Talk to Your Puppy - it's all part of socialization

Posted by Clare Bristow

zoe-the-schnauzer People often tell me they believe Zoe knows exactly what's being said in a conversation, and to a certain extent I think she does.

I'm sure it's because I always tell her what we are doing and where we are going - even Fritz picks up on certain words now, though I think he takes his lead from Zoe! I don't use long sentences, just specific phrases.

Dogs, particularly puppies, love to hear the sound of your voice and by talking to them they feel included in what you are doing - it's all part of bonding and [tag]socialization[/tag]. Having said that, try not to talk incessantly to your dog because he will tune out and won't be paying attention when you do ask him to do something important!

Here are some words and phrases, together with their meanings, I routinely use and which are now part of Zoe's vocabulary:

Inside and Outside - when we go into and out of the house;
Upstairs and Downstairs - when we go up and down the stairs;
Kitchen, Lounge, Hall, Bedroom - the 4 main rooms she goes into;
Grooming - time for grooming;
Where's Susan - go and find Susan (plus a growing number of other names); and
Let's play and enough - the start and end of playtime;

You'll be surprised at how quickly your dog picks up on words and phrases, particularly if you use the same intonation each time you say the word - and it's fun to do too.

What's most important though is that people will compliment you on having such an intelligent and sociable dog - and what dog owner doesn't feel proud of their dog when they are told that?

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Keywords: bonding with puppy, socialization

Filed Under Puppy Socialization, Blog

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Comments

4 Responses to “Talk to Your Puppy - it's all part of socialization”

Bob Neehdam on January 1st, 2008 3:41 am

Puppie and Human bonding, we may have the ultimate pet that thinks it is a human, our Plott dog had 11 puppies. Max the dad got loose and she took him on a short little hunting trip and she was killed by a car about amile frome the house.

Now we are bottle feeding some tough little pups. These would make a wonderful pet for someone. These dogs are used to track bear, wild hogs and coons, I wonder if they would make good Search and Rescue animals?

I have recieved many stories about being Loyal Pets.

Let me know if you think you may want to have one of these special animal in your life.

christycreekennel.com

Bob Needham
Clare Bristow on January 1st, 2008 10:34 pm

Thanks for dropping by Bob - what a tragic story; I hope you find a home for all the puppies soon.
Sarah on January 16th, 2008 4:25 pm

my husband and I have an 8 month old black lab blue healer mix. I have to say I have been constantly amazed at the effect talking to him has had. Just like communicating with your child to help them learn to speak. He has learned commands so much faster than any dog Ive ever owned. I have always had well trained dogs but its good to hear I was right in thinking talking to him has made such a difference. By 4 months he was sitting on command, healing, staying out of the kitchen, etc… With just one word. Half the time I don't even have to tell him anything now. He sits and waits patiently as soon as he sees his leash. He starts training soon for hunting. We are excited to start. He really is an incredible dog. thank you for your great advice!
Clare Bristow on January 17th, 2008 9:30 pm

Thanks for your comment Sarah - it sounds like you've done a great job in training your puppy so far, and it's fun when you can talk to your dog and know they are understanding what you're saying. Good luck with the hunting training.