What types of voice commands do your geese know?

[JRies]

As I'm from Denmark, I speak Danish to my two geese. And I wouldn't really call it voice commands; it's rather a hybrid Goose/Danish language that they've come to understand, where tone of voice is at least as important as the spoken words.

The only word they definitely know out of context is "Hov", which translates more or less to "Whoops". That's the word I use when I have a treat for them, as in "Whoops, what was that in my pocket?". Whenever they hear that, they beeline to me. I use it when we go for walks and come across traffic like cars, bicycles, or people with dogs. I take my sweet time getting the treats out of my pocket, and traffic can safely pass while the geese are close to me, impatiently tugging at my pocket, waiting for their treat.

On occasion, other people use the word "Hov" in conversation, and the geese will run to them and tug at their pocket.

If I want their attention, I call "Gåser", which translates to "Goosers". They'll look up, but unless I have treats they'll stay put and take up whatever they were doing after a few seconds.

If the gander gets too feisty, I reach out for him and ask "Skal du løftes?", which means "Do you want me to pick you up?" And as he really, really doesn't want me to pick him up, he usually backs down and steps away. Other people can use that for him, too, but they have to say it in the right tone of voice, and they have to reach out for him as if they mean to pick him up.

I can also ask them if they want to go for a walk "Skal vi gå?" "Wanna go for a walk?"(almost always a yes), or if we're out, if they want to go home (usually only a yes if we're close to sundown).

If we're leaving, I copy the goose's "Hap-hap-hap-hap-hap" to encourage them to go. The more syllables, the more urgency. That also what I say, very loudly and decisively, if I want them to come right here and now, like if a loose dog or a large truck is approaching, and we need to get out of the way fast.

I've taught them to expect a treat at certain points. Like when we're coming home, they get a treat as soon as they've stepped foot on our yard. Even if I'm far behind them, they'll wait at the gate for me to get their treat. If I forget and just walk in, they'll stay at the gate until I come back and give them their treat. It's really useful at the places where they might dally, leaving me to hold the door for them forever.

What a beautiful love story thank you.

 

[3xhhheather]

All are aware of 'Ah-Ah' means knock it off, then there's 'HEYYYY GOOOSE' which makes the whole flock come running.

'Come on goose!' mixed with snapping fingers, everyone heads into their pen (even the ducks & chickens ) and then at night, they go straight for the coop.

When I say 'Hey pretty girl' to Lemon, she returns with her special chattery call. McMurray and Crabapple also know their names and will give a soft honk in return.

They don't recognize the word for treat, but they definitely recognize that a metal bowl = goodies lol

 

[Isadora]

At dusk I will go out to lock up the birds and if any of the geese are still outside I will yell, "Ni-night!" and they all file into their house.

 

[AGeese]

I use hand signals, come, stay, good, bad, no, but sometimes I have to yell HEY! when they're up to no good.

Otherwise I just usually say yeah in response.

 

[Leader Bee]

My little beep used to know "Are you ready?" where i'd put my hands underneath him to lift him up and he would drop his keel into my hands ready to be lifted.

"Garden!" when i got home from work, they'd run to the back door, honking with excitement.

"Cucumber!" obviously their favourite treat.

Little beep also would give kisses on request "Can I have a kiss?"
Evidence:

I'm gonna miss that little man.

 

[Cynthia1828]

My geese know their names - Biggie, Mel, Snow White, Delicate and Rhee - AND...

1. treat! (blueberries)
2. bad guys (the muskrats who steal their food)
3. Cobb (name of barn cat who they don't like to see hanging around the house)
4. hello friends! (my call to check up on them)
5. favorite lullaby (I sing 'Baby Mine' from Dumbo while they preen and do their bedtime cooing)
6. friends....friends...friends (means stop trying to prevent the ducks from eating - works until my back is turned)
7. look! (they come to check out what I'm pointing to & especially love to see when I catch a snapping turtle or catfish)
8. good boy/good girl (praise & encouragement works wonders, especially for Mel, the lowest guy in pecking order )
9. beautiful! beautiful! (this gets them running and flapping their wings - they love to be admired)

 

[AGeese]

My little beep used to know "Are you ready?" where i'd put my hands underneath him to lift him up and he would drop his keel into my hands ready to be lifted.

"Garden!" when i got home from work, they'd run to the back door, honking with excitement.

"Cucumber!" obviously their favourite treat.

Little beep also would give kisses on request "Can I have a kiss?"
Evidence:

I'm gonna miss that little man.

That's a great video. Poor Beep may he R.I.P.

 

[ThePilgrimGooseHouse]

My little beep used to know "Are you ready?" where i'd put my hands underneath him to lift him up and he would drop his keel into my hands ready to be lifted.

"Garden!" when i got home from work, they'd run to the back door, honking with excitement.

"Cucumber!" obviously their favourite treat.

Little beep also would give kisses on request "Can I have a kiss?"
Evidence:

I'm gonna miss that little man.

That video is hilarious!

 

[ThePilgrimGooseHouse]

My geese know their names - Biggie, Mel, Snow White, Delicate and Rhee - AND...

1. treat! (blueberries)
2. bad guys (the muskrats who steal their food)
3. Cobb (name of barn cat who they don't like to see hanging around the house)
4. hello friends! (my call to check up on them)
5. favorite lullaby (I sing 'Baby Mine' from Dumbo while they preen and do their bedtime cooing)
6. friends....friends...friends (means stop trying to prevent the ducks from eating - works until my back is turned)
7. look! (they come to check out what I'm pointing to & especially love to see when I catch a snapping turtle or catfish)
8. good boy/good girl (praise & encouragement works wonders, especially for Mel, the lowest guy in pecking order )
9. beautiful! beautiful! (this gets them running and flapping their wings - they love to be admired)

Great list! #6 made me laugh.

 

[Leader Bee]

That video is hilarious!

He will be missed