What language to use? - Page 1

i see almost all people in military and law enforcement use french and dutch for a malinois . i was wondering how dog would take to german commands? or if it even matters at all cause i know it doesnt totally matter i was just wondering what peoples thoughts were

A couple reasons they're using foreign commands are typically because they get the dogs as adults which are already started using those languages(imports), or the trainers have used them for so long it's more natural to stick with those words. It doesn't matter which language you use at all. You can make up words for commands as long as the dog will associate the word with the action you are asking it to perform.

even with a adult you can change the language, takes some time but is not impossible if you get a puppy use youre own language

Another point is if you train commands in a foreign language the dog won't be confused with word used in daily conversations. I don't use Fuss for anything other then heeling. Since english is my only language. The german is stickily for working the dog.  Like a lot of people use "ok" as a release word in training. Instead i use "Gut" for my dog's release word and i say it to the best of my ability in german. I'm sure a native german speaker would laugh at me, but i'm trying. :D And my dog is americna born and american made. She's an American Bulldog. And i got her at 9 weeks. With plans to IPO her from day 1.
So good luck and have fun.
Fry

neuen Polizie and dragonfry summed it up correctly.  I will add that the reasons we use commands in another language is to be consistent with the country of origin and language the dog is accustomed too.  The most significant reason is to differentiate between the commands we give the dog and the commands we give the suspect.  I am in the US and may want to tell my dog "down" but want the suspect to remain standing.  I will command my dog to "platz" and offer instructions in English to the suspect.  It makes it clear to the dog and the suspect which one I am giving commands to.  In our area we never ever say "get em or sick him," I use the German command of "packen."   

My dog was bred in the US, raised in the US and responds to both German and English.  Different commands for different situations.  I also use English / German to differentiate between the commands my wife asks or requests the dog to do and the commands I give and expect to be followed immediately.  My wife, who will not reinforce any commands uses English and I use German.  Even with my sport dogs we have had separate commands in English and German.
 

hmm....interesting...and makes perfect sense...

Both my dachshund and Malinois were born in the US but I've taught them commands in both English and Mandarin. They both don't seem to mind at all.

Are you still "Spanking" your Dual Purpose Trained dog?
 

Qman,
I am not sure what you are referring to?  You lost me with the spanking reference.  
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I use Slovak, English and German. My male listens to them all. And when he pisses me off I do the "beeep, beeep... come you beeep".... listens to that one also! LOL

You can use whatever language, mix of them you want. The dog will switch pretty fast.