Dog Talk is very specific on when we say a word to a dog, everything matters. If you say "Who's a good boy?!!" and you smile and get excited, your dog will look at your facial expression and hand motions.
write down the hand gestures your dog reacts to. Do several hands signs and see what your dog does, if this is your first dog and it is older this is a great way to find out what your dog already knows. Go slow and just stay with the basics.
Lesson one From the Dogs
My name is Dixie and I am an 8 year old Blue Heeler. I know alot of words and want to tell you the best way to get me to talk.
If I stand by the door it means I want to go outside. I know it is cute when I sit by the door but please listen to my signal as I need to go outside. When I ask to go outside, please let me out quickly because I'm trying my best to be respectful in your house. We dogs can't ask with words and people usually don't like us barking at the door so we try out best to indicate our needs through specific locations and enthusiasm next to them.
If I am getting excited by the food bowl, please feed me as I remember the exact time you fed me last and to my doggo brain I hope to be fed on a scheduled time so I don't get stressed not knowing when I will eat again. Alot of dogs stress is having an unpredictable schedule with their food or outside time. It is always OK if you are off by an hour but make sure to explain to the dog of the schedule change.