Training a dog to perform an extensive list of commands can seem impressive, but is it always necessary? Many dog enthusiasts find themselves using far too many commands, creating a complex “glossary of terms” for both the dog and the handler to memorize. This approach often overlooks a fundamental principle: dogs are situational learners. Simplifying your command list can lead to clearer communication and more effective training.
The initial stages of training often focus on teaching a dog specific positions. Essential commands in this category include “Sit,” “Down,” and “Stand.” Further commands like “Front” (move in front of me and sit) and “Heel” (move to my side and sit) are crucial for establishing desired positions relative to the handler. A release command, such as “OK,” is vital to signal when the dog has completed a task.
Beyond positions, dogs need to understand actions. “Come” signals the dog to stop their current activity and return to the handler. “Let’s Go” encourages a casual walk alongside the handler, not necessarily in a formal heel position. “Heel” is also used to indicate the action of walking attentively beside the handler. “Back up” is a helpful skill for teaching precise heel positioning. “Around” is a command for the dog to circle to the right, creating a specific finish.
Many trainers believe commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are indispensable. However, a well-trained dog should remain in a commanded position until given a new instruction. The “Stay” command is often a habit rather than a necessity, as the dog’s initial command implies duration.
The word “Heel” serves a dual purpose, denoting both the position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs can discern the meaning based on the handler’s movement. There’s no need for separate commands like “Get in,” “Get back,” or “Get up” when a single “Heel” command, combined with the handler’s guidance, can achieve the desired outcome.
Cues, distinct from commands, provide advanced notice of an upcoming action. Helpful cues like “Hurry” and “Easy” can assist the dog in adjusting their pace. While some use “Ready” as a cue to signal the start of an exercise, it’s more effective to ensure the dog is attentive and then indicate readiness to the judge.
For exercises like “Drop on Recall,” no new commands are typically needed. A dog already understands “Down” and “Come.” The nuance of a sphinx-like drop versus a side-lying down can be learned situationally. Similarly, for “Retrieve on Flat,” “Fetch” implies holding, making a separate “Hold” command unnecessary unless addressing specific mouthing issues.
When teaching complex sequences like “Retrieve over High Jump,” the initial command, “Jump,” initiates the chain of actions. Similarly, for a “Broad Jump,” the “Jump” command suffices. In “Utility Commands,” the introduction of new exercises doesn’t necessarily require new verbal commands.
For scent article discrimination, while some use a distinct command like “Search” or “Find it” to encourage slower scenting, dogs can often differentiate between retrieving an article promptly and taking the time to scent. The situational nature of dogs allows them to understand context, such as distinguishing between a pile of articles and a single object.
Similarly, for retrieving gloves or executing a “Moving Stand,” existing commands like “Fetch” and directional signals are sufficient. “Directed Jumping” can utilize the “Go-out” command, leveraging the dog’s understanding of “Sit” and “Jump.”
Cues can also enhance specific exercises. A “mark” cue can signal the start of the article exercise, drawing the dog’s attention to the article pile. A “look” cue before directed jumping helps the dog identify the target location. Motivational cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can add enthusiasm and engagement.
When encountering training challenges, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself. Furthermore, when exploring different dog sports like agility or herding, avoid adding or changing commands unless absolutely necessary. A single, consistent command for actions like “come” is more efficient than using different words for the same action across various disciplines.
The benefits of a concise command list are numerous. Commands are easier to remember under pressure in the ring, and dogs can learn a shorter list of versatile commands more effectively than a lengthy set of situation-specific instructions. Simplifying your command repertoire can lead to a more harmonious and successful training experience for both you and your canine companion.
