As a dog trainer, I’ve learned that many handlers use far too many commands for their dogs. The belief that more commands equate to better training is a common misconception. In reality, a simplified command list is not only easier for your dog to learn but also more effective under pressure. This approach aligns with the principles of effective dog training, focusing on clarity and consistency rather than an exhaustive vocabulary.
When training service dogs, the goal is to equip them with a functional set of commands to assist their handlers. While some organizations boast of teaching over 90 commands, a closer look reveals many are redundant or lack practical meaning for the dog. For instance, distinguishing between “open door” and “close door” creates unnecessary complexity for a dog whose task is simply to manipulate the door. Similarly, I use a single command, “Kennel,” to cover various situations like entering a crate, a kennel run, or even a designated room. The dog’s understanding is based on the action and the provided cue, not the subtle variations in our human language.
Essential Commands for Your Canine Companion
A dog’s command list doesn’t need to be an extensive glossary. For basic obedience, your dog needs to learn commands that define their position and actions.
Positional Commands
These commands inform your dog about the physical stance you require:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Assume a lying-down position.
- Stand: Assume a standing position.
- Front: Move into position in front of me and sit.
- Heel: Move to my side and sit. This can also imply a “swing finish.”
Action Commands
These commands direct your dog to perform a specific action:
- Come: Stop your current activity and return to me.
- Let’s Go: Walk near me in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a strict heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively by my left side.
- Back Up: Move backward, a useful skill for establishing heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to my right.
You might be wondering about “Stay” and “Wait.” These are often unnecessary. Once a dog is in a commanded position, they should maintain it until given a new command. While “stay” is often used out of habit, it’s not fundamentally required if the dog understands to hold its position.
The command “Heel” serves a dual purpose: defining the position next to me and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners; they understand the context. There’s no need for separate commands like “Get in” or “Get up” when “Heel” can encompass moving into position.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands; they signal what’s about to happen rather than dictating an action. Helpful cues can include:
- Hurry: Encourages the dog to increase its pace.
- Easy: Prompts the dog to slow down.
A cue like “Ready” can signal the start of an exercise. However, relying solely on this can be problematic if the dog isn’t attentive. A more reliable approach is to assess the dog’s readiness and use a firm “Sit” command to regain focus if needed.
Simplifying Advanced Training Exercises
Even complex exercises can be managed with a streamlined command set.
Drop on Recall
A dog that knows “Come” and “Down” can perform a “drop on recall” without a new command. The distinction between a side-down and a sphinx-position drop is situational for the dog.
Retrieve on Flat
- Fetch: Pick up the object.
- Drop: Release the object into my hand.
A separate “Hold” command is generally unnecessary, as “Fetch” implies holding the object.
Retrieve over High Jump
- Jump: Initiates the action sequence. While teaching, you might use a series of commands (jump, fetch, come, jump, front), but ultimately, the primary command “Jump” starts the action.
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise.
Utility Commands and Cues
Introducing utility exercises requires minimal new commands.
Signals
Responding to nonverbal cues for known actions doesn’t necessitate new verbal commands.
Scent Articles
While some trainers use a separate command for scent articles, arguing that “Fetch” implies speed, dogs are capable of understanding situational differences. They can discern the need for a slower, scent-focused approach when presented with multiple articles versus a quick retrieve of a single object. If a dog struggles with “Fetch” for articles, alternative command words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used.
Gloves
A directional cue to the specific glove is sufficient; a unique command for each glove is not needed.
Moving Stand
This exercise utilizes existing commands for standing and changing position.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from you, and they can then be cued to “Sit” or “Jump” as needed.
Motivating Your Dog with Cues
Cues like “Mark” before an article exercise can help your dog focus on the task and the location of the articles. Similarly, a “Look” cue before directed jumping encourages the dog to find the target. Fun cues, such as “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”, can boost enthusiasm and motivation.
Key Training Principles
- Avoid changing commands when facing training challenges. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself.
- Maintain command consistency across different dog sports. If “Come” works in obedience, use it in fieldwork instead of switching to “Here.”
A concise command list offers significant benefits: it’s easier to remember under pressure and simpler for your dog to master. By focusing on a core set of commands applicable to various situations, you foster a stronger understanding and a more responsive partnership with your canine companion.
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