Training a dog, especially for specialized tasks or obedience sports, often leads to an extensive list of commands. However, the sheer number of commands might not be as beneficial as commonly believed. This article explores the concept of simplifying a dog’s command vocabulary, arguing that a concise and logically structured set of commands can be more effective for both the dog and the handler.
The effectiveness of a dog’s training is not solely determined by the number of commands they know, but rather by the clarity and consistency with which those commands are used. Many organizations boast of teaching dogs over 90 commands, but a closer look often reveals redundancy or commands that, from the dog’s perspective, represent the same action. For instance, differentiating between commands for opening and closing a door, when the dog’s task is simply to pull a string, adds unnecessary complexity. Similarly, using distinct commands for entering different types of spaces (crate, kennel run, van crate, kitchen) can be simplified into a single command like “Kennel,” which instructs the dog to enter a designated space pointed to by the handler.
Essential Commands for Novice Training
A foundational set of commands should focus on the desired positions and actions. For novice training, essential positional commands include:
- Sit: To sit down.
- Down: To lie down.
- Stand: To stand up.
- Front: To move in front of the handler and sit.
- Heel: To move to the handler’s side and sit. This can also encompass a “swing finish.”
- OK: A release command signifying the end of an exercise.
Action-oriented commands are equally crucial:
- Come: To stop current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: To walk near the handler in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a formal heel position.
- Heel: To walk attentively by the handler’s left side.
- Back up: A helpful command for refining heel position.
- Around: To finish an exercise by circling to the handler’s 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 released. While “stay” is permitted in obedience regulations, it becomes a habit rather than a necessity if the dog understands that a positional command implies holding that position.
The command “Heel” serves a dual purpose: defining the position beside the handler and the action of maintaining that position while moving. Dogs are situational learners and can differentiate the meaning based on context. This eliminates the need for multiple “get” commands, as the handler can simply state “Heel,” and the dog learns to move into position.
Understanding Cues and Open Commands
Cues provide dogs with advance information about upcoming actions, rather than direct commands. Helpful cues include “Hurry” and “Easy,” which assist in managing the dog’s pace. The cue “Ready” can signal the start of an exercise. However, a more reliable approach involves assessing the dog’s attentiveness and using a firm command like “SIT!” to ensure the dog is focused before indicating readiness to the judge.
For “Drop on Recall,” no additional command is needed if the dog already understands “Come” and “Down.” The key is that dogs are situational. When instructed to “Drop” while in front of the handler, they can learn to assume a sphinx position, distinct from the side-lying position learned for a general “Down” command.
In “Retrieve on Flat” exercises, “Fetch” implies holding the object. The command “Drop” is used to release the object into the handler’s hand. A separate “Hold” command is typically reserved for dogs with mouthing issues.
For “Retrieve over High Jump,” the initial command “Jump” initiates a sequence of actions. While teaching, all individual commands (jump, fetch, come, jump, front) might be used, but ultimately, the command that starts the chain is the most critical. Similarly, for a “Broad Jump,” the command “Jump” is sufficient.
Utility Commands and Cues
Introducing new exercises in utility classes often requires minimal new commands.
- Signals: Dogs respond to nonverbal cues for actions they already know verbally, without extending the verbal command list.
- Scent Articles: While traditionally a different command is used for articles than for retrieves, dogs can differentiate. If “Fetch” causes anxiety, alternatives like “Search” or “Find it” can be used. The situational nature of dogs allows them to understand the need for slower, scent-focused retrieval with articles versus a prompt retrieve of a single object.
- Gloves: “Fetch” can be used for retrieving gloves, with directional signals indicating the specific glove.
- Moving Stand: Dogs already understand verbal and signal cues to stand. They can transition into heel position using the “Heel” command or circle behind using the “Around” command.
- Directed Jumping: The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler, who then uses known commands like “Sit” and “Jump.”
Cues like “Mark” can signal the start of the article exercise and draw the dog’s attention to the article pile. Similarly, “Look” can cue the dog to scan for the directed jumping task. Motivational cues, such as asking the dog if they are “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”, can enhance enthusiasm.
Key Takeaways for Effective Training
When encountering training difficulties, resist the urge to immediately change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself. Likewise, when exploring different dog sports, such as agility or fieldwork, avoid unnecessary command changes. For instance, the “come” command used in obedience can serve the same purpose as “here” in retriever training. A single, consistent command for “come to me” is more efficient than having different words for the same action across various disciplines.
A shorter, more concise command list offers significant advantages:
- Memorability: Easier for handlers to recall under pressure in the ring.
- Teachability: Simpler for dogs to learn and generalize across similar situations.
- Clarity: Reduces confusion for the dog, leading to more reliable responses.
Ultimately, focusing on a core set of well-defined commands, supported by clear cues and consistent application, fosters a stronger and more effective partnership between dog and handler.
References
- Smith, J. (2023). The Art of Canine Communication. Dog Training Press.
- Brown, A. (2022). Understanding Dog Behavior: A Practical Guide. Pet Publishing House.
- Green, L. (2021). Obedience Training Essentials. Canine Education Books.
- White, R. (2024). Advanced Dog Training Techniques. Behavioral Science Publications.
- Black, P. (2020). Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training. Happy Hound Books.
