Beau. By way of spending lots of time with Beau, reading a pile of dog books and training him during puppy workshops and a dog school his humans obtained experience in reading the signals Beau is sending us. In a never ending process of learning his humans are always extending, correcting and fine tuning the information he is giving.

Barking. Rare, only when he does not have access to his humans or when he is aroused by the presence of another animal at the other side of a transparant door.

Belly grumbling. Spinning loudly because I am glad you are back home.

Ears upright (together with neck hair). I am bigger, do you notice!

Ears upright (questioning eyes). What is happening here? What do you want?

Front paws clawing in the sky. I am going to fight, right now!

Grumbling with teeth and mouth. I am going to get you, beware!

Hair in neck upright. Step aside, I am the boss.

Lying on back, paws up in the sky. A lot of petting please.

Moaning. Oh I am so tired and want to go to sleep.

Opening and closing mouth. Give me that cookie, I performed well.

Play bow (front paws low and stretched to the front, bottom and tail up). I greet you and am ready for action.

Pointing with body. This is the way I want to go and so do you.

Pushing. I want attention, or I am wet (and are using your clothes to dry myself).

Pushing head under or between your legs. I greet you I feel very happy.

Putting head on your feet. You belong to me, I am at ease.

Putting paw on lap. Come with me, I want someting now.

Standing on hind legs, jumping. I am very happy (with his humans) or I am pushing you away (occasionally with strangers).

Sitting. I am good and deserve something tasty. Stretched legs, making big. I am really huge, do you see that!

Step aside.

Sitting and leaning. Pet me, I want to feel comfortable and safe. A cuddle please.

Sitting during stroll. I don´t want to go along, I want to take another direction or go home.

Sighing. Pfff, rest at last.

Sleeping movements (quivering paws and nose). I am dreaming.

Sleeping noises (short breathes). I am dreaming heavily.

Snoaring (loudly). I am in a deep sleep.

Squeaking, whining. I am in pain, I need you, help me.

Tail low between legs. This is scary, I don´t feel safe.

Tail moving from left to right. Hi! Or

Tail up. Pay attention please!

Yawning.  I do not feel like paying attention to you.

Yawning loudly (mouth opened, play bow and curly toes). I am totally relaxed, stretching myself getting ready to go out with you.

Humans. The learning of Beau is based on ignoring unwanted behaviour and rewarding good behaviour. Because Beau is fond of yummies, this way of training Beau is very effective. We do not use other methods. Beau learns by linking words to actions, step by step and with adequate timing. A lot of repeating, patience, consistent use of body language and voice while trying to pick up his own signals (does he understand, does he like it, is he tired et cetera) proved to be essential in this proces of interaction. Now Beau has learned the basics of a good pet, his new ´lessons´ are meant to keep him active and to continue intensifying the relation between him and his humans. Before and in between his third daily round, Beau and his humans are often engaged into some playing and learning for around 10 minutes at the maximum.

Calmly. For instance do not tug or don´t rush the stairs.

Come over. To go to, and sit in front of his humans.

Cookie? Come and you will get your yummy.

Do not eat. Do not crunch away edible things found in the streets.

Down. Lying down.

Fetch. To take something in the mouth.

Follow. To walk closely at the left side of his humans.

Foot. To sit down at the left side of his humans.

Give. Come and let go in my hand.

Go and drink some water. Drink water of bowl.

Go and look. To find a yummy or one of his humans during hide and seek.

Go outside. To the balcony. 

Good boy. You are ever so sweet.

In. Go inside somewhere.

Keep on standing. 

Keep on sitting. 

Let go. To drop something out of his mouth.

Names: Peter, Antoinette (big humans), Yu (little human), Marleen (outlet), Hans en Wil (occasional sitters).

No. Don´t do something.

Pay attention: wait! To wait for instance before crossing the road.

Pee. To pee a tree.

Penis. To roll around on his back for a wash.

Remain standing up. Stand on four legs and stay put.

Sit. To sit.

Stay. Do not move.

Well done. To do something correctly.