Quiet please…

I’m Alex, a dog behaviourist based in south London, running in-person training sessions for dogs and their guardians.

In a session this week a client said a couple of times ‘why does she listen to you and not me?’. ‘Listen’ being the key word. And I explained that it’s your whole way of communicating to your dog that’s effective to hold their focus, not simply getting them to ‘listen’.

If you want a dog to sit, saying ‘sit’ followed by a flurry of repeated commands and other follow-up words is simply noise. You’re saying words but not communicating to your dog what you want from them.

Read their movement. Read where their focus is. Use your subtle body language to show them instead. See how ‘quiet’ you can be - not in volume, but your energy.

I have a challenge for you. Next time you ask your dog to do something, say your command just once. Use a tone that’s clear and balanced. Look for tiny shifts in your dog’s body language and use your own to help reaffirm your vocal command instead of repeating yourself.

See how subtle you can make things. You’ll be surprised at how little you have to say to your dog once you become calmer, clear and ‘quieter’ in your energy. Communication in dog training is far beyond your vocal presence.. 

If you’re in need of a dog trainer you can discover more about the the way I work here. I also offer free 15 minute consultations where we can discuss what might work for you and your dog. Any questions? Just shout!

Ta,
Alex