When we communicate with our companion dogs, not only what we say but how we say it makes a big difference in how our dogs interpret it. It is crucial to use different tones so that your dog can distinguish between commands, corrections, and praise.

When giving commands always say the dog's name first. "Rover, sit." That way Rover will know that you are talking to him. Also make sure that you are teaching Rover to make eye contact. This is important to make sure you have his full attention and he's listening.

Basic Rules for teaching new commands include:

• Be consistent!
• Only give one command at a time!
• Don't go too fast! Wait until one command is down pat then move on!
• Make sure everyone in the family uses the same command words!
• Yes, we have a sit!

Here are some commonly used command words:

• Watch me or Look at me - good for making eye contact.
• Wrong, No, Phewy, Ech - wrong choice or he/she is in wrong position.
• Ouch or IEEE - helps to stop mouthing or chewing that hurts. Like a yelp in dog talk.
• Good Boy!, Good Girl! - among the favorites! Lets him know he just did something wonderful.
• Sit - numerous uses such as; before giving food bowl, going outside, meeting visitors.
• Down - this means lie down. Do not confuse with "Off"!
• Off - great for jumping up on people, furniture, etc. Don't confuse with "Down".
• Stand - when going from "Sit" or "Down" to all four paws!
• Stay - Don't move. Also can be used as 'Sit-Stay" or "Down-Stay"
• Okay or Break - this releases dog until next command is given.
• Let's Go - use this command for controlled walking.
• Heel -dog should be lined up with your knee on left side.
• Come - this ones a lifesaver! Dog should leave what he's doing and come and sit in front of you ASAP. When teaching this command never scold a dog once he came to you even if he took to long. He will never want to come to you because he thinks that he will be punished. Also use special treats to reward.
• Take it - dog waits until command is given before putting object in mouth.
• Drop it or Give - this means spit it out! This one is a good one to have your dog know!
• Leave it - this means don't even think about it! Very useful when out on walks..

Information adapted from "Dog Talk" written by Jane Flanagan Kopelman, ASPCA, 1996.