As a dog trainer, I’ve found that many obedience enthusiasts use far too many commands. This can be overwhelming for both the dog and the handler. The goal of dog training should be clear communication, not memorizing an extensive glossary of terms.
If you’re looking to refine your training approach, consider simplifying your command list. [basic dog obedience classes near me] can offer structured learning environments to help you achieve this.
Understanding Dog Commands: Less is More
In my experience training service dogs and working with various organizations, I’ve observed a tendency to create redundant commands. For instance, distinguishing between commands for opening and closing a door is unnecessary for the dog; the action is the same. Similarly, I use one command, “Kennel,” to encompass various locations like a crate, a kennel run, or even the kitchen. The dog understands the core action: entering a designated space.
Essential Commands for Your Obedience Dog
Your dog needs to learn commands that clearly define desired positions and actions.
Positional Commands:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Assume a lying-down position.
- Stand: Assume a standing position.
- Front: Move in front of me and sit.
- Heel: Move to my side and sit. This can also be used for a swing finish.
- OK: A release command indicating the exercise is complete.
Action Commands:
- Come: Stop current activity and approach me.
- Let’s Go: Walk near me in a casual manner.
- Heel: Walk attentively by my left side. This command is used both for the position and the action of maintaining it while moving. Dogs are situational and can differentiate based on context.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful skill for teaching heel position.
- Around: Circle to my right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often unnecessary. Once a dog is in a requested position, they should maintain it until given a new command. The obedience sport’s regulations allow for these commands, but they are often habitual rather than essential for the dog’s understanding. Simplifying this can be learned through [training a puppy basic commands].
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues provide advance notice to your dog about an upcoming action, rather than instructing them what to do. Useful cues include:
- Hurry: Encourages the dog to increase pace.
- Easy: Encourages the dog to slow down.
A cue like “Ready” before an exercise can signal the start. However, it’s more effective to assess your dog’s attentiveness and then indicate readiness to the judge. A firm “SIT!” can regain your dog’s focus if they aren’t ready.
Streamlining Advanced Commands
Drop on Recall:
Your dog already knows “Come” and “Down.” The “Drop” command can be used for both side-drops and the sphinx-like position required for drop on recall. Dogs understand the position based on their location relative to you.
Retrieve on Flat:
- Fetch: Pick up the object. “Fetch” inherently implies holding.
- Drop: Release the object into my hand.
Retrieve over High Jump:
- Jump: Initiates the sequence of actions. While teaching, you might use individual commands, but the initial “Jump” cue is sufficient for an established chain. This is part of [basic command training for dogs].
Broad Jump:
The command “Jump” is sufficient.
Utility Commands: Minimal Additions
Adding utility exercises typically requires only a few new commands or cues.
Signals:
Nonverbal cues for known verbal commands do not increase your verbal command list.
Scent Articles:
While a distinct command like “Search” or “Find it” can be used if a dog seems anxious with “Fetch,” dogs are situational. They can differentiate between a prompt retrieve of a single object and a slower search among multiple articles.
Gloves:
The “Fetch” command, combined with directional signals, is adequate. You don’t need a unique command for each glove.
Moving Stand:
The dog already knows signals and verbal commands for standing. The “Heel” or “Around” commands can be used to direct their subsequent movement.
Directed Jumping:
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from you. They already know “Sit” and “Jump.”
Open and Utility Cues
Cues like “Mark” before scent articles can draw the dog’s attention to the article pile. Similarly, “Look” before directed jumping cues the dog to locate the go-out target. Fun cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can also motivate your dog. Exploring [basic things to train a puppy] can provide foundational skills that translate to these advanced cues.
Key Training Insights
- Problem Solving: If your dog struggles, the issue is rarely the command itself. Focus on troubleshooting the training method.
- Cross-Venue Training: When transitioning to different dog sports like agility or fieldwork, avoid changing established commands unless absolutely necessary. A single command for “come” should suffice across all activities.
A concise command list offers significant advantages: easier recall under pressure and simpler training for your dog across various situations. Consider simplifying your command list to enhance communication and strengthen your bond.
