In life with your dogs, there are things they need and things they don’t.
The number one thing dogs need? CLARITY! If your training in struggling or you aren’t getting the behavior you want from them, chances are you aren’t clear enough or you’re creating conflict.
What doesn’t help? Using a stern voice. Good training (and clarity!) will help your dog improve. You can get the same results (if not BETTER) by using a neutral or happy voice with your dog when giving them a command.
Watch this video to find out how clarity and vocal tone can affect your training.
Did this video help clarify something for you? Leave a comment below and let me know!
I have practiced veterinary medicine in the Cleveland area since 1990, with behavior medicine as my primary interest. I help improve the behavior of dogs and cats through a variety of online courses. I also offer one-on-one and group behavior training sessions in the Northeastern Ohio area. 
Yes, this video explained how tone of voice is so …important. My Willow loves to please me and I love to,please her. Yes, I am still having problems with leash walking but now that I watched this video I am going to watch my interaction with her during our walk. My body language. Thank you Carolyn, I let you know how it goes Rose
I’m so glad to hear that, Rose! Please come back and share.
Agree totally.
Thank you for the comment.
This is probably the area I struggle most with my family. My son feels the harsh voice is needed. I try to point out that he reacts better to a kinder voice. He feels I let him just get away with bad behavior.
It’s the most common reaction. He is not alone. It takes time to realize this makes the difference it does. But once you see it… hard to forget. Thank you for sharing that.
I understand this, I know this but it has been a while sense I trained a dog I had forgot. Thanks for reminding me.
Thank you for letting me know, Dale!
This makes a lot of sense. Just need to train myself to remember to do this all the time. Will try to get started today and get my husband on board too.
I hope you’ll let me know how it goes. Thank you for sharing!
Voice tone & body language does make a difference, as they “feed off our emotions!” Schultz will be 11 mos old 6/20. A few mos ago started jumping & nipping (tail wagging.) at first I was firm & discovered right away it wound him up. I softened my voice next few times, hold his collar & say “down” & he flops right away. Then I say, “give kisses; no bite” he gently licks my hand & ankle! So I pet him. He lies down on command when I give him treat so use same tone in my voice! Last night he whimpered to go out so I got up but he started jumping. I gently said “off” so he jumped on couch. I sat beside him, petted him; said do you want to go out? He headed for door to go out. When back inside headed to crate & fell asleep. 2nd time since we’ve had him he’s had to go out late.
Great video! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Deborah! Having that clarity and structure helps so much. The change can happen so fast and often we can wonder, “Darn, why didn’t I do this earlier?” LOL
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I love this! It’s exactly the same with horses. It’s a fab idea and very easy to teach them to slow down and stop with a “whoa” in a calming tone. It works even if they’re excited. But if you yell “whoa” in a panicky or angry voice in a crisis – no effect whatsoever.
They are very much alike! Many of the best competitors in dog agility started with horses. Thank you for sharing!