I find that the non-aversive punishment technique that I described in my last blog works even better if you signal to the dog the relative urgency and importance of your instructions.
Most of the time, especially around the house, we ask our dogs to do things… and sometimes they do, sometimes they do eventually, and sometimes they don’t. For example, just last night, I instructed all three dogs to get up and go out for a last-chance pee and all three dogs remained where they were. Hugo and Dune hunkered down into the couch and Claude remained motionless in his big armchair. His eyes were open and he was looking right at me but I could see that he had absolutely no intention of moving a muscle. In fact, my dogs ignore me a lot of the time. But this is perfectly OK because I don’t want the dog on alert 24/7. I want the dogs to be able to relax at home most of the time, BUT, just very occasionally I want an immediate and reliable response. So, I have developed an extremely effective Dog Control System — I call it DogConSys and for the most part we have two levels, DogCon 1 and DogCon 2 .
Most of the time we live at DogCon2 and I call the dogs by their informal names, Hugie, Dunie (or, Dunie Baby) and Claude. When I use these names plus requests like “Come’ere”, “Come along”, “Settle down”, or chill, they know that my instructions are merely suggestions, or invitations. Yes, it would be cool if they responded but on the other hand, it’s perfectly fine if they don’t. This is our home, not a military boot-camp. On the few occasions when I really want my dogs to comply promptly and reliably, I immediately shift to DogCon1 and use the dogs formal names, which basically mean: “Hey good buddy, listen to the next word, it’s a must-do instruction for you.” They have learned that when we are on DogCon1 alert, I will always follow up.
Having a two-tiered command system allows both you and the dog to relax most of the time. The dog knows he only has to pay absolute attention whenever you use his formal name. And you know that you only have to be absolutely consistent in training when giving commands using the dog’s formal name. However, when you use the dog’s formal name, you must ALWAYS follow up.
This system also works well with family members, especially children and spouses. All you have to do is change their name, for example from Jamie to James, and they know that you require immediate attention and compliance.
So, back to last night. I knew that both Hugo and Claude definitely had to go and so I said, “Hugo Louis, Let’s go pee” and “Claude Hopper Dupree, Outside”. On hearing their formal names, both dogs jumped up and headed toward the front door. Even Dune came along for the ride. (He never likes to miss Hugo peeing. Weird, I know… but hey, it keeps him off the streets.)
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This is a great thing to post.
It's so healthy to hear from a dog trainer that he isn't always "on" with his dogs. This is such a great post, because I wonder if people don't put trainers on a pedestal and think their dogs always do exactly what they want, at their slightest whim. You paint a much more realistic picture of dogs often just doing what they want to do, even to the point of ignoring you.
I think this is a good message to send, because in day to day life, you always run into these situations where you kind of want to do something, but your dog doesn't really want to do it, and you're ok with that. It's like asking a dog "Do you want to play fetch?" and if they don't, that's fine, you were doing it because you thought they'd like it anyway.
But you have this fallback that means, no this time I'm really serious, we need to do this. And I realize I actually have that too, Kody knows it, but now I'm going to be more conscious of what I'm doing.
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LOL a nice glips into your life with your dogs
I agree, that is fab to hear that you dont need instant obedience from your dogs. I hate seeing some trainers and their dogs are so focused that they never have any times being just dogs
I also have the pannic voice - cos I dont shout or get angry with my dogs on the once in a blue moon time they are doing something about to be dangerous if I yell I get an instant recal, not cos they are scared - just puzzled as to what this new tone of voice means.
Sometimes I find it important to find out the reason why you are being ignored. I was in a class with my Ben and he refused to 'down' he sat, he barked, he sniffed, he did everything he could to let me know he just didnt want to down. People in the class were telling me he was trying it on, trying to be dom. I didnt think so. Furhter investigation showed he had an allergy to the carpet. I asked him to stand stay, he was happy to
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around the house
Around the house I have a tendency to make polite conversation with my dogs (I'm English and I lived alone for a long time, I can't help it) I use phrases like "pardon me?" "can I have that back please?" "please don't touch that" "please stop your howling dear", and "I'd really rather you didn't" I suppose I could dash around shouting things like "No!" or "Bad Dog!" or "Drop IT!" but they seem to respond better (even to a reprimand) when I speak to them in a neutral and polite manner. I'm not reading too far into this as I'm not a human psychologist OR a dog behaviorist but it has been my person experience that asking nicely usually works best.
If it's a matter of urgency (Don't eat glass out of the garbage can!) It's their name and a clipped, one syllable 'pay attention now' command (Ranger OFF!)
I really like the idea that dogs can be relaxed at home and come to strict attention only if required, I mean, that's the whole point of training isn't it? A dog that obeys when it's relevant and important?
I've met people that are 'on their best behavior' all the time. You've met them too... those people that do their hair on Sunday, wash, dry and put away their water glass after having a drink, answer their home phone like a receptionist "Smith residence, Jane speaking, how can I help you?"
I hate people like that. I don't ever want dogs like that and I appreciate that you recognize and promote that dogs need to be themselves, they need to relax, and they need to be dogs.
Dr. Dunbar, thank you for the books, DVD's, articles and web-site, and thank you for thanking the dog. I've noticed that you include thanking the dog in a lot of training exercises and I love it, it really seems to make a big difference in the long run for holding the dogs interest and getting their full participation. It’s nice to see this being used more often as though the dog is actually doing something for you. The dog chooses to be obedient and he chooses your company, it’s nice that you’ve incorporated actually thanking him into games and training. :)
*Ranger really DID eat glass out of the garbage can when he was a pup. :P
Excellent article
There was a short period about 35 years ago where my dogs had to be "on" all of the time. Thankfully it never sat well with me and I grew out of that control phase of my life. It appears that many of us had been doing things positively and relationship oriented for many years without realizing that it was a "system" or a philosophical construct. Thanks to you and others like you, these methods are gaining wide acceptance and is helping to change the way people train/treat their pets.
I am much more into having a relationship with my dogs these days than being their commander at all times. I've just recently acquired some dogs again (they would say they acquired me) after a several year lull, and really appreciate this site, your books and knowledge, and the many people who offer such sage advice.
My dogs know full well when I am serious or when it really doesn't matter. Not so much a voice thing, more of a synchronicity thing. Although when the JRT went after a opossum while on our walk last night, my voice did rise in volume a tad.
Again, thanks for this site and all that you do.
aka "instructional reprimand" tone of voice, verbal cue or both?
This is my first post on this blog and I feel as if I may have found a real home!
I am laughing about your usage of the dogs "formal names" to get their attention and to make clear your expectations. I wonder if you are using the verbal cue alone, and/or a tone of voice, similar to your "instructional reprimand" tone, or not?
On this topic, my favorite training service is "pet/sit and train", where I can work real-life, alternating training and snuggling.
Thank you for all you do for us and the dogs.
Linda Michaels MA.Psych,CPDT-KA WholisticDogTraining.com