Training a dog can feel like a complex endeavor, especially when considering the sheer number of commands a canine can potentially learn. While some organizations boast of teaching dogs over 90 commands, a closer look reveals that many of these can be redundant or lack practical meaning for the dog. This article explores the idea that a shorter, more versatile command list can be more effective for both the dog and the handler, focusing on core commands and situational understanding.
The concept of teaching a dog a vast array of commands often stems from a misunderstanding of how dogs learn and perceive their environment. For instance, using separate commands for opening and closing a door is unnecessary, as the dog performs the same action—pulling a string—regardless of the door’s direction. Similarly, a single command like “Kennel” can effectively convey instructions to enter various spaces, such as a crate, kennel run, or even a specific room. The key is to teach commands that indicate a desired position or action, allowing the dog to understand the core request rather than memorizing numerous variations.
Essential Commands for Obedience Training
For foundational obedience, your dog needs to learn commands that establish desired positions and actions. These core commands form the building blocks for more advanced training.
Positional Commands
These commands instruct your dog on where you want them to be:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand up.
- Front: Move into a position in front of you and sit.
- Heel: Move to your side and sit. This command can also be used for a “swing finish.”
- OK: A release command indicating the dog is finished with the current task.
Action Commands
These commands tell your dog what you want them to do:
- Come: Stop current activity and approach you.
- Let’s Go: Walk near you in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a formal heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively by your left side.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful command for teaching the heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to your right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary. Once a dog is instructed to assume a position (e.g., “Sit”), they should maintain that position until given a new command. The tradition of saying “Stay” often becomes habitual rather than a necessity for the dog’s understanding.
The word “Heel” serves a dual purpose: it designates the position beside you and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners; they understand the meaning of “Heel” based on whether you are standing still or moving. There is no need for separate commands for “Heel” (the position) and “Heel” (the action), nor for numerous “get” commands. Instead, instruct the dog to get into a position, and they will figure out the best way to achieve it.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands; they signal what is about to happen, rather than dictating an action. Useful cues can help your dog adjust their pace or prepare for an exercise.
- Hurry: Indicates the dog should move with greater speed.
- Easy: Suggests a slower pace.
The cue “Ready” is sometimes used to signal the start of an exercise. However, a more effective approach is to assess your dog’s attentiveness. If they are ready, you can proceed. If not, a firm “Sit!” command can regain their focus before indicating readiness to the judge.
Streamlining Advanced Training Commands
Advanced obedience levels, such as Open and Utility, can often be taught without a significant expansion of the command list by leveraging existing commands and the dog’s situational awareness.
Open Commands
- Drop on Recall: When recalling your dog, the command “Drop” is sufficient. The dog already knows how to “Come” and “Down.” The key is teaching them to perform a “sphinx” drop when in front of you, distinct from the side-drop they learn for basic obedience. Dogs naturally differentiate these situations.
- Retrieve on Flat: Requires only “Fetch” (pick that up) and “Drop” (release into hand). The command “Hold” is generally unnecessary, as “Fetch” implies holding the object.
- Retrieve over High Jump: The command “Jump” initiates the sequence. While you might initially break down the entire action (jump, fetch, come, jump, front), ultimately, the dog only needs the initial command to start the chain.
- Broad Jump: The command “Jump” is sufficient.
Utility Commands
- Signals: Dogs learn to respond to non-verbal cues for actions they already perform with verbal commands, without adding new verbal commands.
- Scent Articles: While tradition dictates a separate command for retrieving articles, the command “Fetch” can be used effectively. Dogs can distinguish between retrieving a single object promptly and searching a pile of objects slowly. If a dog seems hesitant with “Fetch,” alternative words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used. Dogs are situational and can understand that a pile of objects requires a different approach than a single object.
- Gloves: “Fetch” combined with a directional signal is sufficient. There’s no need for a unique command for each glove.
- Moving Stand: The dog already knows verbal and signal commands to stand. They can transition into heel position with the “Heel” command or circle with the “Around” command.
- Directed Jumping: The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from your side. They already understand “Sit” and “Jump.”
Utilizing Cues for Motivation and Preparation
Cues can enhance motivation and prepare the dog for specific exercises.
- Mark: Before the article exercise, “Mark” can signal the dog to pay attention to the article pile as it’s being set out.
- Look: Prior to directed jumping, “Look” can prompt the dog to scan and locate the go-out target.
- Motivational Cues: Fun cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can increase enthusiasm during training sessions.
Key Training Insights
When encountering training challenges, avoid the temptation to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself. Similarly, when exploring new dog sports like agility or fieldwork, resist the urge to add or alter commands unless absolutely necessary. For instance, using a single command for “come” (whether “Come” or “Here”) simplifies training across different disciplines.
The benefits of a concise command list are significant: they are easier for handlers to remember under pressure and simpler for dogs to learn. A shorter list of versatile commands applied to similar situations is far more effective than an extensive vocabulary for every conceivable scenario. By focusing on clear, situationally understood commands, you can build a stronger communication system with your canine companion.
