Brainwork for Smart Dogs

I recently purchased the e-book "Brainwork for Smart Dogs" (from a link on this web site). In the book, the author is very insistent that commands not be English words that may come up in normal conversation and which may confuse the dog. Instead he suggests made-up or nonsense words.

What I would like to know is how important is this requirement? I clicker train my dog and use English words for cues. I've never heard of a need to use meaningless words instead.

Fay

Comments

Aidan's picture

Good idea, but not necessary

Hi Fay, I'm glad you have read Brain Work for Smart Dogs, it is one of my favourite books but I do not necessarily agree with everything Eliasen says. Choosing unusual or distinctive cues is a very good idea, but I don't place as much emphasis on it as Eliasen does personally because I did not start out that way and have trouble remembering made-up cues!

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

Brainwork - thanks

Thanks for your feedback Aidan. I do like the content of the Brainwork book but as you say, envisaged some trouble remembering so many made-up cues. I'll stick to plain English and bear the consequences :-)

Thanks again
Fay