles
Personalised Number Plates - Where Did It All Start?
By: Jayne Henry | 16/05/2008
Personalised number plates mean different things to different people. Some are content to have the anonymity of a standard plate while others like to flaunt it with their initials, a nickname or even something a little racier. You may think that number plates are a recent invention but even as...
Matchbox Jeep
By: Ieuan Knox | 16/05/2008
Being an only child has its benefits. I always remember Christmas being a particularly good time of year with lots of presents and no-one pestering me to play with them. Without doubt, the most coveted moment in my childhood was unwrapping a brand new, shiny toy car. Quite how pushing...
Why The Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion Could Save The Planet
By: Jake Delur | 16/05/2008
With global warming threatening to warm up our shores to the extent that we'll live in a Mediterranean climate, I went out and bought some baking oil to help top up my suntan. The idea of sitting out on Christmas day sipping on my Pina Colada by the swimming pool...
Ins And Outs Of Auto Finance
By: Christina Costa | 16/05/2008
There are several ways of saving money on your next car loan. The easiest research you can do is right from your own computer. By using the Internet, you might find that often times the best financing comes from non-franchise, independent financing companies.
Usually they will offer the better deal to...
Negotiate The Best Auto Purchase
By: Christina Costa | 15/05/2008
The first thing to keep in mind if you plan on financing your new automobile is that the dealer's offer is not necessarily the best loan available. If you establish direct contact with lenders, especially via the Internet that is where you will find the lowest rates.
Buying a car is...
Auto Warranties
By: Christina Costa | 15/05/2008
There are a few things to consider before purchasing an extended or new car warranty. Car buyers often make the mistake of purchasing warranties that they know very little about.
Before making that decision, it is important to understand the warranty and what value it has for you. An extended automobile...
Pros And Cons Of Buying Or Leasing A Car
By: Christina Costa | 15/05/2008
When making the decision between buying or leasing a car, some consumers find themselves in a state of confusion. There are factors to take into consideration and pros and cons that come with each option.
If find yourself without a large down payment, then leasing might be the better choice. Most...
China Car GPS is Your First Choice
By: Angulo Fu | 14/05/2008
In recent times there has been some great progress made in the technology behind GPS or global positioning satellites, and now this exciting technology is freely accessible even to the members of the general public. Currently there are many uses for GPS, this article will be mainly focusing on the benefits of having an in car GPS.
More from Adam Katz
When Is Dog Reliable Off Leash
By: Adam Katz | 22/07/2006 | Automotive
Dear Adam: My name is Diane and I have a German Shepherd named Ajax. I have watched your video over and over again on having your dog come every time you call him. I have done all you have said (believe me, I'm a fan of yours now).
What Dog Breed I Recommend To My Friends
By: Adam Katz | 22/07/2006 | Automotive
To recommend a good dog breed to someone, you need to know two things: 1. You must have an in-depth and personal experience with many different breeds. And more specifically, you must have multiple experiences with each breed.
What You Need To Know When Picking A Puppy
By: Adam Katz | 22/07/2006 | Automotive
This was a last minute e-mail I sent to a friend in California, who contacted me only a few hours befote she was leaving to pick a puppy from a breeder she's been researching.
Should There Be A Primary Dog Trainer In Your Household
By: Adam Katz | 22/07/2006 | Automotive
Hi, My name is Greg Williams and I just received your book and videos yesterday. I've read almost all of the book and watched all the videos. [To read about the book and videos that he's referring to, please take a look at http://www.dogproblems.
Dog Barks Continuously While Owners Eat
By: Adam Katz | 20/07/2006 | Automotive
Dear Mr. Katz, I have a two year-old female Boxer named Amber and a six year-old female St. Bernard named Crystal. My question is regarding the Boxer, Amber.
Training Around Distractions
By: Adam Katz | 20/07/2006 | Automotive
Dear Adam: I have eventually received your book and cassettes. The post office apologized for the delay caused by a petrol shortage over here. Your book was worth waiting for and I hope to action some of your advice.
German Shepherd Whines When Left In Kennel
By: Adam Katz | 19/07/2006 | Automotive
Dear Mr. Katz: I have a 6 month old German Shepherd named Thor. Having read your book, I applied your techniques to him and he responded very quickly, to my surprise! He is quite good at a sit-stay and down-stay now, which is very, very useful.
How To Let Your Dog Enjoy Family Time
By: Adam Katz | 19/07/2006 | Automotive
Dear Adam, I adopted a 1 year-old female dog about a year ago. I have 2 cats who grew up with dogs and like dogs.
|
|
Automotive 
