Just curious to see if anyone trains with multiple languages. Either mixing up a combination of languages for one set of commands like sitz, coucher, sedni, aller, uz etc etc and so on and so forth.

If you did mix - any particular reason?

If you use multiple languages for multiple sports, which, for what?

Those that do use multiple languages for the same commands (meaning more than one command for the same action such as fuss/uz/au pied for heel) what has your success rate been and how did you work to prevent confusion in the dog?

Duke is trained in English as my brother would not be able to understand foreign commands. He barely remembers that "down" means to lie down and not to get off of something. "Off means off!" argh

Anyways. I mixed Cajun's commands, I used a combo of German and French and used two commands for heel (focused and relaxed walk) I did this because I'm wierd and I chose by the sound of each word.

I didn't do much in the way of training multiple words/commands for a single action but I think if done properly, while challenging for the handler to remember what set of words they are using today, would be stimulating for the dog.

I realize that this could easily become very confusing, I can't see the use of more than 2 languages being easy for either the dog or handler but would love to hear what you have to say.

Thoughts on multiple languages also quite welcome along with experiences, ideas, and stories.

I use 2 languages for the sit, down, and heel. Did it just cause I wanted Lear to know both cause I like the sound of the German commands and wanted to be able to use them sometimes . There wasn't any confusion for him, neither learning it in the beginning or afterwards.

I use the words interchangeably, I don't often think about when to use what, but I tend to try and keep the German for faster downs and sits, for example. I use English for less formal versions of the same command. Not that we're doing any formal obedience but his "platz" has always been fast, his "down" slower. So the platz looks cool, hence the word formal

There was a video link posted quite a long time ago of a gal who had her dog trained in multiple languages (more than 2) for several commands. I couldn't find it but it was cool to watch.

I don't think the dogs care. They don't speak the languages anyway and I don't think it's confusing or difficult for them to learn there are more than one word for a command.

Dogs are so cool, have to say. They can learn anything in any language.

I agree that it is fun and I will be training my next pups in multiple languages.

The confusion part I was thinking of in terms of the use of the different languages for sport or activities when you cross train a dog. Such as Sitz means sit for SchH but Assis is sit for FR, or Uz for heel in PSA and K Noze for heel in MR etc. Speaking in terms of anyone that uses a different language to create a pattern or association for a different type of work. Or just more relaxed around the house and focused work etc.





Edited by Jennifer Marshal (03/07/2008 12:03 AM)
Edit reason: repeated myself heh

I've started using French for certain things. For instance, my dog knows "place" means "go to your place". I then wanted to teach him to position himself between my legs, which is also called "place". So I used "ici", which really means "here" but my dog knows it means "between the legs".



Okaay...That explanation was the most poorly written piece of merde I've ever seen on this forum, and that's saying something! I'm leaving it as a testament to my dog's utter brillance that he can even figure me out. I need sleep.

Lol Sarah, I get what you mean. The dog doesn't know the meaning of the word in any other way than how you teach it. You could teach a dog to sit when you say sleep for example, or to down when you say coffee

I really do enjoy these "musings" of yours, Jenn, and I'm glad you have so many of them

One interesting thing I've noticed recently with my dog. I'm fluent in French, but with a horrible American accent. My daughter speaks French like the native she is but she speaks English with a very strong French accent.

True has difficulty following known commands in either language only when my daughter is speaking. He's not blowing her off. He's trying very hard to give her what she's asking for but I'm convinced he's having a hard time undertanding her accent. It's really quite funny.

Heh yeah the pronunciation of the word is really what the command is, not the word itself. You could say "iT" and the dog would sit or ear and the dog would here etc. Add an accent or shorten the long sound and soften the sharp/hard sound and you will get a funny look.

I'm glad someone enjoys my musings My brain never stops turning itself inside out and in circles. It is nice to have this forum as an outlet for my canine craziness.

I took French for 3 years back in junior high and highschool. LOVED IT. I was a natural.. I seem to be a natural with accents but I moved to an area that did not offer french and so I decided what the heck I will take Spanish. Hah. Bad Idea. I wound up speaking Spench or Frenish whichever you prefer. Nice combo of french and spanish, my poor blonde brain couldn't handle it. I have lost most of what I learned from non use but I want to study it again. I want to learn Russian as the pronunciation is fairly easy for me.

ANYwhoo...

I use "no" for minor things I want them to stop doing and "Nine" or is it "Nein!" german for NO! for more serious things..the german version is sharper and they react more quickly to it.

Nico knows "go potty?" means do you need to go outside and potty, and if she does she lets you know, if not she doesnt react so much.
If you ask her "Go outside!?" she jumps up and gets all excited and does her funny excited bark.
But then when I get up and walk to go outside she looks at me funny like where the heck are you going?

I have no idea what is means to her, obviously something, but it happens every time and only with this phrase, other meaningless things in the same tone do not get a reaction...who knows!

I use hand motions with all my commands as I teach them which is super handy for correcting a dog in silence, while talking on the phone, while trying to be quiet like in bird hunting, and also encourages my dogs to keep watching me. Usually I drop the verbal command altogether eventually.
My usual correction by voice is a stern Hey! or Tsst!

I think that most people use hand signals whether they intend to or not I use hand signals for every animal as well as facial expression, looks/eye expression, and body posture. I don't need to train a dog for most of the physical motions that I make, it is naturally understood/easily read body language by the animal (dogs, horses, cats etc.)

Hand signals are for another thread I'm cooking up. I am particularly interested in strange words for commands, not so much corrections though I've sure heard some interesting sounds people use to correct a dog hahah.

***Back on topic with languages Things like cross training using different languages for an association for specific work for sport or to differentiate between work and relaxed around the house, or just strange or unusual words you use as normal commands like if anyone actually has the word 'Coffee' as a command for down... ***