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Many dog owners choose to train their dogs using German commands, a method rooted in tradition and function. This choice often stems from the clear, distinct sound of German, which can be advantageous for command recognition. Is training your dog in German a good idea and what are the commands?
Main lesson
- Dog training in German is popular because the command sound is clear and easy to recognize.
- Initially popularized through reputable German dog training programs, the use of the German command is now widespread in a variety of fields.
- This method helps maintain clear and focused communication between handler and dog.
List of German dog training commands with pronunciation
- Sit – sit (zitz)
- Stay – Bleib (bly’b)
- Down – square (plah-ts)
- Arrive – Hello (hee-er)
- Heel – noisy (foos)
- Stand – Steh (shtay)
- Find – Bring (bring)
- Let it go, let it go – Aus (Oh)
- Talk – Gib Laut (speak up)
- Silent – Ruhig (roo-ig)
- Search – As if (Zoo)
- Move forward, move forward – love (for-rous)
- Dance – Hopp or Über (hopp/oo-ber)
Practice these commands consistently for best results. Clear pronunciation assists the dog in understanding and carrying out each command.
Pros and cons of using German commands
When you train your dog in German, there are specific benefits and some drawbacks that you should consider.
Advantages of training your dog in German
- Clarity: German commands are often short and easy to distinguish, which can help your dog distinguish and remember the commands more easily. For example, “Sitz” for sitting, “Platz” for lying down, and “Bleib” for lying down are all sharp and concise, helping to reduce the possibility of confusion.
- Uniqueness: Using commands in German can reduce the likelihood of your dog hearing command words in everyday conversation. This difference means your dog is less likely to be confused by similar words used in everyday conversation, ensuring that training commands remain unique and specific to interactions yours with them.
- Accuracy: Achieve a high level of accuracy in obedience training by using commands that have a sharper sound that is not confused with other words the dog may hear throughout the day.
- Concentrate: Create a focused training environment by using language that your dog only associates with training sessions.
Disadvantages of training your dog in German
- Communicate with others: One challenge in German training your dog is that it can limit the ability of others to command your dog effectively. This may be a concern in situations where other people, such as dog walkers, dog trainerpet groomer, veterinary staff or pet sitter, needs to interact with your dog.
- Accessibility: You may find there are fewer resources available in your area for German language training or difficulty finding instructors familiar with the language, especially if you don’t speak German yourself. This can make continued consistent training more difficult.
What difference does language make?
Choosing the right command language can play an important role in the dog training process. The psychological impact on the dog, given its awareness of the language and communication of the trainer, is crucial for successful communication.
Dogs’ ability to acquire language
Dogs have the ability to learn and recognize words, but they do it differently than humans. Your pet doesn’t understand language in the same abstract way that you do; they associate specific sounds with actions or outcomes. Short and distinct words in German, such as “Sitz” (sit), “Bleib” (stay) or “Platz” (down), are often clear and distinct from each other, which can help minimize confusion.
A study by J. Pilley on a Border Collie named Chaser, who learned more than 1,000 words, showed that dogs can distinguish many different sounds and commands.
- Recognition: They pick up on phonetic nuances, frequencies, and sound patterns.
- Association: Dogs associate sounds with actions or consequences.
The impact of melody and pronunciation
Your tone and pronunciation are as important as the words themselves. When you give a command, insist on:
- Clarity: German commands are often throaty and can be pronounced very clearly. This clear vocalization can attract your dog’s attention and reinforce the importance of the command.
- Consistency: A consistent tone ensures that your dog always understands the severity of the command. The inflection at the end of the command can tell your dog whether it is a command (a falling tone) or a question (a rising tone).
Alternative language in dog training
Want to be even more unique and choose a language other than German? Remember, your dog doesn’t care what language you use (you can even give us your own words)–it’s all about tone, clarity, and consistency.
Use other non-English languages
Spanish, French, DutchAnd Russian is one of the languages you are likely to encounter in the dog training scene besides English and German. The choice of these languages is often in accordance with regional popularity or the instructor’s personal preferences.
For example, in areas where Spanish predominates, commands like “¡Sienta!” for “Sit!” is the standard.
- Spanish: “Ven” (Come), “Quieto” (Stay)
- French: “Viens” (Arrive), “Reste” (Stay)
- Dutch: “Kom” (Come), “Blijf” (Stay)
- Russian: “Ко мне” (Ko mne – Come), “Сидеть” (Sidet’ – Sit)
History of dog training in Germany
German dog training became prominent due to its military origins and the development of Schutzhund training programDemonstrates the working ability of dog breeds, especially German Shepherd Dogs.
Military origin
Your exploration of historical context begins with the military. The German military first realized the value of well-trained dogs for a variety of tasks. They took advantage German command to ensure consistency and efficiency. This standardization helped train dogs to operate reliably under the pressures of war. Specially trained dogs are used to texting, guardAnd search and rescue in both World Wars.
Schutzhund training legacy
Schutzhund, meaning “guard dog,” is a heritage dog trainer of German origin. It is a sport developed in the early 20th century to test German shepherds for traits necessary for the job, including:
- Monitor
- obedience
- Protection
Schutzhund The structured approach of the training emphasizes the use of German commands to maintain tradition and high expectations of performance. The Schutzhund’s success subsequently influenced other professional dog training and dog sports programs around the world.
frequently asked Questions
Training your dog with German commands has been a common practice for decades, especially in some professional fields and among dog enthusiasts.
What are the benefits of training a dog to the German command?
Using German commands can create a clear and distinct method of communication between you and your dog. Due to its concise and assertive pronunciation, German is often considered effective at conveying commands clearly, making it easier for dogs to recognize and remember specific signals.
How does using German commands compare to commands in other languages in dog training?
Commands in German are sometimes preferred over other languages due to their short and clear pronunciation, which can be beneficial in attracting the dog’s attention. Other languages may use longer phrases or less sharp sounds, which may not be effective during training.
What are the reasons behind the military’s preference for German dog commands?
The military often chooses the German command in dog training due to historical precedent, with many of the original service dogs being trained in Europe, especially Germany. The tradition continues when these commands are clearly established in service dog training procedures.
Is there any benefit to training dogs in multiple languages, including German?
Training dogs in multiple languages can strengthen command recognition and may be advantageous for working dogs who may need to operate in multilingual environments. It can also help prevent unauthorized people from accidentally or intentionally giving commands to the dog.
How do pronunciation and clarity affect the effectiveness of German commands in dog training?
Clear pronunciation is important in dog training, regardless of the language chosen. The phonetic clarity of German with its sharp consonants and vowels may contribute to the effectiveness of commands, as dogs can distinguish individual sounds and respond more reliably.
Paris Permenter is the award-winning co-author, with John Bigley, of more than 30 pet and travel books, including The Healthy Hound Cookbook and Texas with Dogs, both available from Simon and Schuster. Paris is also a member of the American Dog Writers Association.
