This page is a component of the Glossary of the Dog Science, CBC
Dog Training Workshop, and an element of the Dog Science Network
Go to the index of the Glossary of Terms
The Command Voice
The command voice is a tone of voice and a style of speaking which you should use only when commanding a dog. It's purpose is to make it easy for your dog to tell the difference between when you are making a simple, optional request, and when you are issuing a command that must be obeyed.
You will probably need to experiment and try out different voices before you settle on your own command voice. However, when the process is complete, it is essential that the following criteria be met:
- It should be a tone of voice that you reserve only for the task of commanding a canine.
- In fact, it should be so singularly unique in tone and intensity that your dog will instantly know that you have shifted over into command mode.
- Your dog should never hear you speak in that tone unless you are in the act of commanding a canine.
- Your command voice should be somewhat authoritarian in tone. After all, you are ordering your dog to do something. Noncompliance is not an option. So tell him to do it. Ordering your dog in a timid, cutesy, pretty-please sort of voice is much too much of a mixed message, and it can only serve to confuse your dog and undermine the training process.
- It should be a voice you can reproduce at a loud volume if necessary.