How Your Energy Affects Your Training

Many people are under the assumption that when you train your dog, you should be using a neutral, mono-tone when spitting out commands/cues. This can definitely work for many dogs, as long as you pair that neutral tone with something positive, you will be classically conditioning your dog to respond happily to the neutral command. But what if I told you there is a way to increase positive experience while training, increase the rate at which your dog learns the new cue and increase the bond and connection with your dog?

Your energy when you train your dog has a huge effect on not only the speed at which your dog learns but actually increasing the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated again. When we increase our energy to a playful level and engage our dogs while training, a hormone known as oxytocin is released. Oxytocin is that feel good hormone (also known as the love hormone), this hormone is released when the dog feels happy and affectionate, the side effects of oxytocin is increased happiness, social-bonding and stress reduction, not only for the dog but for us humans as well. This imprints in the dogs mind and creates a positive link to working with the handler in future real life scenario's.

When you train your dog, don't just stand there and spout off commands, with a stationary boring body posture, and mono-tone voice. Engage your dog with up-beat tones, move around playfully, keep it fun and engaging! Every dog is different too, not every dog will enjoy the same amount of intensity, movement, or volume of your voice, so make sure to adjust your energy according to the dog's personality.

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