HOW TO... TO TEACH A DOG WORDS

Forget new tricks, and aim for a few old words

Poster dog for canine wordsmiths is Chaser, a Border Collie, whose vocabulary is estimated to cover more than 1,000 objects. However, it turns out language comprehension is not equal in all dogs. It's not yet known whether this is down to individual dogs, or their breed. But to give Chaser's record a try: START WITH THE BASICS: show them only the named object as you say its name; repeat as they play with it. Likewise, only say ‘sit’ as they are actually sitting – until they catch on that the two are linked. Repeat. Then move on to the next object/command. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE: dogs learn better if they're happy (don’t we all?). Praise and reward them when they get things right, and keep your voice upbeat. Who’s a good owner then? TRY IT THEIR WAY: dogs are better with the olfactory than the visual. Why not consider showing and spraying rather than saying?