{"id":4700,"date":"2023-04-10T16:14:48","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T23:14:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalhealthfoundation.org\/blog\/?p=4700"},"modified":"2023-04-10T16:14:49","modified_gmt":"2023-04-10T23:14:49","slug":"words-matter-the-whole-dog-journal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalhealthfoundation.org\/blog\/2023\/04\/words-matter-the-whole-dog-journal\/","title":{"rendered":"“Words Matter” – The Whole Dog Journal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why the language you use makes a difference in your relationship with your dog \u2013 and perhaps even the success of your training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Published:<\/strong> April 1, 2023<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Woman<\/a>
If the words you use to describe your dog or your training methods align with your philosophy of creating a kind and nurturing relationship with your dog based on mutual trust and respect, you\u2019re likely to behave accordingly. Think carefully about the words you and\/or your instructor use and discard those that prompt you to send the wrong message to your dog! Photo by LWA, Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been training dogs professionally for 27 years, but I don\u2019t use \u201ccommands\u201d for this purpose, I use \u201ccues.\u201d What difference does it make? A lot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The definition of command is \u201can authoritative order.\u201d Even when we use gentle training methods, if we think \u201ccommands,\u201d our brains connect to the authoritative definition and we are likely speak in a louder, harsher (commanding!) tone of voice. In contrast, a cue is an invitation to perform a behavior for which your dog can be reinforced with a treat, play, praise, or the opportunity to perform a behavior the dog enjoys. We are far more likely to speak softly and gently when we use \u201ccues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Words to avoid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCommand\u201d is just one of many words that we force-free trainers avoid. Here are others that interfere with the message of kindness and mutual respect we want to send to our dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n