Training a dog involves teaching them a variety of commands to ensure good behavior and performance, especially in obedience settings. While some organizations boast of teaching dogs upwards of 90 commands, a closer look reveals that many of these are redundant or unnecessary. This article explores the concept of command economy in dog training, advocating for a concise and effective command list that prioritizes clarity for both the dog and the handler.
Early in my career, I became involved in training service dogs for the physically handicapped. I have trained dogs to pick up dropped items, pull wheelchairs, open and close doors, operate light switches, and a variety of tasks specific to the disability of an owner. One of the organizations involved in our field boasts of teaching each dog over 90 commands. This sounds amazing; however, on further investigation, the list of commands contains dozens of commands that are redundant or have little to no meaning. For example, a different command is used when the dog is opening the door and when he is closing the door. However, this is the same action for the dog. His job is to grab a string and pull the door. It doesn’t matter to the dog whether the door is opening or closing. For example, I use the command “Kennel” to mean (a) get into your crate, (b) get into that kennel run, (c) get into the crate in the van, and (d) get into the kitchen. I do not need four commands for four different situations. It is all the same action to the dog. He should walk or jump into the space I am pointing to.
Essential Novice Commands
A dog needs to learn commands that indicate their desired position and commands that prompt specific actions. For positioning, essential commands include:
- Sit: Assume a seated position.
- Down: Assume a lying down position.
- Stand: Assume a standing position.
- Front: Move in front of the handler and sit.
- Heel: Move to the handler’s 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 exercise.
For actions, the following commands are crucial:
- Come: Stop current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walk near the handler in a casual manner.
- Heel: Walk attentively next to the handler’s left side.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful skill for teaching heel position.
- Around: Circle to the right to finish.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary. Once a dog is in a commanded position, such as a sit, they should remain there until given a new command. The obedience regulations allow for the use of “stay,” but it is often a matter of habit rather than necessity for the dog’s understanding.
The word “Heel” serves a dual purpose: it signifies the position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners and can differentiate the meaning based on context. This eliminates the need for numerous “get” commands.
Helpful Cues
Cues provide a dog with advance notice of an upcoming command or exercise. Helpful cues include:
- Hurry: Encourages the dog to increase pace.
- Easy: Encourages the dog to slow down.
A cue like “Ready” can signal that an exercise is about to begin. However, it’s advisable to have a backup plan if the dog isn’t attentive. A firm “Sit” command can quickly bring the dog’s focus before indicating readiness to a judge.
Streamlining Advanced Commands
Drop on Recall
No new command is needed for “drop on recall.” Dogs understand “come” and “down.” The context of being in front of the handler prompts a sphinx-like drop, while being at the handler’s side elicits a side-lying drop.
Retrieve on Flat
- Fetch: Pick up the object.
- Drop: Release the object into the handler’s hand.
The command “Hold” is typically unnecessary, as “Fetch” implies holding.
Retrieve over High Jump
- Jump: Initiates the sequence of actions for retrieving over a jump. While initially teaching, all actions might be cued, but ultimately, the first command is key.
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise.
Utility Commands and Cues
Utility commands introduce only a few new requirements.
Signals
Responding to nonverbal commands for known actions doesn’t require new verbal commands.
Scent Articles
While traditionally a different command is used for articles than for a retrieve, “Fetch” can be contextually understood. Dogs can discern whether to retrieve promptly or scent carefully based on the situation. Alternative command words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used if a dog seems anxious with “Fetch.”
Gloves
No additional commands are needed. A directional signal combined with “Fetch” is enough to indicate which glove to retrieve.
Moving Stand
The dog already knows verbal and signal commands to stand. They can then be directed into heel position with the “Heel” command or circle behind with the “Around” command.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler. They already know “Sit” and “Jump.”
Open & Utility Cues
Cues like “mark” can be used before the article exercise to draw the dog’s attention to the upcoming task and the location of the articles. Similarly, a cue like “look” before directed jumping signals the dog to scan and locate the go-out target. Fun cues such as “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can also be used to build enthusiasm.
Key Training Insights
- When facing training challenges, avoid the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself.
- When exploring different dog sports, such as agility or fieldwork, resist the urge to add or alter commands unless absolutely necessary. For instance, using a single “come” command across different disciplines is more efficient than adopting sport-specific variations like “here.”
A concise command list offers numerous benefits: easier recall under pressure in the ring and simpler for dogs to learn and apply across various situations. The goal is to teach a core set of commands that are easily understood and applied, rather than an extensive vocabulary for every conceivable scenario.
How long is your list? Could it be simplified for better communication and understanding with your canine companion?
