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thenaturalistyesterday at 8:41 AM1 replyview on HN

I do, of course.

But for the purpose of say me wanting my dog to show a certain behavior or perform an action.

I can’t explain it in human terms.

Talking works if I have previously taught my dog my desired outcome in ways the dog understands.

So in order to be able to speak, you first need to learn how to think like a dog and break a certain outcome down into intermediate smaller learning steps.

It’s kinda similar to programming, but in the context of bringing emotions into the mix (how do I teach calmly, and handle when my dog cannot immediately follow my instructions), it has made me incredibly more empathic.


Replies

nandomrumberyesterday at 9:23 AM

I've found having a regular conversation at your dog, or explaining some philosophical or technical concept to them, or reading to your dog, or composing a simple song about them and singing to them, very rewarding.