Communication: The Key in Sheltie Training

Every sheltie owner's dream is to have a sheltie that is pleasant to be around - reliably housebroken and free from behavior problems. Is there any better way to turn this dream into reality than to provide appropriate sheltie training? Successful sheltie training is not impossible to achieve. In fact, there are lots of techniques effective in training a pet to become well-behaved. But regardless of the training technique preferred, dog owners or trainers must remember that communication has greater role in this endeavor.

Do you think you would be able to teach your kids if you can't effectively communicate with them? The same it goes when training your dog. Failure to establish effective communication between you and your dog may lead to failure in training. But the problem is, how can you communicate with your dog properly when you do not speak the same language?

While human conveys information to a dog by giving verbal commands, dog in turn respond through barking and body signals. It is therefore vital that the handler understands and knows how to interpret the dog's body movement. For instance, most people are aware that wagging tail conveys playfulness, excitement, contentment or happiness. However, it may also mean anxiety, apprehension or submissive placation. This stance, when combined with another body language such as facial expression or direction of vision conveys clearer meaning. A dog that is confused, stressed or distracted is enable to learn efficiently so you may want to resume your sheltie training some other time.

Dogs also use body language to show signs that they need to eliminate. Sniffing the floor, pacing, whimpering, staring at you, looking restless or walking to a door are common signs to watch out for to avoid accidents in the house.

Owners/handlers should also be consistent with their tone of voice. A verbal command "no" given in a firm voice may mean different to a dog when spoken using gentle tone.

Communication is an important process both to humans and animals. Rapport as well as chaos occurs when there is accurate or wrong information conveyed. Establishing good communication with your dog, at the same time employing appropriate training techniques will only lead to nothing but the most well-trained dog everybody loves to be around.