I wanted to watch a ghost-type show this weekend in honor of the Halloween month. I found a show called Historic Hauntings. The first few minutes of it proved that I needed either a semester in Britain to understand British English or subtitles. I chose the latter.
If the narrator had been directed to speak slower, I would have understood more. But when British accented vowels and consonants come at me at highway speed instead of what I need, school-zone speed, I am unable to comprehend the whole of it.
I used to teach English as a second language at universities. Talking to adults who are learning English, is a matter of slowing down the speed to help them comprehend. This is not any different than when we cue our dogs to do a behavior.
Enunciate the words, such as “Rover (pause) sit.” Not “roversit.” Get your dog’s attention first by calling out his name, “Rover.” Then, when you have a connection, give the cue.
Think of it as if you were calling to a friend named Jessica. “Jessica!” You wouldn’t start talking to Jessica if she were busy doing something else. You’d wait until Jessica were looking at you and you had a connection with her, so she would hear what you were going to say.
If Jessica were a new speaker of English, you’d also not talk as fast to her as you would someone who’s first language was English. You’d speak slowly and clearly so she would understand. And your dog is in the same shoes as Jessica.
Your dog doesn’t speak English as even a second language. He is learning a dozen or so English words to respond to for your convenience. So take care when you cue your dog to do a behavior. Even sing-song a cue if it’s more than one syllable. “Roooover.” Huh? “Rooooooll oooooover!” And that helps communication between you and your dog.
If you want to take your dog for a walk in a nestled little Sailboat Bend community with a sidewalk for walking around the perimeter of the lush green Riverside Park and a friendly cafe nearby in Fort Lauderdale, visit 608 SW 12th Avenue at 33312.
There is an outdoor patio where you could cue your dog to go to his mat while you both sip something cold. Practicing speaking slowly can be as tough on you, the dog owner, as what your dog is going through learning to understand what is being asked of him.
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To send your dog to the Love Wags A Tail board-and-train camp for motivational learning with our cast of characters, contact us with your dog training, behavior modification wish list to get started.
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Helen Verte Schwarzmann
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Certified in Training and Counseling
Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
Certified Trick Dog Instructor
AKC STAR Puppy, CGC, and Trick Dog Trainer and Evaluator
Your Board-and-Train Dog Trainer for south and southwest Florida, Southwest Ranches, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Davie , Broward, Collier, Lee county
