Any truth in this?

Dee2009 · 11-02-2009, 11:34 PM

My hubbie walks Louis more than I do, out of the two of us he is the main walker (something he wants to do) I do all his training (commands and teaching him tricks), hub says he listens to me more than does anyone else, I disagree and say no he doesn't (but there is some truth in it

Hubbie often jokes that he listens to "his mum", he says I'm the one that walks him but he listens to you way more.

, I did thing that they would listen more to the "main walker", he does do as hub asks it's just where as it can be first time for me it may take hub and the kids a few times of having to repeat the command etc.

Someone told me that Papillions tend to listen to women more because they have a higher pitch to their voice, is there any truth in this?

Dee

Nargle · 11-02-2009, 11:45 PM

I think it may just have to do with your personalities. You may try harder to bond with the puppy. A lot of men have sort of a "He's my guy friend" kind of attitude, whereas females swoop in and unleash the mother hen instincts, lol! Also, you may be more assertive than your husband, or more clear with your instructions. I know my boyfriend is a little soft spoken/slightly confusing when issuing cues to Basil, and doesn't always follow through. I try to be as clear and concise as possible.

yappypappymom · 11-02-2009, 11:52 PM

Interesting theory about the voice pitch, although I have never heard of it before...my boy listens really only to me actually-the Easter Bunny could take him for a walk, but, at the end of the day, when I speak-he takes quick notice.
The hubby said the other night that he was "spoiled" from me because of this, & I was so proud of my daughter that just turned 8 because she immediately told him "uh-uh..she doesnt let him get away with ANYTHING"!! LOL...he gets the same treatment as she does!! The good behavior is rewarded, while the bad behavior is either corrected/redirected or ignored completely.
Again, my DH thinks that me & the Leif have some sort of "mothering" system going on where he thinks the dog thinks that I am his "mother", & I think hes my baby...it is actually NOT the nature of the relationship AT ALL(ok, I DO call him "son" though..tee-hee)..without going all "Cesar" and all, I know that my pup knows that he CAN'T just do as he pleases with me, & there are some "rules" to be abided by when it comes to me,-I KNOW that he looks to me for direction.
Wish I could retrain my hubby who thinks just saying a dogs name will make him listen...dog is fine...someone ELSE needs "training" *does Alpha roll on the hubby* LOL

Xeph · 11-03-2009, 02:07 AM

It's not just Papillons. Dogs in general will respond more excitedly and readily to high pitched tones. I always have to harp on the male puppy class handlers to "Sound happy!" because they tend to demand things of their puppy in a low gruff tone where as women encourage and speak in high pitches.

Some are very well receiving of this and have no qualms about squeaking or acting nutty to get the attention of their puppy. Others outright refuse, or it takes them awhile not to feel awkward about it.

It's usually when their dog fails to come to them that they finally suck it up and try "Girly happy voice!" All it takes is for me to tell them "Well, phbbt! I wouldn't come to you either!"

TooneyDogs · 11-03-2009, 10:38 AM

Dogs respond much better to womens voices....high pitched and happy/playful sounding.
Mens voices are lower (low tones are threatening) and often have a demanding tone (not playful).

That's one reason that 80% of all dog trainers/handlers are women.

Labsnothers · 11-03-2009, 12:36 PM

Maybe vice versa. I think women dominate breeding, and many puppies go to their home with little or no exposure to men. Once in the home, women often continue as the primary care givers and often spend more time with the puppy.

Kay Weber · 11-07-2009, 01:37 PM

I think it's all in the personality of the person. Five of our dogs follow me just about everywhere - all of us have pretty calm relaxed personalities.

There is an exception to every rule, when there is a thunderstorm then Katie, our 15 year old mix, wants to be close to my husband. Protection?? I don't know.

The other dog Avie, a 5 year old GSD, likes my husband best. But their personalities are the same - kind of ADHD. I say that with love of course!

ThoseWordsAtBest · 11-07-2009, 01:55 PM

My dogs listen to me better than they listen to my boyfriend, but I don't think the pitch of my voice has anything to do with it. I am much more firm with the dogs and they know "dad" isn't like that. Like, I make them sit and wait for the their food, while I'll catch him just tossing it into their bowls while they jump all over the place.

Except Magpie. I don't know why, but that dog just loves my boyfriend. She's over the moon when he's near, and will do any thing he asks.

RBark · 11-07-2009, 01:57 PM

I have a very low voice (male), I'm told. However when I talk to my dogs, whether to give an cue or just for fun, I talk in a very soft whisper. I'm not sure why I do it. Because I'm deaf, when I talk to people I talk with a voice that resembles the booming voice of God coming down from the skies. As in, very very very loud and deep.

It probably has to do with me being more relaxed when talking to my dogs. So all of my dogs have responded to me very well, better than most dogs do to the people in the classes I've been to. A lot of the people, girls in particular, seem to confuse the dogs with their fast, high pitched talking. The dogs were more responsive, though, compared to the other guys in the class who talked to their dog like a drill sergeant.

I've found that a soft voice tends to get more response, regardless of pitch.

TxRider · 11-07-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBark

I've found that a soft voice tends to get more response, regardless of pitch.

I find that to be true as well.

As to original post I would think a dog would choose to listen better to the one who feeds it and gives it treats vs someone who just walks it.