Training a service dog involves teaching them to perform a vast array of tasks, from picking up dropped items to operating household appliances. While some organizations boast of training dogs with over 90 commands, a closer look often reveals that many of these are redundant or unnecessary. This approach can overcomplicate training for both the dog and the handler. A more streamlined vocabulary can lead to better understanding and a stronger working partnership.
The Power of a Concise Command List
The key to effective dog training lies in simplicity and clarity. Instead of assigning a unique command for every slight variation of an action, it’s more effective to teach dogs a core set of commands that can be applied across similar situations. For instance, a single command like “Kennel” can signify entering any designated space, whether it’s a crate, a kennel run, or a specific room. This approach reduces confusion and reinforces the dog’s understanding of the underlying action rather than the specific context.
Essential Obedience Commands
A dog’s foundational obedience needs to encompass commands that establish specific positions and actions. For positions, a dog needs to understand:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand upright.
- Front: Move into a position 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.
- OK: A release command indicating the dog is finished with a task.
For actions, essential commands include:
- Come: Stop current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walk near the handler in a casual manner, not necessarily in heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively next to the handler’s left side.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful skill for teaching heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to the handler’s right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary. A dog that has been cued into a position should maintain that position until given a new command. Similarly, the word “Heel” can effectively serve dual purposes: indicating the desired position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are adept at understanding context, allowing them to differentiate between “Heel” as a position and “Heel” as an action based on whether the handler is stationary or moving.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Beyond direct commands, certain cues can significantly enhance communication by signaling what is about to happen. Cues like “Hurry” and “Easy” can help a dog adjust their pace.
For competitive obedience, the cue “Ready” is often used to signal the start of an exercise. However, a more reliable approach might be to assess the dog’s attentiveness and then verbally indicate readiness to the judge. If the dog is distracted, a firm “Sit!” command can regain their focus before proceeding.
Open Commands for Specific Tasks
Several training scenarios can be managed without introducing new commands, by leveraging the dog’s existing understanding.
Drop on Recall
Instead of a separate command for dropping an item in front of the handler, recall the dog with “Come” and then cue “Down.” The dog can differentiate between lying down at the handler’s side and performing a “sphinx” position drop in front, based on the context.
Retrieve on Flat
This exercise requires two fundamental commands:
- Fetch: Pick up the object.
- Drop: Release the object into the handler’s hand.
A separate “Hold” command is generally not needed, as “Fetch” implies holding the retrieved item.
Retrieve over High Jump
The primary command here is “Jump.” This initiates a sequence that may include fetching the item and returning. By focusing on the initial action, the dog learns to perform the subsequent steps in the chain.
Broad Jump
The “Jump” command is also sufficient for a broad jump, simplifying the vocabulary.
Utility Commands and Advanced Cues
Introducing advanced exercises in utility training typically requires minimal new commands or cues.
Signals and Scent Articles
“Signals” involve teaching dogs to respond to nonverbal cues for actions they already know. For scent articles, while a distinct command like “Search” or “Find it” can be used if the dog appears anxious with “Fetch,” dogs are capable of understanding contextual differences. They can learn to retrieve promptly for a single object versus searching slowly through a pile.
Gloves and Moving Stands
Specific gloves can be identified through directional cues rather than unique commands. Similarly, a moving stand uses existing verbal and nonverbal signals for standing, with commands like “Heel” or “Around” directing the dog’s subsequent movement.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler, and they can then respond to familiar commands like “Jump” or “Sit.”
Advanced Cues for Motivation
Cues such as “Mark” can be used before scent article exercises to signal the dog to pay attention to the article pile. Similarly, “Look” can cue the dog to scan for the target during directed jumping. Fun, motivational cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can also be incorporated to build enthusiasm.
Key Takeaways for Effective Training
When encountering training challenges, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself. Similarly, when exploring different dog sports, maintain a consistent command vocabulary. For instance, using “Come” for both obedience and fieldwork eliminates the need for separate commands like “here.”
A concise command list offers significant advantages: it’s easier to recall under pressure and simpler for the dog to learn and apply across various situations. By focusing on a core set of commands, handlers can foster a clearer understanding and a more efficient working relationship with their dogs. Ultimately, the goal is to simplify your dog’s vocabulary, making training more effective and enjoyable for both.
