... this is the basic for my virtual “mental dog school”, where I’d gladly welcome you. Keep your seat and get into new knowledge - for your dog!
Here, you will find the “timetable" - with your new favourite subjects. Just have a click and learn more about:
1. Lesson: dog speak
Your dog isn't interested at all in German or English, "Sit!" or "Glub!". It’s quite the contrary! For many dogs, our words are just an indefinable background noise, since ... Read more? Click here!
Your dog isn't interested at all in German or English, "Sit!" or "Glub!". It’s quite the contrary! For many dogs, our words are just an indefinable background noise, since
we tend to talk too much to our four-legged friends. Instead of briefly commanding: “Down!", we talk too much: "Come on, sit down, dooooown, now please".
It is extremely difficult for your dog to select the signal from all these words. In conclusion: a dog doesn’t use words, it doesn't think in words and it doesn't understand words. A dog is just a dog. It is only trained to perform according to determined "sounds" (which are reasonable words for us humans). This means that dogs learn to link certain words to behaviour (and to a reward in the best case). When we say this certain word, the dog knows what to do and which behaviour is worthwhile for it. This doesn't mean that your dog understands the word "Sit!" in the sense of "sit down".
When dogs “talk” to each other (or also to us), they use their entire body to express themselves, from the eyes, the position of the ears, through to their entire facial expression. Dogs communicate by use of their poise and their movement speed. My favourite example is the following. The tail wagging quickly is indicative of a good-humoured, relaxed dog. BUT: a tail moved very slowly and erected highly is an obvious signal for a strained dog, warning us not to come closer.
Dogs know a lot about odours. Nosing every other culm and lamp post is nothing more than interested and informative “odour scanning” in order to learn which dog was there before.
Sounds, such as barking and snarling, are less important for a dog. However, we humans reward barking very often, because we have had barking watchdogs for generations or because we talk to the dog while barking or afterwards. Due to this, dogs bark very often in human company. Dialogues between dogs are take place silently. The snarling is usually very silent and insistently, too. You may feel it more than hearing it.
I’ll introduce you to a "whisperer" in the matter of dog speak at the teacher's room - along with a book tip. To understand your dog better, I suggest a totally different way of reading, though:
Watch your dog. How does it respond to other dogs, to you, to other humans? What language does its body speak? What does he do with its ears, with its tail? When does it start to bark and snarl? The secret of good cooperation with the dog is being able to "read" the dog, accurately assess its behaviour and foresee its reactions. This isn’t difficult and will open your eyes!
Additionally, you practise to use words towards your dog as clearly as possible. Watch out for your body language and poise. Looking squarely into the dog's eyes, making towards the dog directly, showing your teeth (when smiling) - all that ranges from rude to threatening in dog speak. When it comes to small dogs, do not bend over them; this often leads to ducking away or curling up tight of the dog, uncertainty - snapping. Better kneel down next to your dog and touch it at the body sides and under the belly, behind the ears instead of on the head. In doing so, your "animal dialogue" receives better quality.
Always remember that your dog will follow you happily, when you change your mind! "And in case you have questions, talk to me or better to local experts on dogs or to other dog owners - personally or via online forums. Open dialogues are also an exciting experience among us humans, too!)
back >
It is extremely difficult for your dog to select the signal from all these words. In conclusion: a dog doesn’t use words, it doesn't think in words and it doesn't understand words. A dog is just a dog. It is only trained to perform according to determined "sounds" (which are reasonable words for us humans). This means that dogs learn to link certain words to behaviour (and to a reward in the best case). When we say this certain word, the dog knows what to do and which behaviour is worthwhile for it. This doesn't mean that your dog understands the word "Sit!" in the sense of "sit down".
When dogs “talk” to each other (or also to us), they use their entire body to express themselves, from the eyes, the position of the ears, through to their entire facial expression. Dogs communicate by use of their poise and their movement speed. My favourite example is the following. The tail wagging quickly is indicative of a good-humoured, relaxed dog. BUT: a tail moved very slowly and erected highly is an obvious signal for a strained dog, warning us not to come closer.
Dogs know a lot about odours. Nosing every other culm and lamp post is nothing more than interested and informative “odour scanning” in order to learn which dog was there before.
Sounds, such as barking and snarling, are less important for a dog. However, we humans reward barking very often, because we have had barking watchdogs for generations or because we talk to the dog while barking or afterwards. Due to this, dogs bark very often in human company. Dialogues between dogs are take place silently. The snarling is usually very silent and insistently, too. You may feel it more than hearing it.
I’ll introduce you to a "whisperer" in the matter of dog speak at the teacher's room - along with a book tip. To understand your dog better, I suggest a totally different way of reading, though:
Watch your dog. How does it respond to other dogs, to you, to other humans? What language does its body speak? What does he do with its ears, with its tail? When does it start to bark and snarl? The secret of good cooperation with the dog is being able to "read" the dog, accurately assess its behaviour and foresee its reactions. This isn’t difficult and will open your eyes!
Additionally, you practise to use words towards your dog as clearly as possible. Watch out for your body language and poise. Looking squarely into the dog's eyes, making towards the dog directly, showing your teeth (when smiling) - all that ranges from rude to threatening in dog speak. When it comes to small dogs, do not bend over them; this often leads to ducking away or curling up tight of the dog, uncertainty - snapping. Better kneel down next to your dog and touch it at the body sides and under the belly, behind the ears instead of on the head. In doing so, your "animal dialogue" receives better quality.
Always remember that your dog will follow you happily, when you change your mind! "And in case you have questions, talk to me or better to local experts on dogs or to other dog owners - personally or via online forums. Open dialogues are also an exciting experience among us humans, too!)
back >
2. Lesson: learning behaviour of dogs
Dogs do not read guidebooks or sniff through web pages in order to learn something. Their increase in knowledge works differently – via good and bad experiences. They keep them in mind - exactly and by means of real “infallible memory” ... Read more? Click here!
Dogs do not read guidebooks or sniff through web pages in order to learn something. Their increase in knowledge works differently – via good and bad experiences. They keep them in mind - exactly and by means of real “infallible memory”. How to imagine this?
Think of the principle of "trail-and-error or trial-and-success". This is the basic principle of canine learning. I explained it like this in my book “Hunde erziehen ganz entspannt" (a book about dog training; available in German only): The Bernese cattle dog Jako follows his mistress into the kitchen, where he snatches a piece of bread, which his owner has just prepared.
Trial: Going along into the kitchen
Error: No.
Success: Yes!
What happens next is obvious: Certainly, Jako will always go along into the kitchen and beg for a nibble. In doing so, he experienced, that his behaviour results in something quite yummy. He associates entering the kitchen with receiving some food. He learnt.
This principle, scientifically called “operant conditioning”, was researched by the US-American B.F. Skinner by through his food experiment with pigeons, which has already become famous. If you would like to know more about it, read “So lernt mein Hund" (a book about how dogs learn; available in German only) by Sabine Winkler. She explains operant conditioning this way: “If behaviour works, it directly brings success or other comforts and is more likely to be shown in corresponding situations in the future."
For this reason, we know that dogs do not learn from each other, what the owners of several dogs often think to notice. This can be explained quickly. For instance, when a new dog hops onto the sofa behind the experienced family dog, it feels the comfortable consequences (lying softly on a position with a better overview and the wonderful fragrance of the human pack) and regards this as a personal success. The dog learnt two things: it is worthwhile to follow the fellow dogs and it is worthwhile to lie on the sofa.
The good thing is that now, you know that a dog learns by experiencing positive consequences – so, the step to dog training with positive reinforcement is very small (as explained in lesson 3, “Best in class!”). Or quick based on the Bernese cattle dog Jako and the cheese:
in case Jako enters the kitchen again and again and he does not get anything to eat consistently, it is no longer worthwhile for him and he will cease this behaviour. The behaviour is changed more quickly, when the human enters the kitchen and makes the signal: "Down!" for the dog in front of the door sill. If the dog obeys the order promptly, the human throws a goody to the dog (a little dog treat at best). Thus, “lying in front of the kitchen” is a really successful behaviour for the dog. It learns anew: remaining in front of the kitchen is worthwhile, as against entering it. And the humans can enjoy their meal without ruffle or excitement or having a dog's nose around. Once learnt, never forgotten!
back >
Think of the principle of "trail-and-error or trial-and-success". This is the basic principle of canine learning. I explained it like this in my book “Hunde erziehen ganz entspannt" (a book about dog training; available in German only): The Bernese cattle dog Jako follows his mistress into the kitchen, where he snatches a piece of bread, which his owner has just prepared.
Trial: Going along into the kitchen
Error: No.
Success: Yes!
What happens next is obvious: Certainly, Jako will always go along into the kitchen and beg for a nibble. In doing so, he experienced, that his behaviour results in something quite yummy. He associates entering the kitchen with receiving some food. He learnt.
This principle, scientifically called “operant conditioning”, was researched by the US-American B.F. Skinner by through his food experiment with pigeons, which has already become famous. If you would like to know more about it, read “So lernt mein Hund" (a book about how dogs learn; available in German only) by Sabine Winkler. She explains operant conditioning this way: “If behaviour works, it directly brings success or other comforts and is more likely to be shown in corresponding situations in the future."
For this reason, we know that dogs do not learn from each other, what the owners of several dogs often think to notice. This can be explained quickly. For instance, when a new dog hops onto the sofa behind the experienced family dog, it feels the comfortable consequences (lying softly on a position with a better overview and the wonderful fragrance of the human pack) and regards this as a personal success. The dog learnt two things: it is worthwhile to follow the fellow dogs and it is worthwhile to lie on the sofa.
The good thing is that now, you know that a dog learns by experiencing positive consequences – so, the step to dog training with positive reinforcement is very small (as explained in lesson 3, “Best in class!”). Or quick based on the Bernese cattle dog Jako and the cheese:
in case Jako enters the kitchen again and again and he does not get anything to eat consistently, it is no longer worthwhile for him and he will cease this behaviour. The behaviour is changed more quickly, when the human enters the kitchen and makes the signal: "Down!" for the dog in front of the door sill. If the dog obeys the order promptly, the human throws a goody to the dog (a little dog treat at best). Thus, “lying in front of the kitchen” is a really successful behaviour for the dog. It learns anew: remaining in front of the kitchen is worthwhile, as against entering it. And the humans can enjoy their meal without ruffle or excitement or having a dog's nose around. Once learnt, never forgotten!
back >
3. Lesson: Dog development
It’s like a window opening wide and letting in everything new. After a specific period of time, it is closed again – and only tilted carefully. The phase of socialisation is part of the most important weeks in a dog’s life and they won’t come back ... Read more? Click here!
It’s like a window opening wide and letting in everything new. After a specific period of time, it is closed again – and only tilted carefully. The phase of socialisation is part of the most important weeks in a dog’s life and they won’t come back
Today, it is known that the length of the phase of socialisation differs from breed to breed and dog to dog. In the past, this period was determined between the 8.-14./16. week. More important than figures are the opportunities, in which you are able to acquaint your dog with as many situations and environments as possible in a calm and caring manner during the first two, three, four or five months. Because: a dog will never be so open-minded, brave and curious again.
A puppy faces new situations absolutely ingeniously. If it gains positive experience, its attitude and mindset will be shaped for a long time. Bad experience can be compensated well during this period, too. Intensively negative or painful experiences leave deep scars in the dog’s lifelong behaviour. Therefore, delicacy is really important for every new step.
Nicole Hoefs and Petra Führmann describe it in their book ""Das KOSMOS-Erziehungsprogramm für Hunde" (a book about dog training; available in German only) as follows:
“The dog owner for the first time gets his or her puppy at the age of 8-10 weeks and being in an extremely sensitive phase. The kind of social contacts, both towards other dogs and also humans, the targeted acquaintance with environmental stimulation such as traffic, city centres, joggers, postmen etc. participate significantly in the adult dog considering these "things" disturbing factors, which should be abolished or avoided in the dog's environment. Learning during this stadium was appropriately referred to as "shape-like learning". (...) The consequences which can be deduced from this are the following: pointedly positive meetings with humans, animals and the environment should take top priority. (...) With the ending of this sensitive phase described above, the young dog enters a phase of relative independence. Many dog owners notice that the young dog possibly cannot be steered any longer. During this phase, it is important to deepen the connection to the owner."
Like adolescent children, adolescent dogs don’t miss out puberty. Especially during this time, it is important to remain consistent and not to take the disobedient behaviour of your dog personally and not to get angry by no means. Keep calm. This phase passes by more quickly than you guess.
Each dog reaches puberty at a different time; that's what I experience again and again. I motivate frustrated dog owners by honestly advising them to stay tuned to training and to endeavour, as this is particularly worthwhile during this stadium. Because: When you are over this, you reach a considerably more relaxing phase of life with an adult dog. The more consciously and more confidently you experience the first year or the first 18 months together with your dog, the more beautiful and hitch-free will the entire dog's life be!
By the way: The “KOSMOS-Erziehungsratgeber” has a detailed table on two double pages showing what and how often you should do with your puppy. This is real help!
back >
A puppy faces new situations absolutely ingeniously. If it gains positive experience, its attitude and mindset will be shaped for a long time. Bad experience can be compensated well during this period, too. Intensively negative or painful experiences leave deep scars in the dog’s lifelong behaviour. Therefore, delicacy is really important for every new step.
Nicole Hoefs and Petra Führmann describe it in their book ""Das KOSMOS-Erziehungsprogramm für Hunde" (a book about dog training; available in German only) as follows:
“The dog owner for the first time gets his or her puppy at the age of 8-10 weeks and being in an extremely sensitive phase. The kind of social contacts, both towards other dogs and also humans, the targeted acquaintance with environmental stimulation such as traffic, city centres, joggers, postmen etc. participate significantly in the adult dog considering these "things" disturbing factors, which should be abolished or avoided in the dog's environment. Learning during this stadium was appropriately referred to as "shape-like learning". (...) The consequences which can be deduced from this are the following: pointedly positive meetings with humans, animals and the environment should take top priority. (...) With the ending of this sensitive phase described above, the young dog enters a phase of relative independence. Many dog owners notice that the young dog possibly cannot be steered any longer. During this phase, it is important to deepen the connection to the owner."
Like adolescent children, adolescent dogs don’t miss out puberty. Especially during this time, it is important to remain consistent and not to take the disobedient behaviour of your dog personally and not to get angry by no means. Keep calm. This phase passes by more quickly than you guess.
Each dog reaches puberty at a different time; that's what I experience again and again. I motivate frustrated dog owners by honestly advising them to stay tuned to training and to endeavour, as this is particularly worthwhile during this stadium. Because: When you are over this, you reach a considerably more relaxing phase of life with an adult dog. The more consciously and more confidently you experience the first year or the first 18 months together with your dog, the more beautiful and hitch-free will the entire dog's life be!
By the way: The “KOSMOS-Erziehungsratgeber” has a detailed table on two double pages showing what and how often you should do with your puppy. This is real help!
back >
-> Are you interested in more lessons? What else would you like to learn? Send me an e-mail and tell me what you would like to know and I will care for new contents!