I missed checking this thread for a few days and I've really been enjoying it this afternoon! So much interesting information.
What about the way you talk to your dog? Cesar Millan would always say to talk to your dog like your talking to a human. And when your giving your dog commands, say them if a very firm tone. Otherwise they'll ignore you and walk away.
Do you guys agree with this??
If I'm home alone, I have conversations with the dogs as though they are human all day long. When people are home I tend to still talk to them like they're human, but just not as much and more quietly. Not really sure why... I just feel more self conscious when family is listening, not that they care. They talk to them just as much as I do.
When I am telling them to do something I usually say it in an assertive and calm tone, as that gets a better response. But I say things in overly happy ways sometimes too. Guess it depends what I'm doing. Whether I'm actually training or just telling them to do something in daily life. My biggest downfall is that when I get worried they might not listen when I absolutely need them to I tend to throw out a command in a frustrated tone, which I hate. I try to catch myself and make sure I say it in a happier tone. But not too excitedly otherwise my dogs are all "yay! party! lets run around like maniacs and pretend she said nothing!". Also, I'm bad at explaining to my dogs what not to do or saying something in a long sentence rather than saying something simple. Like last night I said something like "Don't you even think about it" and it would've been easier to just say "leave it", but whatever. She listened anyway. But I try not to do that.
