Why speaking nicely when training dogs makes a difference

When it comes to training pets, one might assume you need to be demanding in order for them to understand demands.

While there's nothing wrong with being assertive, a new study has revealed using a stern voice isn't as effective as talking nicely while training dogs.

The team from the Wolf Science Centre at the University of Vienna and the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerai in Brazil analysed 270 training sessions with nine mixed-breed dogs and nine wolves to determine how they responded to orders.

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Previous studies found "Positive Reinforcement Training reduced cortisol of wolves and dogs" but this effect "varied across trainer–animal dyads (something that consists of two elements or parts)."

In the study, human speech was grouped into three categories: nice, neutral, and reprehensive. The researchers analysed how their duration and their acoustic characteristics within training sessions were associated with animals' behaviour and physiology.

It found "the longer the duration of nice speech during a session, the more often tail wagging was observed in both subspecies", while it was the opposite result for "reprehensive speech."

"The duration of reprehensive speech was also associated with a decrease in correct responses in dogs and with retreating in wolves, while a longer use of nice speech was associated with animals being next to the trainer for longer within a session."

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The results of the study showed being friendly and talking nicely during training "supports performance and positive emotional responses in wolves and dogs."

The different responses to the different pitches between the dogs and wolves can be linked to the 'domestication' process.

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So when it comes to puppy training, talking in a calmer tone might not be such a bad idea – even if you're feeling anything but calm.