How to Train Your Dog to Shake His Head
Introduction
Everyone wishes their dog could talk. Just imagine the things he'd be able to tell you: what he's thinking, what his wants and needs are, his likes and dislikes... It's a premise that has been explored in television shows and movies like Disney-Pixar's Up. Of course, the collar that allows golden retriever Dug to talk also reveals that his thoughts are monopolized by canine pursuits like chasing squirrels. Still, the idea of being able to talk to our fur-babies is a fun one.
Unfortunately, dog-to-human translators aren't likely to hit the market anytime soon. So why not teach your dog to do the next best thing?
Defining Tasks
Getting Started
What you'll need:
- Treats: positive reinforcement is key when teaching your pup a new behavior. Choose a special treat that gets his attention and that he'll be willing to work for. Think dried liver, a piece of cheese, peanut butter, etc.
- Clicker: if your dog is familiar with clicker-training, a clicker can be used to signify what behavior you are looking for.
Things to note:
- It is best to start training in a quiet indoor environment with little chance for distraction, such as other pets or unexpected noises.
- Training is best accomplished one-on-one, rather than with multiple owners. Full attention and eye contact are key.
- Don't let your dog get bored or tired out by training. If your dog loses focus after repeating a behavior, end the training session, give him praise and resume training at another time. Keep training fun and fresh!
The Hand Signal Method
The Clicker Method
The Verbal Command Method
Written by Amy Caldwell
Published: 01/16/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Koda
Koda was a rescue dog that we adopted since February. He has had training. Knows how to lay down with commands and hand shakes. But we do not understand what he is saying when he shakes his head? At first I thought he had ear infection. But the vet cleared him of that several times. So we figured out he is taking to us but have no clue what he wants???
870 Dog owners recommended
Hello Syvla, Unfortunately I cannot help with this much without being there in person to look into the matter. His ear might be ticklish. Since your ruled out a potential eye infection, if could simply be fur growing in his ear or wax build up. He might shake his head when excited or when a noise bothers him, or when feeling anxious. Some dogs develop obsessive behaviors such as licking or circling, it could be an obsessive behavior. He might also just do it for attention if he has discovered it gets him attention or brings laughs. Look at his overall body language and see if there is a trend. Does he look excited, worried, or frustrated when he does it each time? Is their fur in his eye growing in an odd way that might be irritating or wax build up? Does he get a lot of attention or laughter whenever he does it, that could be encouraging him to do it more? You will need to play detective or hire someone who can evaluate him in person. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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