‘Good dog’ makes dog training easier

The secret to their effectiveness is understanding, timing and correct usage; overuse them and their power is lost.

Not only do you need to understand when and how to use “good dog”, but the dog needs to understand the meaning. I once commented to someone, “You never say ‘good dog’.” And the next thing he was like a stuck record with the words; the trouble is he may as well have been speaking a foreign language because the words had no meaning for his dogs.

Dogs don’t speak English, they communicate in other ways, two of which are vocal tones and facial expression, so I use both. The tone of my voice changes quite dramatically as does my facial expression: normal happy angry and emphasizing -- normal tone, normal facial expression; happy tone, big smiley face; angry tone, if looks could kill.

When we introduce a word to dogs, we need to teach the meaning, and pups or adult dogs quickly learn that the words “good dog” mean you are pleased with them, they are doing the right thing or getting praise for a job well done.

Call your pup to you and when it arrives say in a light happy voice, with a big smile on your face “good dog” (boy, girl) as you rub it; pat yourself, rub yourself – which is the more pleasant?

After you repeat this on several occasions the pup will associate the words with reward for obedience. Continue for a few more times to reiterate the meaning, then you can use the words only and drop the rub if you wish.

Never, I repeat NEVER, say the words to try to con a dog into doing something; only use them when the dog obeys a command – the split second it obeys.

For example, the pup won’t come when being called so “good boy Mate – come here” is rewarding the pup for not coming. Instead, “Mate – come here”, nothing; “Mate – come here!” in a business-like tone (not an angry tone) the split second he starts to come to you “good boy” in your happiest voice and when he arrives, big rub and “good boy”.

When I am teaching a new command and the pup is unsure and confused, I will say “good girl” more than when the pup understands a command well; and I never waffle, repeating the words several times in one sentence – once is enough.

Every pup, with every first lesson or two with a new command, will be confused and worried; it has no idea what you are doing, so patience and praise are integral to easy learning and your bond.

I cannot emphasise enough how critical the timing of your praise is; it must be the split second the dog does the right thing.

Imagine, you are trying to teach something, the dog is confused and is doing everything wrong, then he unknowingly does it right, and the split second he does, he hears “good boy”.

You will literally see the relief in his eyes: “oh, is that what you want me to do?” If the two of you have been training for over ten minutes, this would be a good place for a big rub, “good boy” and to end the training session on a successful note.

I always end training on a good note, rub and praise and calmly lead the dog back to the kennel; I never let the dog run loose; we end calm, relaxed and controlled.

•Anna Holland is teaching people dog training. For more information www.annaholland.co.nz or tel. (06) 212 4848 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.