Owners should avoid barking orders at their dogs.
Dog owners should speak nicely to their pooches
A new study has revealed that people should talk more politely to their pooches as the animals respond more accurately to commands when their owners use a friendly voice.
It is believed that a more pleasant atmosphere makes dogs relaxed and more likely to obey orders.
Experts from the Wolf Science Centre at the University of Vienna and the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais in Brazil analysed the way that nine mixed-breed canines behaved during 135 training sessions.
The researchers found in sessions where 'reprehensive' speech was used that the dogs showed more negative emotional signs and made fewer correct responses to commands.
Study author Melissa Bravo Fonseca said: "In view of our results, we believe that nice speeches have created a positive atmosphere, in which the animal might interact in a relaxed way, favouring the fulfilment of commands.
"The use of nice speeches (also) has the potential to attract the listener's attention, increasing the social responsiveness of the receivers."