What is the only positive form of communication you use with your dog?

Question

We all know dogs don't have verbal skills...and they only react to some of our words....they use tones to convey an intent, but we are at a lose understanding their body language .....so what is left?

Many of you seem to think we as humans can somehow convey canine body language....it is impossible for us to do that....we are not dogs..so it isn't any form that will provide positive communication...and by positive I mean real or true....not the opposite of negative like hitting or scolding.....

We can try to mimic sounds or tones to help convey our intent like they do, but again who knows if they get our exact meaning....

Making them avoid things proves nothing....just they want to avoid something they don't like....

That leaves only one thing touch....it is clear dogs understand touch very well.....whether it be rewarding or not....they get the message very clear....Thanks for joining in everyone!~

Answer 1

I pet them and smile at them, and I call them good girls!

Answer 2

well, hopefully every form of communication i use with my dogs is positive, but being human i suppose i fail at that sometimes. However i don't think there is ONE or an ONLY positive means of communication. I use hand signals and verbal cues. Occasionally when dealing with multiple dogs i use physical blocks and checks. When training i use physical luring and an occasional physical prompt. Even physical affection or correction is communiction. One dog is deaf so words and tone don't work at all with her. Another dog talks like Lassie, so we have whole conversations, although there's no real communication there it's fun. Then you can add in things like posture and positioning. They also respond to whatever is the first step in any routine.

and how do they communicate? same deal...they don't use words, however, some of them will use sounds to get my attention. Some of them are more physical. They'll bow or stand in the water bowl if i happen to let it get empty, bap me with a paw or poke me with a nose. Most of the time i try to pay attention.

so, maybe i should say the only form of positive communication i use with my dogs is whatever works best with a specific dog or group of dogs in any situation.

Answer 3

There are a lot of people who make a profession learning to read the body language of dogs. Some of it is much more simple to understand.
Teaching the dog through repetition, routine, consistency and reward is extremely effective. You can oftentimes eliminate negative behaviors by this method in addition to offering an alternative to the negative behavior.
There are a lot of great books you can learn from.
The Monks of New Skete have some great books on this topic.

Answer 4

Calm and Assertive is the most humane, effective way to communicate with your dog, along with alot of love, and patience. You can find alot of information on this, by typing "Communicating with your dog" in your search bar, Google Search It! It has lot's of different sites you can go to, that help you understand what it's all about.

Answer 5

Any form of communication that produces the desired result is positive in a dogs mind.
The most effective way to communicate with a dog is through the leash. That is why we use them so much of the time.

Answer 6

Dogs are fantastic at reading our body language, and you can learn to read a dog's body language too-- check out Stanley Coren's book "How to Speak Dog", there's even a Dog-English 'dictionary' at the back!

Answer 7

Any form that communicates I am master and you are dog.

Answer 8

Calm and assertive. It is the best, shortest, and effective positive communication for a dog.
-Lee-Lee

Answer 9

I believe I have several forms of communication with mine.

Answer 10

I just talk to my dog and he listens to me....he is very well behaved.....6 year old male pit bull......