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Many dog owners opt to train their dogs using German commands, a practice rooted in tradition and functionality. This choice often stems from the German language’s clear, distinct sounds, which can be advantageous for command recognition. Is it a good idea to train your dog in German–and what are the commands?
Key Takeaways
Training dogs in German is favored for its clear, recognizable command sounds.
Originally popularized through reputable German dog training programs, the use of German commands is now widespread in various fields.
This method helps maintain distinct and focused communication between the handler and the dog.
List of German Dog Training Commands with Pronunciation
Sit – Sitz (zitz)
Stay – Bleib (bly’b)
Down – Platz (plah-ts)
Come – Hier (hee-er)
Heel – Fuss (foos)
Stand – Steh (shtay)
Fetch – Bring (brring)
Let go, drop it – Aus (owss)
Speak – Gib Laut (gib lout)
Quiet – Ruhig (roo-ig)
Search – Such (zooch)
Forward, go ahead – Voraus (fo-rous)
Jump – Hopp or Über (hopp / oo-ber)
Practice these commands consistently for the best results. Clear pronunciation aids in your dog’s understanding and execution of each command.
Pros and Cons to Using German Commands
When you train your dog in German, there are specific benefits and some drawbacks that you should consider.
Pros of Training Your Dog in German
Clarity: German commands are characteristically short and distinct, which can make it easier for your dog to distinguish and remember the commands. For example, “Sitz” for sit, “Platz” for lie down, and “Bleib” for stay are all sharp and concise, which lessens the likelihood of confusion.
Uniqueness: Using German commands can reduce the chance of your dog hearing command words in everyday chatter. This distinctiveness means that your dog is less likely to be confused by similar words used in daily conversation, ensuring that training commands remain unique and specific to your interactions with them.
Precision: Achieve a high level of precision in obedience training by using a sharper sounding command that isn’t confused with other words the dog might hear throughout the day.
Focus: Create a focused training environment by using a language your dog associates solely with training sessions.
Cons of Training Your Dog in German
Communication with Others: One challenge of training your dog in German is that it may limit the ability of others to effectively command your dog. This could be a concern in situations where others, such as dog walkers, dog trainers, groomers, vet staff or pet sitters, need to interact with your dog.
Accessibility: You might find fewer resources available in your area for training in German or difficulty in finding trainers familiar with the language, especially if you do not speak German yourself. This could make continuing consistent training more difficult.
What Difference Does the Language Make?
Choosing the right command language can play a significant role in the dog training process. The psychological impact on the dog, considering their perception of language and the trainer’s delivery, is crucial for successful communication.
Dog’s Reception of Language
Dogs have the ability to learn and recognize words, but they do so differently than humans. Your pet doesn’t understand language in the same abstract way you do; they associate specific sounds with actions or outcomes. Brief and distinct words in German, such as “Sitz” (sit), “Bleib” (stay), or “Platz” (down), are typically clear and different from each other, which can help minimize confusion.
A study by J. Pilley on a Border Collie named Chaser, who learned over 1,000 words, shows dogs can differentiate between many different sounds and commands.
Recognition: They pick up on phonetic nuance, frequency, and sound patterns.
Association: Dogs link sounds to actions or consequences.
Impact of Tone and Pronunciation
Your tone and pronunciation are just as important as the words themselves. When you issue commands, put an emphasis on:
Clarity: German commands are often guttural and can be pronounced very distinctly. This crisp enunciation can capture your dog’s attention and reinforce the command’s importance.
Consistency: A consistent tone ensures that your dog understands the seriousness of the command every time. The inflection at the end of a command can indicate to your dog whether it’s a command (declining tone) or a question (rising tone).
Alternative Languages in Dog Training
Want to be even more unique and select a language besides German? Remember, your dog doesn’t care which language you use (you can even make us your own words)–it’s all about tone, clarity and consistency.
Use of Other Non-English Languages
Spanish, French, Dutch, and Russian are among the languages you might encounter in dog training contexts outside of English and German. The selection of these languages often aligns with their regional prevalence or a trainer’s personal preference.
For instance, in regions where Spanish is predominant, commands like “¡Sienta!” for “Sit!” are standard.
Spanish: “Ven” (Come), “Quieto” (Stay)
French: “Viens” (Come), “Reste” (Stay)
Dutch: “Kom” (Come), “Blijf” (Stay)
Russian: “Ко мне” (Ko mne – Come), “Сидеть” (Sidet’ – Sit)
History of Training Dogs in German
Dog training in German gained prominence due to its military origins and the development of the Schutzhund training program, which showcased the abilities of working breeds, particularly the German Shepherd Dog.
Military Origins
Your exploration of the historical context starts with the military. It was the German military that first recognized the value of well-trained canines for various tasks. They utilized German commands for consistency and efficiency. This standardization helped in training dogs to perform reliably under the stress of war. Specially trained dogs were used for messaging, guarding, and search and rescue during both World Wars.
Schutzhund Training Heritage
Schutzhund, which translates to “protection dog,” is a heritage of dog training that originated in Germany. It was a sport developed in the early 20th century to test German Shepherds for traits essential for work, including:
Tracking
Obedience
Protection
Schutzhund training’s structured approach emphasized using German commands to maintain tradition and the high expectation of performance. Success within Schutzhund later influenced other dog sports and working dog training programs around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Training your dog with German commands has been a common practice for decades, particularly in certain professional fields and among dog enthusiasts.
What are the benefits of training dogs with German commands?
Using German commands can create a clear and distinct mode of communication between you and your dog. Due to its concise and assertive phonetics, German is often considered effective in conveying commands crisply, making it easier for dogs to recognize and remember specific cues.
How does the use of German commands compare to commands in other languages for dog training?
German commands are sometimes preferred over other languages due to their short and distinct utterances, which can be beneficial in gaining a dog’s attention. Other languages may use longer phrases or sounds that are less sharp, which might not be as effective during training.
What are the reasons behind the military’s preference for German dog commands?
The military often opts for German commands in dog training due to a historical precedent, with many original service dogs being trained in Europe, specifically Germany. The tradition continues as these commands are well-established within the working dog training protocols.
Are there any advantages to training dogs in multiple languages, including German?
Training dogs in multiple languages can reinforce command recognition and can be advantageous for working dogs that might need to operate in multilingual environments. It can also help prevent unauthorized persons from inadvertently or intentionally giving commands to the dog.
How do pronunciation and clarity impact the effectiveness of German commands in dog training?
Clear pronunciation is crucial in dog training, regardless of the chosen language. German’s phonetic clarity with sharp consonants and vowels can contribute to the effectiveness of commands, as dogs are able to discern the distinct sounds and respond more reliably.
Paris Permenter is the award-winning co-author, with John Bigley, of over 30 pet and travel books including The Healthy Hound Cookbook and Texas with Dogs, both available through Simon and Schuster. Paris is also a member of the Dog Writers Association of America. Latest posts by Paris Permenter (see all)
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