In the realm of dog training, especially for service and obedience dogs, the complexity of commands can sometimes become overwhelming. Early in my career, I worked extensively with training service dogs for individuals with physical handicaps. These dogs were taught a wide array of tasks, from retrieving dropped items and operating doors to managing light switches, all tailored to specific owner needs. While the capabilities of these dogs are remarkable, the sheer number of commands used in some training programs can be excessive and, frankly, confusing for the dog.
One organization, for instance, boasts teaching each dog over 90 commands. Upon closer examination, many of these commands are redundant or lack practical meaning from the dog’s perspective. For example, using separate commands for opening and closing a door, when the action—grabbing a string and pulling—is fundamentally the same for the dog. The dog doesn’t differentiate between opening or closing; its task is simply to manipulate the door. Similarly, I find it unnecessary to have distinct commands for various “crate” or “kennel” situations. Whether it’s a crate in the house, a kennel run, a crate in the van, or even the kitchen, the core action is for the dog to enter a designated space. One command, like “Kennel,” with a directional cue, is sufficient. This approach simplifies training and enhances the dog’s understanding.
Essential Obedience Commands for Your Dog
The question then becomes: how many commands does your obedience dog truly need? For most obedience enthusiasts, the list can be significantly streamlined. The sport itself isn’t so intricate that it requires an extensive glossary of terms for both handler and dog to memorize.
Foundational Commands
Your dog needs a core set of commands that clearly indicate desired positions. These include:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Assume a lying-down position.
- Stand: Assume a standing position.
- Front: Move into a position 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 signifying the end of an exercise or command.
Beyond positioning, your dog also requires commands that direct specific actions:
- Come: Cease current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: A casual command to walk near the handler, not necessarily in a formal heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively by the handler’s left side. This command signifies both the position and the action of maintaining it while moving.
- Back up: A useful command for refining heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to the handler’s right.
Commands like “STAY” and “WAIT” are often perceived as necessary, but they can be incorporated into the established positional commands. Once a dog is instructed to “Sit” or “Down,” it should maintain that position until released. The obedience regulations permit the use of “stay,” but it’s often a habitual inclusion rather than a necessity for the dog’s understanding.
The command “Heel” serves a dual purpose: defining the position next to the handler and indicating the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners; they can discern the meaning based on context—whether the handler is stationary or moving. There is no need for a separate command for each nuance. First commands to teach your puppy.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands; they don’t dictate action but rather signal what is imminent. Helpful cues such as “Hurry” and “Easy” can assist your dog in adjusting its pace.
Many handlers use “Ready” as a cue to signal the imminent start of an exercise. However, this can be problematic. If the dog isn’t attentive when “Ready” is called, the handler risks being unprepared when the judge initiates the exercise. A more effective approach is to assess the dog’s attentiveness. If the dog is focused, the handler can nod or confirm readiness. If not, a firm “No” followed by a “SIT!” command ensures the dog’s attention before signaling readiness to the judge. This strategy guarantees the dog is focused and prepared.
Simplifying Advanced Commands
Drop on Recall
If your dog understands “Down,” no additional command is needed for a “drop” during recall. The dog already knows how to come and how to lie down. The key difference in a “drop on recall” is the desired sphinx-like position. Again, dogs are situational. They can differentiate between dropping on their side when beside the handler and dropping into a sphinx position when in front.
Retrieve on Flat
- 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. “Hold” might be reserved for dogs with mouthing issues who need specific training on gripping.
Retrieve over High Jump
- Jump: This command initiates the sequence of actions for retrieving over a jump. While teaching, you might use commands like “jump, fetch, come, jump, front.” However, ultimately, the exercise begins with the first command, “Jump.” Teaching a puppy to come on command.
Broad Jump
No unique command is required; “Jump” suffices for this exercise as well.
Streamlining Utility Commands
Introducing new exercises doesn’t necessitate a significant expansion of commands. Adding five new exercises may only require two new commands and two cues.
Signals
Dogs can learn to respond to non-verbal cues for actions they already perform verbally. This doesn’t alter the established list of verbal commands.
Scent Articles
Traditionally, a different command is used for retrieving scent articles than for a standard retrieve. The rationale is that “Fetch” implies speed and efficiency, and using it for articles might cause the dog to rush without adequately scenting. However, dogs are situational. They can understand the need for a slower, scent-focused approach when presented with multiple articles versus a quick retrieval of a single object. If a dog shows anxiety with the command “Fetch,” alternative words like “Search” or “Find it” can be employed.
Gloves
No additional commands are necessary. “Fetch” instructs the dog to retrieve, and a directional signal indicates which glove to select. There’s no need for a distinct command for each glove.
Moving Stand
This exercise doesn’t require new commands. The dog already understands verbal and signal cues for standing. They can then transition into heel position using the “Heel” command or circle behind with the “Around” command.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog to move away from the handler’s side. The dog already knows commands for “Sit” and “Jump.” Sit down and stay dog training.
Integrating Cues for Advanced Exercises
Open & Utility Cues
A cue such as “Mark” can be used before the article exercise to signal the dog to note the location of the articles as the steward arranges them. This cue alerts the dog that the article exercise is next and indicates the position of the article pile.
Similarly, a cue like “Look” before directed jumping prompts the dog to identify the target location for the “Go-out.” These cues can be given before the judge asks if the handler is ready, ensuring the dog is mentally prepared.
Incorporating fun cues for exercises your dog enjoys can boost enthusiasm. Just as pet dogs respond to “Do you want to go for a walk?”, obedience dogs can be motivated by asking if they are “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”
Two Key Training Insights
- When facing training challenges, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are seldom due to the command itself.
- When exploring other dog sports like agility, herding, or fieldwork, avoid adding or changing commands unless absolutely necessary. For instance, many retriever trainers use “here” instead of “come.” Both terms mean the same thing. It’s more effective to have one consistent command for “come to me” that can be used across different disciplines. Teach my puppy to lay down.
My command list remains intentionally short. The advantages are numerous: commands are easier to recall under pressure in the ring, and dogs learn a concise set of cues more readily than an extensive vocabulary for every conceivable situation. German words to train a german shepherd. Simplifying your command list can lead to a more focused and effective training partnership.
How long is your list of commands? Could it benefit from simplification?
