How to communicate with your dog

I love dogs. And I can say it's my favorite pet.

Ever since I was a kid, I grew up having a dog in a house. That's why I know that they are playful, energetic, and wise. As I grew up, I observed and encountered different kinds of dogs. Some are cute like a stuffed toy, some are too big... Bigger than you.

As time pass by, I just know that they need to be feed, they are the one who can shoo the thieves away, the one that you can play with. Also, I saw how our dogs die. Some got hit by a car, some died because someone planned to, and some just die 'coz they're old.

Now, we have a new dog. And we call her Lava. We gave her that name 'coz she was from Mt.Mayon. And yeah, she loves heat.

Now why I came up with this title. Well, having a dog is not that easy. You need to know how to communicate with them. They are naughty and need some discipline. And my husband somehow knows how to do it. Lava is so playful and so naughty as well. So a little discipline is needed indeed. Now, I want you to learn some basic ways of communicating with your pup. As communication is a key ingredient to a successful relationship.

Let's start!

1. Give cue word once.

Training a dog is hard. They just started to learn. And communicating with just one word can help them to understand it easily. For example, I and my husband want to train our dog to sit before we give her food. Using just the word "sit" can help her know what to do. So it's better to use one cue word, to help your dog know that after the first verbal cue, she needs to do the skill immediately. Easy right?

2. Use hand signals.

This is needed to communicate with your dog. It's like sign language where you need to sign what you want her to do. For example, as we say "sit" on our dog, we point our finger at her back to indicate that she needs to lower her back. It's effective. We pair the verbal cue and the hand signal, and then she knows what to do. Easy peasy.

Remember, dogs communicate with other dogs through body language. So use their expertise. They can read it. 😊

3. Speak less

Let the reward speak. Having a treat or reward for your dog is one way to train it easily. I saw a lot of videos and show how effective trainers do their job. They just hold a reward, and that's it. Giving it to a dog after accomplishing what you command, is a better way to say "Good job!". Also, avoid stating more words when you give an order. It can confuse your dog. Same with rephrasing your cue word. For example, rephrasing "come" with "get over here" or "come on over" will not help your dog to understand what you are asking him to do. So be clear. Give the verbal cue, and be silent.

Bonus Tips. 💭

#How To Tell Your Dog You Love Him

1. Have fun together

Enjoy your time together. Try to use your time teaching him new tricks. Or try to take him out on a backyard or a playground and play with him.

2. Cuddle

Dogs love cuddling. They are not humans who will love to be hugged but cuddling them makes them feel the affection. So take time to tell your dogs how much you love them by snuggling them. He'll surely get your message.