The Broken Record Syndrome

Ever wonder why your dog seems to ignore you on a regular basis?  While there are many reasons (many of which will show up on this blog at some point or another), here is a major one that I see almost every time I work with people and their dogs.

"Main Entry:	broken record
Part of Speech:	n
Definition:	someone or something that annoyingly repeats itself, as a vinyl record with a scratch
Example:	You are starting to sound like a broken record.
Etymology:	1940"

(Definition courtesy of dictionary.reference.com)

Most people have heard this definition, and almost everybody knows a friend or family member who fits into this category.  Yet, have we ever thought of it in relation to training our dog?  Let's look at this definition from an assertiveness standpoint:

"The 'broken record' technique consists of simply repeating your requests or your refusals every time you are met with resistance....A disadvantage with this technique is that when resistance continues, your requests may lose power every time you have to repeat them. If the requests are repeated too often it can backfire on the authority of your words."

(Courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assertiveness#Broken_record)

I just want to emphasize the last two lines.  Are you a culprit or accomplice to somebody who asks their dog to, "sit, sit, sit, SIT, SIT, SIT! SIT!!!"  Or do you say your dog's name again and again without expecting them to respond?  

Here are some ways to get your dog to listen to your voice:

1.  Don't repeat what you say

2.  Enforce your commands (remember that little things called a negative marker?)

3.  Praise! when they do comply (Good things happen when they listen to you)

4.  Don't ask them to do things when you can't enforce it (are they distracted?  Are they running around in the back yard and you're telling them to "come, come, come, dang it! COME!" ?)

5.  Expect success (of yourself and your dog).  It will show through in your body language