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I have done extensive work with (SAR) dogs over the years. My present one is a Belgian Malinois. These guys are amazing to work with, even better than shepards.
Here is some helpful training tips:
There are five key words that are useful in teaching communication and cooperation
between you and the dog you are training. They are “Yes”, “Uh-Uh”, “Good Dog”,
“Okay” and “Free”. The first three words listed are Verbal Markers. The fourth word,
“Okay” is used as a release word; allowing the dog to cease the action commanded. The
fifth word, “Free” is a signal to the dog that the training session is over and they can now
do as they please.
Verbal Markers are specific words that are used to ‘mark’ the exact moment in time that
the dog has exhibited either a desirable, or undesirable, behaviour. The most commonly
used Verbal Markers are “Yes” and “Uh-Uh”. The word “Yes” is used to signal the exact
moment that the dog has performed the correct behaviour, and thus earned reward. The
phrase “Uh-Uh” is used to signal unwanted behaviour. Once I’ve given this negative
marker I then ask the dog to do something that will earn praise or reward; thereby
redirecting his actions to desirable behaviour.
Verbal Markers and Key Words are beneficial to use in training as they help to create a
mutually understood language between dog and human. This facilitates understanding
and thus aids in training, which lessens conflict by reducing miscommunication.
Moreover, knowledge of Verbal Markers makes training and behaviour modification
quick and easy for both dog and human.
The third word I routinely use, as noted above, is “Good Dog”. I use this to encourage the
dog, and to elicit the continuation of the action(s) that he is doing until he hears the
release word, “Okay”, or the correct marker “Yes”. Regardless of the marker used, the
dog has earned reward, or access to resources. The fourth key word in your mutually
understood language is “Okay. This is the word I use that means - job done. It is a release
from doing what you have asked and a signal that they have earned reward and/or desired
resources. Lastly, the word “Free” is a signal to the dog that the training session is over
and they may now do as they please.
In my training practice I use the above noted words as Verbal Markers to convey
information. These words are used to quickly and easily identify desired and undesired
behaviours; to elicit continued action of a desired behaviour until given the release word;
and lastly to signal the end of a training session.
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