When training your canine companion, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that more commands equal a better-trained dog. However, the reality is that a concise and logical command list is often more effective. This approach not only simplifies training for your dog but also for you, especially under pressure in the training ring. By focusing on essential commands and understanding how dogs learn situationally, you can build a strong foundation for obedience without unnecessary complexity. This philosophy is key to building a responsive partnership with your dog, whether for everyday life or competitive dog sports.
The Myth of Excessive Commands
In the world of dog training, particularly in specialized fields like training service dogs, there’s a tendency to amass a vast number of commands. Some organizations boast of teaching dogs over 90 commands. While this sounds impressive, a closer look often reveals that many of these commands are redundant or lack true meaning for the dog. For instance, differentiating between a command to open a door and a command to close a door is unnecessary for a dog whose task is simply to pull a string to manipulate the door. The dog perceives the action as the same regardless of the door’s direction.
A more practical approach, as exemplified by some trainers, is to use a single command for similar actions in different contexts. For example, the command “Kennel” can effectively mean getting into a crate, a kennel run, a crate in the van, or even a designated kitchen area. The dog understands the core action – entering a specific space – rather than needing to distinguish subtle environmental differences. This principle highlights the importance of focusing on the dog’s understanding of the action itself.
Essential Commands for Obedience Training
The question then becomes: how many commands does your dog truly need? For general obedience, many enthusiasts utilize far more commands than necessary. The sport doesn’t require a complex glossary that both handler and dog must meticulously memorize.
Novice Level Commands
At the foundational level, your dog needs to learn commands that indicate desired positions. These include:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand upright.
- Front: Move directly in front of the handler and sit.
- Heel: Move to the handler’s side and sit. This command can also encompass a swing finish, though a separate command might be needed for an around finish.
- OK: A release command signifying the end of an exercise or behavior.
Beyond positions, commands indicating desired actions are crucial:
- Come: Stop current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walk near the handler in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a formal heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively alongside the handler’s left side.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful skill for teaching and refining heel position.
- Around: Circle to the right, distinct from a swing finish into heel position.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary by some trainers. Once a dog is given a command to assume a position (like “Sit”), they should naturally hold that position until released. While “stay” is a traditional command, its explicit use may not be required if the dog understands the implied duration of the initial command.
The word “Heel” can efficiently serve two purposes: indicating the desired position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while moving. Dogs are highly situational learners and can differentiate the meaning of “Heel” based on whether the handler is stationary or walking. This eliminates the need for numerous “get” commands (e.g., “Get in,” “Get back,” “Get up”) when the dog can simply be directed to assume the heel position.
Helpful Cues
Cues differ from commands in that they don’t dictate an action but rather signal what is about to happen. Helpful cues can enhance a dog’s understanding and readiness.
- “Hurry” and “Easy”: These cues assist the dog in adjusting their pace.
- “Ready”: While some use “Ready” as a cue that an exercise is about to begin, it can be problematic. If the dog isn’t attentive when “Ready” is given, the handler might be unprepared when the judge initiates the exercise. An alternative is to assess the dog’s attentiveness and signal readiness to the judge, using a command like “SIT!” if the dog needs to refocus.
Open Commands: Simplifying Complex Actions
Certain training scenarios can be streamlined by leveraging existing commands.
Drop on Recall
If a dog knows “Come” and “Down,” an additional command for “drop” isn’t necessary. The key is teaching the dog to perform a “sphinx” drop when in front of the handler, distinct from the more rounded drop they might perform when beside the handler. Dogs can understand these situational differences.
Retrieve on Flat
- Fetch: This command indicates to pick up an object.
- Drop: This command instructs the dog to release the object into the handler’s hand.
A separate “Hold” command is typically not needed, as “Fetch” implies holding the retrieved item. “Hold” might be reserved for specific issues like excessive mouthing.
Retrieve over High Jump
- Jump: This initiates the sequence of actions required for the jump retrieve. While a full command chain (jump, fetch, come, jump, front) might be used during initial teaching, the primary command “Jump” signals the start of the exercise.
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise as well.
Utility Commands: Expanding Skills with Minimal New Commands
Introducing new exercises in utility often requires only a few additional commands or cues.
Signals
Dogs already understand body movements associated with verbal commands. Non-verbal signals for these known actions do not necessitate adding new verbal commands.
Scent Articles
Traditionally, a distinct command is used for retrieving articles compared to a standard retrieve. The argument is that “Fetch” implies speed, and a different command, such as “Search” or “Find it,” encourages a more deliberate scenting process. However, dogs are situational and can learn to differentiate based on context – a pile of objects versus a single item. If a dog shows anxiety with “Fetch” for articles, alternative command words can be explored.
Gloves
A specific command for retrieving gloves is unnecessary. “Fetch” prompts the retrieve, and directional signals can indicate which glove is the target.
Moving Stand
No new commands are needed. The dog already understands verbal and visual cues to stand. They can then transition into heel position with 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. Commands like “Sit” and “Jump” are already known.
Open & Utility Cues: Enhancing Readiness and Motivation
Cues can be used to prepare the dog for upcoming exercises and increase their enthusiasm.
- “Mark”: Used before the article exercise, this cue signals the dog to pay attention to the article pile.
- “Look”: Employed before directed jumping, this cue prompts the dog to scan for the target location.
Fun cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can also be used to build excitement and motivation, especially in open and utility classes.
Two Additional Hints for Effective Training
- Problem-Solving: When encountering training difficulties, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the specific command word used.
- Cross-Discipline Consistency: When exploring different dog sports like agility, herding, or fieldwork, avoid adding or changing commands unless absolutely necessary. For instance, if “come” is used in obedience, stick with it in other sports rather than adopting a different word like “here,” which serves the same purpose. A single, consistent command for each action simplifies learning across various activities.
Adopting a shorter, more versatile list of commands offers significant benefits. These commands are easier for handlers to recall and execute under pressure. For the dog, learning a limited set of commands that apply to similar situations is more effective than memorizing a vast number of commands for every conceivable scenario. This approach simplifies the training process and strengthens the bond between dog and handler.
Is your command list as streamlined as it could be? Simplifying your commands can lead to a more responsive and better-trained dog.
