Throughout daily life communication remains a vital factor, linking society via speech and also nonverbal actions. Alongside purely human communication, the population has become highly involved in bonding with animals. Relying greatly on more than just language, dog trainers around the world have their own methods in connecting with man’s best friend and loyal companion. Among these trainers, Marcia Gould, a local dog trainer employed by K9 Obedience, has her own views on human-animal communication and also effective dog training approaches.
“The owner’s communication with the animal is important, because it is the only way to get across what is want,” Gould said. “The dog doesn’t need verbal [communication], but just needs to know what the owner wants.”
Gould believes that the trainer and owner have to be completely responsible for successful communication. In the relationship, it is necessary for one individual to be the boss.
“In the wild, there is always an alpha,” Gould said. “You have to be that alpha. It makes it easier on the dog.”
By nature, dogs are pack animals which operate under a designated leader, or alpha animal. The alpha is the head boss and dominates over the other members of the pack, making every decision for the group. In the home, the owner and family are equivalent to the pack, as well as additional animals in the household. It is the responsibility of the owner to establish their position as alpha, or else the dog will respond naturally and begin to demonstrate superior behavior.
Gould views a dominating and controlling animal as unacceptable. One of her pet peeves is seeing an owner allow their dog to dictate in the relationship.
“[The owner] has to be more determined with the dog, and cannot let them win. If the dog takes over, the owner might as well be the one on the leash. I want my dogs to be obedient.”
Choker collars, if used properly, serve as a helpful tool in dog training. Gould and the other trainers at K9 Obedience prefer using the choker collar to teach their animals obedience. A gentle tug with an instant release alerts the dog that it has done something undesirable that needs correction. The name of the collar is very misleading since proper use of the device does not involve choking or strangling of the animal.
“The collar is used to annoy the dog and get their attention,” Gould said. “They will make up their mind and realize that it is easier to just obey.”
Using this physical form of communication, the dog learns what the owner expects and desires. Since dogs don’t communicate through speaking, spoken language is not nearly as important to them as it is humans. However, correct verbal communication may also be valuable in animal training.
“The tone of your voice is the most important. Words don’t matter.”
For example, a dog may be reprimanded in a sweet, comforting voice and not understand the scolding words of their owner and continue to wag their tail happily. Identical on the other hand, if an owner communicates encouraging words to their pet in a lecturing manner, the dog will only respond accordingly to their tone of voice and cower in shame. Dogs are also very sensitive to the facial expressions and eye contact of their owner.
Although humans have the capability of being misleading with their words, animals have forms of communication that are never deceiving.
“Dogs communicate with humans through their posture, and sometimes verbally also with a whine or bark,” said Gould. “My dog walks up to put his paws on my lap and will just stare at me.”
Dogs bark for several reasons, including when intruders approach their territory, when hearing an unexpected or unfamiliar noise, or even when they are simply playing. Barking also expresses a diverse combination of feelings including stress, fear, or even happiness and pleasure.
Through the body language and behavior of a dog, an owner can typically understand the emotions of their pet. Over time and through efficient training, the bond created between the human and animal grows and allows both of the individuals to connect.
“The bond you develop with the dog makes the communication 50/50. The dog knows what the trainer wants, and you can tell what the dog is feeling.”
Gould not only trains dogs in obedience, but also occasionally gets involved in teaching personal protection. The dogs are taught to attack on command, stand alert and prepared, and also become familiar with the signal to come out of the mode.
“My dog is partially trained. It takes a lot of trust.”
Gould and the rest of K9 Obedience are available to train dogs outdoors at Goshen Animal Clinic. With sessions typically Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings, any owner wanting assistance may sign their dog up for only $100.
“The can keep coming and coming, and only have to pay $100 at the very beginning,” said Gould.
With the motto “Train, Don’t Strain,” K9 Obedience has celebrated many success stories. The team transforms timid and fearful dogs into social creatures, and morphs defiance into obedience.
“We do it so people have a better pet and a better companion.”
