How to communicate better with your dog!

To communicate better with your dog, keep commands few and clear, say them once, use your body as much as your voice, and reward the right behaviour at the right moment. Most good relationships come when your dog understands what you want and can read your body language. Some dogs take longer to learn, and that does not mean they are slow or stubborn. They usually just need a steadier routine and a calmer tone. Here are nine ways to help your dog understand you and pick things up faster. New to dogs? Our new pet parent hub is a good companion to this guide.

Nine ways to help your dog understand you

1. Know your dog's personality

Do not give tasks that make your dog physically or emotionally uncomfortable. If your dog is shy with people, forcing them to "sit" in the middle of a crowd could backfire. Start where your dog feels safe and build outwards.

2. Teach only the commands you will use

Pick a short list that fits everyday life: sit, stay, hold, lie down, settle, come and go. A small set of well-learned cues is better than a long list that is half-learned.

3. Say it once

In anger or excitement, we tend to repeat ourselves. A dog who hears "sit, sit, sit, SIT" while doing many different things gets confused about which action the word belongs to. Say the word once, then wait calmly. If your dog does not respond, gently help them into position and try again later.

4. Do not yell

Yelling when your dog does something wrong does not work. Choose a quiet time-out spot instead, where your dog can calm down and realise they did not meet expectations, without getting more agitated by your frustration.

5. Body language matters most

Dogs read your body more than your words. Canines are experts at reading body language, because that is how they communicate in social situations. Use your posture, movement and tone to show how they should behave. A relaxed, confident stance says "all is well". A hunched, tense one says the opposite.

6. Pair words with hand signals

Combine each command with a hand or body signal. It helps your dog learn, and it helps you in noisy public places where your dog can see you but not hear you, like a busy street or a crowded park.

7. Use a consistent reward signal

Your reward should arrive within one to three seconds of the right action. Use a consistent word like "good" or "good boy", or a pat on the head, each time. You cannot always carry rewards, so a well-timed word and a consistent signal also work well to say "yes, that was right".

8. Increase difficulty slowly

Begin one-on-one in a quiet room with no distractions. Then try with people around, in the park, at a shop and on walks. Each step shows you how easily your dog can focus on you.

9. Decide on a release command

This is perhaps the most important part of training. Without a clear end, your dog gets restless and loses interest. A release word tells them to hold the command until you say it is over. Examples include "free", "okay", "done", "over" and "release". Pick one, use it every time, and your dog will learn that waiting is rewarded.

A simple five-minute practice session

1. Pick a quiet spot and one command.
2. Give the command once, with the hand signal.
3. The moment your dog responds, say your reward word.
4. Add a few seconds of wait, then say the release word.
5. Repeat a few times, and finish on a success.

Short, cheerful sessions, once or twice a day, beat a long session once a week. Stop while your dog still wants more.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mixed signals. If one family member says "down" for getting off the sofa and another says it for lying down, your dog will be lost. Agree on words together.
• Calling your dog to end something fun, every time. Sometimes call them just to praise them, so "come" always feels good.
• Training when you are tired or frustrated. Your dog picks up on your mood. Stop and try later.
• Delayed rewards. If you wait too long, your dog will not link it to the action.
• Skipping the release word. Without it, your dog never knows when the task is over.

Reading what your dog says back

Communication goes both ways. Watch the tail, ears, eyes and posture, along with any barks or whines, and note what happened just before. For a deeper look, read talking to your dogs might not be a dream anymore, and for a lighter view, 5 things your pet is really thinking. Starting early helps a lot, so see the importance of early dog training and the critical socialisation period. If your dog's behaviour changes suddenly, speak to your veterinarian.

For good habits across the whole household, visit responsible pet parenting.

Frequently asked questions

How many times should I say a command?

Once. Repeating it confuses your dog, because they hear the same word while doing different things.

Which commands should I teach first?

Start with the ones you will use daily: sit, stay, come, lie down and settle. Add others once these are solid.

Is it okay to shout when my dog does something wrong?

Shouting does not work well. Try a calm time-out in a quiet place instead.

What is a release command?

A word like "free" or "okay" that tells your dog the command has ended and they can relax or move.

Can I train an older dog?

Yes. Every dog can learn with patience and routine, though it may take longer. Keep sessions short and kind.

By Team Stepevoli.