Good Communication is a key to a rewarding relationship with your dog, and the conversation has to go both ways.

                  * Keep commands short and simple.
                     Dogs understand human speech by taking clues from
                    distinct sounds. Short words clearly enunciated are best.

                 * Don't Repeat Yourself. Voice Commands should be said just once.
                    Most dogs have  better hearing than humans and will remember a word
                    up to two minutes.

                 * Expand your dog's vocabulary.
                    Dogs can understand hundreds of words but not complete
                    sentences. Link words to objects or a specific action. They pick
                    up on the tone of our voice.

                  *Use Your Body.
                    Dogs understand our gestures and body language.If you
                    point at an object, he will look toward where you are pointing.

                 *Listen Closely.
                     Dogs' barks mean something.  The tone of your dog's bark
                    will tell  you whether a friend or a stranger is approaching the house.

                 * Check the tail.
                     A new study shows that a dog wagging his tail with a bias to
                     the right  is excited and happy to see you. If the tail wags to the
                     left it is excited but unsureor fearful.  If a dog is wagging his tail
                     but is growling, it's best to back off.

                   *Look into his eyes.
                      Rapid blinking is a sign of nerviousness or deep thought.
                      A dog that blinks rapidly after being given a command is
                     deciding whether or not to obey.

                    *Get your licks.
                      Pups lick their mothers' lips to get them to regurgitate food.
                      When a dog licks people, it's a sign of submission of deference.

                    *Let Him Lean.
                      If your dog leans against you, he is asking for protection in a
                      situation he perceives threatening. This is good.....
                      you should be in charge.....but understand  your dog is counting
                     on you to make him feel safe again.

                                              *Read the "writing" on the wall.

                      Call it pee-mail or canine griffiti -- urine marking is an important
                      method of  communication for dogs.  It may indicate territoriality,
                      possiveness or hostility.  If you notice where he marks, you may be
                     able to understand and address his concerns.

Dr. Doman is director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at
 Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and

Author of
 "Dogs Behaving Badly" and other books.