For those involved in training dogs, whether for service, sport, or companionship, the sheer number of commands can become overwhelming. While it’s tempting to believe that more commands equate to a better-trained dog, this often isn’t the case. In reality, simplifying your command list can lead to clearer communication and a more responsive canine partner.
The core principle is to leverage a dog’s situational awareness. Instead of assigning a unique command for every slight variation of an action, recognize that dogs can understand context. For instance, a single command like “Kennel” can effectively cover entering a crate at home, a kennel run, or even a crate in a vehicle, as the fundamental action for the dog remains the same: entering a designated space.
Essential Obedience Commands for Your Dog
A dog primarily needs commands that clearly indicate a desired position or action. This can be achieved with a surprisingly short list.
Positional Commands
These commands tell your dog what stance to adopt:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Assume a lying down position.
- Stand: Assume a standing position.
- Front: Move 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,” though a different command might be needed for an “around finish.”
Action Commands
These commands direct your dog to perform a specific behavior:
- Come: Stop current activity and approach the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walk near the handler in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a formal heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively beside the handler’s left side. This command serves a dual purpose: indicating the position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs can discern the meaning based on whether the handler is stationary or moving.
- Back up: A useful command for teaching the heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to the handler’s right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary. Once a dog is in a commanded position (e.g., sit), they should remain in that position until given a different command. The inclusion of “stay” is often a matter of habit rather than necessity for the dog’s understanding.
Useful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues, unlike commands, don’t instruct the dog on what to do but rather signal that an action is about to occur. Helpful cues can enhance communication and manage a dog’s pace.
- Hurry: Signals the dog to increase their pace.
- Easy: Signals the dog to slow down their pace.
For example, instead of relying on a “Ready” cue before an exercise, which could lead to issues if the dog isn’t attentive, a handler can assess the dog’s readiness and then issue a firm “Sit” command if needed, ensuring the dog is focused before proceeding.
Streamlining Advanced Training
Even in more complex training scenarios like “drop on recall” or various retrieving exercises, the need for numerous new commands is minimal.
Drop on Recall
A dog already understands “come” and “down.” The “drop on recall” command can be taught without introducing a new word. Dogs can differentiate between dropping in a sphinx position when in front of the handler and dropping on their side when beside the handler.
Retrieve on Flat
- Fetch: Pick up the object.
- Drop: Release the object into the handler’s hand.
The “hold” command is generally not needed, as “fetch” implies holding. This command is best reserved for dogs with mouthing issues.
Retrieve over High Jump
- Jump: Initiates the sequence of actions required for the exercise. While individual commands for jumping, fetching, and coming might be used during training, the primary cue for the entire exercise is “Jump.”
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise as well.
Utility Commands and Cues
Introducing new exercises like scent articles or directed jumping often requires only a couple of new commands and cues.
Signals
Nonverbal commands for actions the dog already knows verbally can be integrated without lengthening the verbal command list.
Scent Articles
While traditionally a different command is used for articles compared to a standard retrieve, the argument is that dogs are situational. They can understand to proceed slowly when searching through a pile of objects versus retrieving a single object promptly. If a dog shows anxiety with “Fetch” in this context, alternative words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used.
Gloves
No additional commands are necessary. A directional signal combined with the “Fetch” command can guide the dog to the correct glove.
Moving Stand
The dog already understands verbal and signal commands 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 away from the handler, and they already know commands for “Sit” and “Jump.”
Enhancing Motivation with Cues
Cues like “Mark” before an article exercise can help the dog focus on the upcoming task and locate the article pile. Similarly, a “Look” cue before directed jumping prompts the dog to scan and find the go-out location.
Fun cues such as “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can significantly boost a dog’s enthusiasm and motivation during training sessions.
Key Takeaways for Effective Training
- Avoid Command Overload: When encountering training challenges, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the commands themselves.
- Consistency Across Venues: If participating in different dog sports (e.g., agility, herding), maintain consistent commands. For instance, use a single “come” command rather than switching between “come” and “here.”
- Simplicity Breeds Success: A shorter command list is easier for handlers to remember under pressure and simpler for dogs to learn and apply across various situations.
By simplifying your command vocabulary, you foster clearer communication, reduce confusion, and build a stronger, more responsive partnership with your dog.
