Word commands and leash walking

[Emerald]

So I got two questions. One is about word commands. I'm considering teaching my future dog in a different language, partly because I want to strengthen my knowledge of the language and also just because it seems fun. I know the dog will have no problem with it, but what if I decided to compete with him? If I did obedience or something like that, would the judges look down on me if I gave commands in a language other than english?

Second question. I've seen lots of different techniques on training a dog to walk politely on a leash. One that caught my attention is Caesar Milan's suggestion to have the collar on the top part of the neck rather than the base. Kinda like what they do in conformation shows to have the dog lift it's head high. He might have used the leash instead of the collar to do this, I don't quite remember, but would that be effective? The logic is that it is easier for a dog to pull if the collar is lower and putting it higher on the neck makes pulling it harder and more uncomfortable.

 

[AresMyDobie]

No it shouldnt dock you in points I don't think.
I keep my prongs up higher on the necks, as well as a slip leash, she yes it works because the dog isn't able to use full body against the lead. I taught leash manners very, very young. I worked with a slip leash first then at 6 months of age he was introduced to the prong.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Hey welcome!

Good questions. I have competed with my first Dobe in AKC obedience. I cannot tell yo for sure if judges will dock you points for using a different language, but I do know you are only allowed to use one command (and not repeat); so make sure your different language word does not sound like you're repeating. I got docked once because my command for a certain jump was "jump jump" said quickly. It was essentially a two-syllable word, but the judge told me afterwards that she considered it repeating a command.

Leash walking. Hoo boy!! I honestly think I came close to losing my sanity with my first Dobe trying to get him to heel and not pull. That all changed when I happened to find, in the public library, the book entitled "The Koehler Method Of Dog Training." It is the only thing I have tried that works, and it works well. One major challenge we face with this extremely alert breed is that when they are outdoors they are strongly inclined to be looking all around them (which equates to not looking at you). I actually love this. I do not want a dog that heels by keeping its eyes on my face like you often see in competition. I want my Doberman to be constantly surveying our surroundings.

That said, AresMyDobie, (who replied above) has apparently done an amazing job of training Ares to heel. Her techniques most decidedly never have worked for me, but then I call Ares "Wonderdobe."

 

[AresMyDobie]

Hey welcome!

Good questions. I have competed with my first Dobe in AKC obedience. I cannot tell yo for sure if judges will dock you points for using a different language, but I do know you are only allowed to use one command (and not repeat); so make sure your different language word does not sound like you're repeating. I got docked once because my command for a certain jump was "jump jump" said quickly. It was essentially a two-syllable word, but the judge told me afterwards that she considered it repeating a command.

Leash walking. Hoo boy!! I honestly think I came close to losing my sanity with my first Dobe trying to get him to heel and not pull. That all changed when I happened to find, in the public library, the book entitled "The Koehler Method Of Dog Training." It is the only thing I have tried that works, and it works well. One major challenge we face with this extremely alert breed is that when they are outdoors they are strongly inclined to be looking all around them (which equates to not looking at you). I actually love this. I do not want a dog that heels by keeping its eyes on my face like you often see in competition. I want my Doberman to be constantly surveying our surroundings.

That said, AresMyDobie, (who replied above) has apparently done an amazing job of training Ares to heel. Her techniques most decidedly never have worked for me, but then I call Ares "Wonderdobe."

Ares has two types of heels, one on a walk where he stays by my side and the second is the schutzhund heel where eyes and focus are on me he was taught pulling wasn't ok unless released, tracking and hiking, but there is a release word for him for hiking and a different one for tracking.
Tad just cuz I quoted it does not mean I'm directing it toward you at all lol
Leash manners are highly important to me, especially since I'm a small girl who wants their dog to respect them, pulling is never tolerated on a structured walk, manners must be minded. I achieved this through consistency, anytime he'd try he got corrected for it. I enjoy walks with my dogs cuz well I'm not getting dragged through the mud, my dogs check in with me on walls as well, they look for direction. Follow the leader if you will yes they get rewarded sniffing time, they get to have fun, their hikes are usually them In front but ears back listening to me. Lol I'm strict but my dogs love me and respect me
Still love that you call him the wonderdobe lol he's pretty special

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Yeah, the "checking in" is awesome. This reminds me of when my Dobe is hiking with us and he is off leash. I encourage them to check in every, oh, 20 seconds or so. With my last two Dobes who have been from working lines, this has come naturally. They are just such Daddy's boys (family's boys really). They sprint off for parts unknown, but naturally want to run back to us. I take this tendency further than they want by insisting every time that they come all the way to me (I may even have to stop walking) and allow me to touch them then make them wait until I release them to sprint off again.

I know that was not really directly related to walking on leash, but I think it's relevant.

 

[Drogon]

I can pretty much just say "Ditto" to what @AresMyDobie said. I know in Schutzhund you can use your native language or German. I'm pretty sure in French Ring, you can use whatever language you want. I don't know about AKC. They might require English.
You might just teach him his 'home commands' in whatever language and then teach him his working/ring commands in a different language. Like @AresMyDobie I have heeling for normal walking around I use heel command and then I have heeling for Schutzhund where I use Fuss command. (Fuss is German for heel).

 

[Emerald]

Wow thank you everyone for your input, very educational XD

 

[GennyB]

If I remember correctly and I'm pretty sure I do. You can use whatever you wish but if you start in a language you must use the same one all the way through the exercise.

 

[Doberman Gang]

IPO requires you to use the same language. So if you train in German all your commands must be German. If you train French then all French. English then all English ect...
AKC it doesn't matter you can even make up your own commands if you want. I compete in IPO and occasionally show in AKC obedience, I train in German and have never lost points in AKC for using it.

 

[DD4MSpock]

Is there any advantage in training the dog in a specific language, other than it being the native language of their home country? For example, I can see where Law Enforcement might teach US working police dogs in German so that the dog isn't confused by commands a perpetrator might try with the dog, say, to call it off.

 

[NikiL02]

For IPO and even obedience training I can see because then people can't randomly give commands to your dog.

For general walking, I'm teaching Nero to stay beside(ish) me with a loose lead. We've practiced in the back yard without a lead too. But for actual Rally or Obedience I want him right there, so I don't use heel yet as I want that word specifically for showing and saying "be here, right here, no where else."

 

[Doberman Gang]

That would not matter to a well trained dog. Zeke doesnt obey my wife when she gives him commands, just me. She didn't get involved enough when he was being trained.
Most people in my club use German, it makes it easier for me as a trainer. My AKC obedience class people all use different commands in English so I am constantly having to ask what word they are using for each exercise.

 

[NikiL02]

That would not matter to a well trained dog. Zeke doesnt obey my wife when she gives him commands, just me. She didn't get involved enough when he was being trained.
Most people in my club use German, it makes it easier for me as a trainer. My AKC obedience class people all use different commands in English so I am constantly having to ask what word they are using for each exercise.

I wouldn't think it would, but with my husband in on the deal.... Every time I feel like we have something down, like even "sit", it seems to come undone. I just cant sit there and correct him all the time either on how he talks to Nero. I said to him last night, we're trying to teach the puppy not to bite everything. You undo that when you do the "rough play" thing where he starts snapping at your hands, even though he doesn't actually bite you, you're teaching him to snap at hands. I get tired of Nero snapping at my hands just because they come near his face, even to give him a treat. Sure an older dog can distinguish between the two, but I'm not sure Nero can at 16wks.

Sometimes I wanna

 

[Archer]

I show in AKC OB/Rally and Agility and use both German and English commands. It doesn't matter what you use, as long as your dog knows what tou are asking it to do. I always train my dogs in hand signals/sign, German and English. No matter what language you decide to use, ALL members of your family that will be involved in training the dog will need to use the same words and stay consistent. You also want to use commands that make sense.

Is there any advantage in training the dog in a specific language, other than it being the native language of their home country? For example, I can see where Law Enforcement might teach US working police dogs in German so that the dog isn't confused by commands a perpetrator might try with the dog, say, to call it off.

The advantage I see is it is just another way to expand your dog's vocabulary and to broaden your training. Dogs that are trained for PP like IPO dogs and Law Enforcement dogs won't listen to a perp no matter the language they speak. They listen to their trainer.

 

[Crystal]

Sorry to steal this thread but I couldn't figure out how to make a new one. I need help with tips on walking. I have never had trouble before teaching any if my pups proper walking manners, but Willow honestly isn't your typical dog/doberman she has lots of fear and anxiety, she has always hated walks. I'm scared that on walks she fears me (I tried putting her on her back when she growls and nips my leg hard whenever I do more than walking speed needless to say it didn't help just made her more scared), and I want her to respect me. I get frustrated alot with her because she pulls so badly and has so much anxiety and I know it's something I'm doing wrong. I just recently bought her a prong collar. But I'm not quite sure how to use it. I have a slip leash an anti pull harness even tried gentle leader a choke chain which I hated. Not sure what else to do I really want to enjoy my walks with her. Btw we went to obedience classes and they tell me she'll grow out of growling and nipping at me when trying to jog with her and that I'm not giving treats fast enough. I have also tried treats to entice her to heal for weeks but as soon as there is no treat she's back to pulling... HELP

 

[Crystal]

Sorry to steal this thread but I couldn't figure out how to make a new one. I need help with tips on walking. I have never had trouble before teaching any if my pups proper walking manners, but Willow honestly isn't your typical dog/doberman she has lots of fear and anxiety, she has always hated walks. I'm scared that on walks she fears me (I tried putting her on her back when she growls and nips my leg hard whenever I do more than walking speed needless to say it didn't help just made her more scared), and I want her to respect me. I get frustrated alot with her because she pulls so badly and has so much anxiety and I know it's something I'm doing wrong. I just recently bought her a prong collar. But I'm not quite sure how to use it. I have a slip leash an anti pull harness even tried gentle leader a choke chain which I hated. Not sure what else to do I really want to enjoy my walks with her. Btw we went to obedience classes and they tell me she'll grow out of growling and nipping at me when trying to jog with her and that I'm not giving treats fast enough. I have also tried treats to entice her to heal for weeks but as soon as there is no treat she's back to pulling... HELP

*heel

 

[Doberman Gang]

How old is Willow? I do not make my dogs look at me when just out for a walk only during training and competition. When out for a walk we do not move forward if they tighten the leash. Call them back to me ask for a form of obedience then forward, if they pull we stop and repeat. You may onlt make it to the end of your driveway but you must be consistent. For running, try holding a piece of food above the head, if Willow jumps up or nips at you just say no and move the food out of reach, As soon as you get a few steps with all 4 feet on the ground say yes and reward with the food. Willow will catch on that food comes when running calm with all 4 feet on the ground. Build up the number of paces you get before rewarding and then reward randomly, some times 5 paces, then 10, then 15, then 5 again then 25 ect...

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Sorry to steal this thread but I couldn't figure out how to make a new one. I need help with tips on walking. I have never had trouble before teaching any if my pups proper walking manners, but Willow honestly isn't your typical dog/doberman she has lots of fear and anxiety, she has always hated walks. I'm scared that on walks she fears me (I tried putting her on her back when she growls and nips my leg hard whenever I do more than walking speed needless to say it didn't help just made her more scared), and I want her to respect me. I get frustrated alot with her because she pulls so badly and has so much anxiety and I know it's something I'm doing wrong. I just recently bought her a prong collar. But I'm not quite sure how to use it. I have a slip leash an anti pull harness even tried gentle leader a choke chain which I hated. Not sure what else to do I really want to enjoy my walks with her. Btw we went to obedience classes and they tell me she'll grow out of growling and nipping at me when trying to jog with her and that I'm not giving treats fast enough. I have also tried treats to entice her to heal for weeks but as soon as there is no treat she's back to pulling... HELP

Pulling on-leash has been the norm for me with my experience with the breed. I actually described above in this thread how I feel like I almost lost my mind trying to get my first Doberman to stop pulling on leash. I then told of the training book that turned it ALL around for us with heeling.

It is very interesting to me that Willow nips and growls when you run with her on leash. That sounds like high prey drive; yet tonight in another thread you showed Willow playing with your pet rat. I made a joke about her not being a candidate for barn hunt competition, implying she had no prey drive. I realize I may be wrong in my little joke and it may just be some weird connection between Willow and your rat.

At any rate, on the surface, growling and nipping while running sounds like high prey drive. Oji, my current male, is the first Dobe with which I've experienced this. It should be noted that he only really does it while he is on a heel and I run. It's like frustration plays into it. When he wants something but he is being restricted it frustrates him. It really concerned – well more than concerned – me. It shocked me. It still seems wholly unacceptable. Rule number one should be never bite Master. A dog that is prone to biting Master is unfit and should be gotten rid of – makes sense in theory, right? But I guess it's something that happens in some high prey drive dogs.

I don't know for sure if that's what's going on with your Willow, but hopefully we can get to the bottom of it. The reccomendation, by the way, from my breeder was to carry a bite/tug toy with you while you run with him on a heel and let them bite that instead. I modified this to: Hold the tug toy up high at my chest to try to keep his attention/gaze there. Require him to heel with precision, and when I stop and he hits an acceptable automatic sit, then I wait a few seconds as he sits and stares at the toy then I give the command to bite it. We have a brief tug session and, since I'm interested in effective biting and holding, if he has a nice full-mouth grip and he displays adequate aggression in trying to wrest the tug from me, I let him win it.

Treats: You can use treats to entice her to walk acceptably, but treats only go so far. Maybe use them in conjunction with other methods.

I'm glad you got a prong collar. There are threads here about how to use a prong collar. I'm glad you recognize that there is a right way to use a prong, instead of just putting it on the dog as their collar and hopefully letting it cause them to pull less.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Sorry to steal this thread but I couldn't figure out how to make a new one. I need help with tips on walking. I have never had trouble before teaching any if my pups proper walking manners, but Willow honestly isn't your typical dog/doberman she has lots of fear and anxiety, she has always hated walks. I'm scared that on walks she fears me (I tried putting her on her back when she growls and nips my leg hard whenever I do more than walking speed needless to say it didn't help just made her more scared), and I want her to respect me. I get frustrated alot with her because she pulls so badly and has so much anxiety and I know it's something I'm doing wrong. I just recently bought her a prong collar. But I'm not quite sure how to use it. I have a slip leash an anti pull harness even tried gentle leader a choke chain which I hated. Not sure what else to do I really want to enjoy my walks with her. Btw we went to obedience classes and they tell me she'll grow out of growling and nipping at me when trying to jog with her and that I'm not giving treats fast enough. I have also tried treats to entice her to heal for weeks but as soon as there is no treat she's back to pulling... HELP

On posting new threads: I, too, had trouble figuring out how to post a new thread when I started here. The key is to first choose a forum in which to start the thread. Do this by clicking on the "forum" tab near the top of the page. Choose the forum that seems most appropriate, then once in there, you should see a button allowing you to post a new thread.

 

[Crystal]

How old is Willow? I do not make my dogs look at me when just out for a walk only during training and competition. When out for a walk we do not move forward if they tighten the leash. Call them back to me ask for a form of obedience then forward, if they pull we stop and repeat. You may onlt make it to the end of your driveway but you must be consistent. For running, try holding a piece of food above the head, if Willow jumps up or nips at you just say no and move the food out of reach, As soon as you get a few steps with all 4 feet on the ground say yes and reward with the food. Willow will catch on that food comes when running calm with all 4 feet on the ground. Build up the number of paces you get before rewarding and then reward randomly, some times 5 paces, then 10, then 15, then 5 again then 25 ect...

She is 9 months old, and thankyou it sounds like it's going to be a long process but well worth it. I'm going to look up on this thread on how to properly use her prong collar. Thank you again for replyig