Pets love it when their owner pays attention to them. And it is extremely pleasant for a person to communicate with animals. If you have a dog, you can teach it various commands. This way you will teach the animal to be disciplined. The ability to obey the owner will come in handy when you are playing on the street or visiting. Next, we will look at not just a command, but an interesting and fun skill that will delight you and your loved ones. In a musical family, you can teach a dog to howl, then the evenings will become more fun. But even if you don’t own any musical instrument, we’ll tell you what you can come up with.
Why teach a dog to howl?
Have you heard stories about dogs that sing along to songs? This ability can be taught to your pet.
Speaking about breeds for which singing is easier, dog experts identify the following:
- Husky;
- Likes;
- Labradors;
- Beagle;
- Pit bull terrier and others.
But even ordinary mongrels can sing. Basically, this skill depends on the physiological characteristics of the pet. Don't be discouraged if you can't teach your dog to sing right away. Try different ways, using musical instruments, imitation methods, or playing songs. Interestingly, even Basenjis, which are non-barking dogs, can learn to make sounds in their own way.
The puppy promises when he sits in another room
If the puppy has become accustomed to you and its new habitat, but continues to disturb you or makes heart-rending sounds when locked in another room, you need to be strict in your upbringing. If you constantly indulge in such behavior, pity or calm the dog, whining will become a habit, and the dog will howl for any reason.
You can ignore whining if this is how your pet attracts attention. Over time, the dog will understand that such behavior only displeases the owners. If the whining really bothers you, open the door. In a stern tone, send the dog to its place, give the command “Fu.” Repeat similar actions until the dog calms down. If all else fails, the dog continues to howl as soon as you close the door, increase the punishment, find a method that will achieve results.
How to train your pet to howl
There are several options for teaching your pet to make sounds. He can simply sing while listening to a song, or repeat the chant after you. At first, the dog will listen attentively to the melody, and perhaps even begin to howl. In this case, it is important to praise the dog and treat it with a treat. After rewarding this behavior, reinforce the “sing” command. You can also use a clicker or a preliminary stimulus word. Both are used if you need to let your pet know that he is doing the right thing.
If you want to teach your dog to sing, stock up on a few songs or tunes. Tell your dog to “sit” and sit him next to you. Your hand should contain food or your pet’s favorite treat. Once your puppy is interested, turn on the song and start singing along. This is one of the most famous ways to teach a dog to howl. It doesn't always work. But it's worth trying with different songs. Very often, a dog can choose one favorite song. Sometimes it is not necessary to teach your pet separately, since he himself can show talent. This pattern is observed in families where there are musical instruments or love to sing.
Behavior correction: basic methods of education
Correcting the behavior of an adult dog is not only more difficult than training a puppy, but can also take much longer. The main thing to remember when raising a dog is systematic training and patience.
If the methods of behavior correction described earlier did not produce results, then, after mandatory consultation with a veterinarian and dog handler, you can move on to more radical methods of behavior correction.
Additional methods
Such methods include food additives impregnated with various drugs, castration (sterilization), sedatives, corrective collars or cutting of vocal cords.
- Any food additives, whether drops or tablets, must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Corrective collars - electric shock, ultrasonic or spray - can be used after consultation with a dog trainer.
- The most radical methods of behavior correction - sterilization and cutting of vocal cords - are carried out only in a veterinary clinic and under general anesthesia.
Sedatives
Sedatives include various drops and herbal infusions, tablets and capsules.
- Nutritional supplements consist of herbal infusions and can be used over long courses, but always after consultation with a veterinarian - each drug is individual and the body reacts differently in different dogs.
- All sedatives - supplements and medications - have a sedative effect.
Separate from everything else are collars soaked in concentrated sedatives. The principles of aromatherapy apply here - when the dog is in a calm environment, the collar must be removed so that the dog can enjoy a walk and run around.
Anti-bark collars
Corrective collars can have several options:
- Electronic collars. When the vocal cords are vibrated, the collar shoots out a small but sensitive and unpleasant shock. In order for a shock collar to be effective, it is important to put it on correctly - the electrodes on the box must fit tightly to the dog's skin. If you do not remove the fur, the dog will faintly feel the shock and this will only make him even more angry.
- Ultrasonic collar. It operates on the same principle as an electric shock collar - when the ligaments vibrate, the collar produces impulses, only not of current, but in the ultrasonic range.
- Spray collar. Also, when the ligaments vibrate, it releases aromatic compounds. Such a collar is harmless to the dog’s health, but the smell is unpleasant for the pet - most often such collars contain citrus aromas, sharp and strong.
Vocal cord cutting
The most radical way to get rid of barking is surgery. Cutting the vocal cords is a serious surgical procedure that often leads to complications and even death of the dog. Incorrectly or inaccurately performed surgery can lead to swelling of the larynx, as a result of which the dog will not be able to breathe.
- In addition to the most terrible outcome - death, cutting the ligaments can lead to disability of the dog, since swelling of the larynx can cause breathing problems.
- Such an operation, of course, will solve a “loud” problem, but it can lead to a change in the dog’s behavior and not for the better - a dog without a means of communication can become cowardly or, conversely, aggressive.
There can be many complications from surgery, because the operation is performed under general anesthesia, and anesthesia itself can lead to various chronic diseases of internal organs. In addition, the operation leaves many extremely painful scars on the larynx: the dog will not be able to eat normally for a long time and will experience constant pain until the scars heal.
Before deciding to undergo surgery, the dog owner needs to think very carefully and consult with a veterinarian and dog handler.
Other ways to teach your pet to howl
When a person has a specific goal to teach a pet to sing, you can try using one of the following tips:
- Use the musical toy;
- Get yourself an accordion;
- Play the button accordion, accordion;
- Select a melody to play on the piano. You can also teach your pet to press the keys independently and sing along;
- Play the pipe for the dog;
- If you don't have an example from another dog, play a video or sound of howling on your computer for your pet. You can try to start howling yourself. As soon as the dog starts howling, introduce the stimulus word and reward.
Choice of incentive
Motivation is one of the most important elements in training. The more desirable the reward, the faster and more willingly the dog learns.
Reinforcement should be selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet. All dogs, even of the same breed, can differ greatly in character and needs.
Taste reward
Rewarding with treats is suitable for almost all animals. Food motivation is part of the instinct of self-preservation - to eat means to survive.
Well suited for dogs up to one year old - during the period of active growth, puppies always want to eat and pieces of cheese or meat cause great delight. Training with treats is also good because motivation can be increased by skipping 1-2 feedings.
Game encouragement
Praise in the form of a game is suitable for dogs with pronounced instincts of fetchers and hunters. This option is not suitable for everyone - aboriginal breeds and primitive Spitz dogs are not inclined to play with balls, but true shepherd dogs and hunters, on the contrary, play with pleasure.
Play rewards should only be used if the toy really delights the dog and is a desired object. Otherwise, the pet will quickly lose interest in activities.
General learning algorithm
When practicing vocals with a dog, you should show patience and respect for your pet. It may not work out as perfectly as you would like. In addition, the dog does not always “hit the notes.” If your pet can sing along, that's good.
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You need to know that it is easier to teach a dog to howl if you turn on slow music or a song. At first, the dog may not understand what you want from him. But when he sees what you do when the song comes on, he will try to repeat it. To prevent your pet from getting tired, allow about 2-3 minutes for the first lesson. Then you can gradually increase the time to 5 minutes. Performing the exercise does not require excessive expenditure of physical energy from your pet and can even amuse your animal. Watch how diligently the dog howls every note.
To conduct the lesson, sit opposite or next to the dog. Next, turn on the music on your phone, start playing yourself, or use any available method. If you sing yourself, your pet may even try to sing in a human voice. Of course, by nature the dog does not have the ability to pronounce, but it still catches some words and tries to imitate the sounds.
An important rule also applies to your communication during the lesson. When teaching your dog to sing, pet him and praise him. Moreover, try to sing in a duet. If you manage to captivate your pet, you will hear him howl to the melodies. It is better to start training when your pet is in a good mood and try not to be impatient. Every day, devoting a little time to such an exercise, you can achieve the first result in two to four weeks.
You can work on singing one sound. For example, start with “a” or “y,” which are easiest for your dog. Then you can even move on to learning words. Some owners teach their dog the word “mama” or “yum-yum.” If your dog already knows how to pronounce sounds, you can choose easy words and reinforce this behavior.
Right to “5 freedoms”:
1, Freedom from hunger and thirst The dog must eat portioned meals and have access to fresh water 24 hours a day. Her nutrition should be balanced, not excessive or insufficient. “Howling dogs” often have difficulty digesting food and have difficulty gaining weight. Separate feeding in small portions also has a beneficial effect on the dog’s behavior.
2. Freedom from disease The dog must be healthy and not experience pain. The owner is obliged to carry out timely prevention - get vaccinated, give the dog anthelmintic, as well as vitamins and probiotics when necessary.
3. Freedom from discomfort The dog should have its own place in the house (even if it is allowed to lie on your bed, it should have its own lounger!). Sit on her lounger with a book and try to spend 1-2 hours there. If you cannot read calmly for one reason or another, then the dog does not feel comfortable in this place either. She needs to be allocated another place.
4. Freedom to be a dog (freedom to carry out species-specific behavior) The dog should walk 2-3 hours a day and, if possible, more, but not less. The dog must communicate with its relatives. If she cannot do this due to behavioral problems (aggression, cowardice), we need to address these problems. If the dog is not a breeding dog and has a high sex drive, it must be neutered.
5. Freedom from grief and suffering It is in order to give the dog its legal right to this freedom that we are engaged in correcting its behavior. By solving her problems, we free her from fear and worry.
Voice command for dogs
You can also bark on command. This method can be used to train your dog to make a sound on command. Also, saying “quiet” can stop the barking. The dog can give a “voice” when you are picking mushrooms in the forest or use this exercise as entertainment. If your pet's desire to bark knows no bounds, teaching this skill can help control the animal.
To teach a dog a command:
- Take a treat in your hand;
- You can give the instruction to “sit” or start from a “standing” position;
- Let your dog sniff the treat in your hand;
- Raise your encouragement to the top and say “voice”;
- Give the treat after your dog barks.
You can train a dog to bark several times. If you have the ability to use a piano, combine a button press and a command. To do this, press the key, say “voice” and reward your pet.
What can you do to stop your dog from howling in your absence?
Sometimes, even without training, the dog begins to howl. This may happen in your absence. Very often neighbors may complain about a pet. But you can’t stop a dog from whining, and you can only try to teach it to voice and howl on the street.
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To begin with, work to ensure that the dog stops behaving this way when you leave. Firstly, you need to learn how to leave correctly, namely, without unnecessary goodbyes, unnoticed. Come back too. The second rule is to give due attention to walking your dog in the morning. To avoid your pet barking for no reason, increase the duration of your walk. It is also important to leave a sufficient number of toys so that the dog does not get bored.
If you are sure that it is your dog that is howling, work on care. To do this, you can leave the apartment often, but for a couple of minutes, telling the dog “No, you need to stay.” When you return from a walk, enter the house first, without allowing the dog to push you aside. Try an exercise that will give you the opportunity to find out if your dog is howling and stop this behavior. First, move into another room, forcing the dog to remain outside the threshold. When you return, you can praise the dog. Then you need to get dressed and go outside. Howling upon return is recommended to be suppressed, and positive behavior to be approved and praised.
Punishment too weak
If a dog raises its head, puts its ears up, jumps around you, stands on you with its paws, wags its tail and stretches its lips in a smile when you scold it, it does not understand that you are unhappy. Scold her harder, push her into the room. Lower your voice. Imagine that at this very moment she is doing something completely inappropriate - climbing on the table or lying in rotten meat. Your tone should be perceived unambiguously by her.
Note, however, that I only suggest that you scold the dog; do not hit or throw “Fischer discs” at her. In this exercise, you express dissatisfaction only with the timbre of your voice and words!
