When I'm teaching my puppy a command such as "no" or "sit", why is my tone so important?

When you’re trying to teach your puppy a simple command or you’re correcting bad behavior, an appropriate tone of voice will convey the message most clearly. Remember, your dog is not a human, and he doesn’t understand English.

Give commands in a clear, firm voice, with a tone that says, “I am your leader, and I call the shots.” Never let sharp, edgy, or frustrated tones creep into your voice, as they’ll only confuse the little canine. He’ll know you’re displeased, but he won’t know why.

Whenever your puppy responds well or behaves nicely, praise him with warm, encouraging, upbeat tones. He’ll know you’re happy and he’ll repeat the behavior. It may take awhile, but your pup will learn if you stay calm and consistent.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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