When training service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, the focus is on teaching a variety of tasks. While some organizations boast of training dogs to perform over 90 commands, a closer look often reveals that many of these are redundant or lack practical meaning from the dog’s perspective. For instance, distinguishing between commands for opening and closing a door is unnecessary, as the dog perceives the action as a single task: pulling the door. Similarly, a single command like “Kennel” can effectively communicate the need to enter various spaces, such as a crate, kennel run, or even a specific room.
Simplifying Command Lists for Dogs
The common practice among obedience enthusiasts of using an extensive list of commands is often unnecessary. The intricacies of dog obedience training do not require a complex glossary of terms for both the handler and the dog to memorize.
Essential Novice Commands
A dog requires commands that clearly indicate desired positions, including:
- Sit: Assume a seated position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand upright.
- Front: Move in front of the handler and sit.
- Heel: Move to the handler’s side and sit. This can also be used for a swing finish, though a separate command might be needed for an around finish.
- OK: A release command signifying the end of a task.
Beyond positions, commands should also direct the dog’s actions:
- Come: Stop current activity and approach the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walk near the handler in a casual manner, not necessarily in a heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively beside the handler’s left side.
- Back up: A useful command for teaching heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to the right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered redundant. Once a dog is instructed to assume a position (e.g., sit), they should maintain that position until given a new command. While “stay” is often used out of habit, it is not essential after an initial position command has been given.
The word “Heel” efficiently serves two purposes: defining the position next to the handler and indicating the action of maintaining that position while moving. Dogs are situational learners and can differentiate the meaning based on context, whether the handler is stationary or walking. Using separate commands for minor variations in action, such as different “get” commands, is unnecessary when a single command to assume a position is sufficient. The dog can determine the best way to reach the desired position, provided they do not circle behind the handler.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands as they signal an upcoming action rather than directly instructing the dog. Helpful cues like “Hurry” and “Easy” can assist the dog in adjusting their pace.
The cue “Ready” is often used to indicate that an exercise is about to begin. However, relying solely on this cue can be problematic if the dog is not attentive. A more effective approach is to assess the dog’s readiness and, if necessary, issue a firm command like “SIT!” to gain their attention before signaling readiness to the judge. This ensures the dog is focused before the exercise commences.
Streamlining Advanced Commands
Drop on Recall
For the “Drop on Recall” exercise, no additional commands are needed if the dog already understands “come” and “down.” While novice training might involve a “down” command resulting in a sideways position, the “drop on recall” requires a sphinx-like position. Dogs can differentiate between these actions based on their situational context.
Retrieve on Flat
The basic commands for this exercise are:
- Fetch: Pick up the object.
- Drop: Release the object into the handler’s hand.
A separate “hold” command is generally unnecessary, as “fetch” implies holding the object. The “hold” command is best reserved for dogs struggling with mouthing issues.
Retrieve over High Jump
The command “Jump” initiates the sequence of actions for this exercise. While initially teaching it might involve chaining commands like “jump, fetch, come, jump, front,” ultimately, the dog should respond to the initial “jump” command.
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise as well.
Expanding with Utility Commands
Introducing two new exercises requires only two additional commands and two cues to the existing list.
Signals
Dogs should learn to respond to nonverbal cues for body movements they already perform verbally. This does not necessitate expanding the list of verbal commands.
Scent Articles
Traditionally, a distinct command is used for scent articles compared to retrieves. The rationale is that “fetch” implies prompt retrieval, and using it for articles might encourage the dog to retrieve quickly without adequately scenting. However, dogs can distinguish situational contexts. If a dog seems hesitant with “Fetch” in this scenario, alternative commands like “Search” or “Find it” can be employed.
Gloves
No additional commands are required for retrieving gloves. “Fetch” instructs the dog to retrieve, and directional signals can indicate which glove to target, eliminating the need for unique commands for each glove.
Moving Stand
This exercise does not require new commands. The dog already understands verbal and nonverbal cues for standing. They can transition into a heel position using the “Heel” command or circle behind using the “Around” command.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog to move away from the handler. The dog already knows commands for “sit” and “jump.”
Utilizing Open and Utility Cues
A cue like “mark” can be used before the article exercise to signal the dog to pay attention to the article pile as it is being set out. This cue alerts the dog to the upcoming exercise and the location of the articles.
Similarly, the cue “look” before directed jumping prompts the dog to scan and locate the “go-out” target. Fun cues, such as asking an obedience dog if they are “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”, can enhance motivation during open and utility classes, much like pets respond enthusiastically to “Do you want to go for a walk?”.
Key Training Strategies
- Problem-Solving: When encountering training challenges, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself.
- Cross-Discipline Consistency: When exploring other dog sports like agility or fieldwork, avoid adding or changing commands unless absolutely necessary. For instance, if “come” is used in obedience, it should also be used in retriever fieldwork instead of adopting a different command like “here” for the same action.
A concise list of commands offers numerous benefits, including improved memorization under pressure and easier teaching for the dog. Utilizing a shorter, adaptable set of commands for similar situations proves more effective than assigning numerous commands for every conceivable scenario.
