For many dog owners and aspiring trainers, the world of dog obedience can seem overwhelmingly complex, often involving extensive lists of commands. However, simplifying your command vocabulary can lead to more effective training and a stronger bond with your canine companion. This guide explores the concept of a concise command list, emphasizing clarity and practicality in dog training, especially for those interested in good commands to teach dog.
The Myth of Excessive Commands
Early in my career, I focused on training service dogs, teaching them tasks like retrieving dropped items, operating doors, and assisting with wheelchairs. While organizations often boast of teaching dogs over 90 commands, a closer look reveals that many are redundant or unnecessary. For instance, using separate commands for opening and closing a door overlooks the dog’s perspective; for them, it’s a single action: pulling a string. Similarly, a command like “Kennel” can effectively cover entering a crate, a kennel run, or even a designated area in the house. Consolidating commands simplifies the learning process for the dog, allowing them to generalize actions across different contexts. This principle is crucial when considering the best commands to teach dog.
Essential Novice Commands
A dog’s foundational obedience training requires commands that clearly communicate desired positions and actions.
Positional Commands:
- Sit: The dog assumes a seated position.
- Down: The dog lies down.
- Stand: The dog stands.
- Front: Move in front of the handler and sit. This is a useful command for engaging the dog and preparing for other exercises.
- Heel: Move to the handler’s side and sit. This command can also be used for a “swing finish” where the dog moves into position by swinging around.
Action Commands:
- Come: Stop current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: A casual command indicating the dog should walk near the handler, not necessarily in a formal heel position. This is a relaxed way to move together.
- Heel: Walk attentively next to the handler’s left side. This command signifies maintaining the heel position while moving.
- Back Up: A helpful command for refining heel position and teaching the dog to move backward.
- Around: A command for the dog to circle around the handler to the right, often used for a specific type of finish.
Many traditional training methods include commands like “Stay” and “Wait.” However, a well-trained dog that understands positional commands should remain in that position until released. The command “Stay” often becomes a habit rather than a necessity. Similarly, the word “Heel” can effectively serve both as the name for the position beside the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are highly situational learners; they can differentiate the meaning of “Heel” whether the handler is standing still or moving. This avoids the need for numerous “get” commands, simplifying the handler’s cues. Focusing on these core commands is essential for any top commands to teach puppy or adult dog.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands as they signal what is about to happen, rather than directing an action. Useful cues can help manage a dog’s pace and prepare them for an exercise.
- “Hurry” and “Easy”: These cues can be used to help your dog adjust their speed during various exercises.
- “Ready”: While some use “Ready” as a cue to signal the start of an exercise, it can be problematic if the dog isn’t attentive. A more reliable approach is to assess your dog’s readiness and then issue a firm command like “Sit!” to ensure their focus before signaling to the judge.
Streamlining Advanced Training
Advanced obedience levels, such as Open and Utility, don’t necessarily require a significant expansion of commands.
Open Commands:
- Drop on Recall: A dog already understands “Come” and “Down.” The “drop” command can be taught to elicit a sphinx-like position when in front of the handler, differentiating it from the side-lying “down” command. Dogs naturally adapt their response based on their position relative to the handler.
- Retrieve on Flat: Requires only “Fetch” (pick it up) and “Drop” (release into the handler’s hand). A separate “Hold” command is generally unnecessary, reserved for dogs with mouthing issues.
- Retrieve over High Jump: The command “Jump” initiates the sequence. While teaching, you might use a series of commands, but ultimately, the single “Jump” cue is sufficient to start the chain of actions.
- Broad Jump: The “Jump” command is all that’s needed.
Utility Commands:
- Signals: These involve nonverbal cues for actions the dog already knows verbally. No new verbal commands are needed.
- Scent Articles: While traditionally a different command is used for articles versus retrieves, the command “Fetch” can be adapted. Dogs can learn to differentiate based on context – to search more slowly among multiple articles and retrieve promptly a single item. If “Fetch” causes anxiety, consider alternatives like “Search” or “Find it.”
- Gloves: No new commands are needed. “Fetch” combined with a directional signal is sufficient.
- Moving Stand: The dog already knows verbal and nonverbal cues to stand. They can then transition to heel position with the “Heel” command or circle with the “Around” command.
- Directed Jumping: The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler. The dog already knows “Sit” and “Jump.”
Open and Utility Cues:
Cues like “Mark” before article exercises can help the dog focus on the pile. Similarly, a “Look” cue before directed jumping can encourage the dog to scan for the target. Fun cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can also be motivating for the dog.
Key Training Insights
- Troubleshooting: If your dog struggles, avoid changing commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself.
- Cross-Disciplinary Training: When participating in different dog sports, stick to one set of commands. For example, use “Come” consistently rather than switching to “Here” for field work if you use “Come” in obedience. Consistency simplifies training immensely.
A concise list of commands is easier for handlers to remember under pressure and simpler for dogs to learn. By focusing on clear, versatile commands, you can build a strong foundation for effective and enjoyable dog training. Simplifying your command repertoire can significantly enhance your dog’s understanding and responsiveness, leading to a more harmonious relationship.
This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute professional training advice. Always consult with a qualified dog trainer for personalized guidance.
