According to wiki.answers.com Theodore Roosevelt originated this phrase as a description of his foreign policy when he was President of the United States. Roosevelt attributed the proverb to West Africa, but its origin isn't known.
Perhaps you remember this phrase ... "Speak Softly and Carry a Beagle"?
How about "Whisper and carry a big stick"?
Whispering is a popular buzz word in dog training. It is also used in the horse world. True, you don't have to raise your voice, but you don't have to carry a big stick as a means of force either. A big stick is great for playtime with a stick motivated dog though!
I have often been referred to as a "Dog Whisperer". This phrase can have different connotations. If it means that you don't have to shout at your dog then yes, you can call me a dog whisperer.
There is so much more involved than whispering when training your dog.
Often I don't use any verbalizations at all when interacting with my dogs. Dogs are less tuned in to vocal signals than other signs. They don't need to listen to the blah blah blah that comes out of our mouths to be "in tune" with us and follow our lures as we use our bodies to communicate (ie. handsignals)...hence......the whispering myth busted! really nothing has to be said when it comes down to it..
Check out this article on Dog Whispering:
http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm
To develop a truly great relationship with your dog you need to know about their natural behaviours, principles of learning, motivations, reinforcements, environmental stimuli, impulse control, how your body language affects their actions, ... and much more.
Join our STEP ONE Training Workshop to learn to whisper and play and train your dog:
http://pawinhand.blogspot.com/p/step-one.html
