I never really trained the dogs I've had in the past using commands. Usually the basic come and by name, but that would be it. Now since I've a big furry malamute, I decided to be a bit more interested in using voice commands.

Recently I was talking with my friend and Faith was by me. I said the word "go" and she went by the door and sat waiting for me to open the door when I was still talking.

I know waiting by the door isn't an action to be worried about, but I think it would be crazy if I were saying "sit", "lay", "down", or any other commands in a conversation. I'd think this would confuse a dog.

I'm getting a new dog a bit down the road and my two favorite languages are German and Japanese. What do you people think?

Most people teach dogs to obey commands as single words, so the dogs usually won't be able to discern the words said within a sentence. Regardless, dogs know when you're talking to them or not. I taught my dogs to obey commands even if I use them within a sentence, but they will only do so if I refer to them by name--"Chi, get up here. No, not there, platz here." Otherwise, like with people, why should you listen to something that doesn't involve you?

 Quote: Kristine Velasco

Otherwise, like with people, why should you listen to something that doesn't involve you?

Maybe Faith's problem relates to being around me. I listen to any conversation unintentionally. They do say dogs will be like their handler.

Teach your upcoming dog his/her commands in whatever language/s you choose. Most of my dogs have known their commands in Greek and English. One of them, a Keeshond, would sometimes ignore commands in English (selective deafness), especially from my Mother (ROFL).

i chose to re-train in german, because i found my dogs were often picking things up when i didn't want them to. i also couldn't get my wife's ex-stepdad to quit bossing the dogs around (or trying to) and it confuses them, so having them in german gives me an excuse for why they won't listen to him.

the main reason being however because i wanted to learn something new, and it's a good way to memorise each of them. as someone else pointed out in a thread i started about this a few weeks back - you can train them with nonsense words if you wish.

but i can relate to them picking up things out of context - a while ago i had to take my wife's grandfather to therapy (he had a stroke, and still hasn't regained all his cognizance) and i told him to go get in the car.. our progress was hampered by two excited dogs dancing away at the back door.

P.S. i would love to see pics of your malamute.

When I work with a new dog or client's dog I will teach the dog basic behaviors like "sit" separately from their name. The dog's name thereby becomes a cue in itself to be learned in the same manner. I will cue the dog with it's name and wait until I get eye contact (time will vary from dog to dog but stand on the leash so they don't leave you when they get bored.. ) then I mark-reward-and release. Later on when the dog quote, 'knows' his name it can be paired up with other known commands.

For example, the dog has learned his name (Rover as an example) and "sit" separately from one another. Then when the dog is under distraction the handle can cue "Rover-Sit" and there should be no question in the dog's mind that the handler was talking to him!

http://www.tsumelabs.com/malamute/

I think teaching a dog in two or three languages is fun and, for some, maybe even necessary. But whatever the language(s) you choose, he/she will learn them and may react even when you're not commanding/speaking to them at the time.

I think dogs will pick up on words that really mean something to them. For example, my dog is in love with his girlfriend, Kira . She's my sister's dog and comes over to play with him once a week or so. When anyone in my family utters her name in conversation, my dog jumps, starts looking out the window for her, etc. I guess my male thinks she's a hottie! He goes crazy at the sight of her !

If I say the word, "walk" in conversation with others, my dog jumps up at the sound of the word and will look at me as if to say, "Well, when are we leaving already"?

All in all, I think his finely tuned brain is on throughout the day and, where I'm concerned, he hangs on my every word because I'm the one that feeds him, grooms him, takes him for walks, plays w/him, etc. So I think, in general, he tunes out most words but can't help but react to a few words that are real triggers to him.

For mine her word of the day is "hamburger". Her grandparnets have taught that one with MacDonalds burgers. AARGGH But it's still pretty funny though. And the look on the drive through workers face when my old man tells them it's for his dog while holding a bucket of chicken is priceless!!

I've been wondering the same question! I've come to the conclusion that I will use a different language for dog #2. Because, A) dog #1 has several "trigger" words (outside, ball, and cat, to name a few, will get an imediate response) and B) I have family members and aquaintances who like to boss around a well trained dog, and use said triggers to get a response.

For the more mundane things in life, (come, sit, stay), dog #1 has developed selective hearing (ie, she listens to me and about 3 other people), unless you happen to be holding her ball or a treat.