Training a dog to perform a multitude of commands can be an impressive feat, but often, the sheer number of commands taught is more about tradition than necessity. For service dogs, the focus is on practical tasks crucial for their owner’s independence. While organizations may boast of training dogs in over 90 commands, a closer look reveals that many are redundant or lack real meaning for the dog. For instance, using separate commands for opening and closing a door is unnecessary, as the dog perceives the action as a single task: pulling a string. Similarly, a single command like “Kennel” can effectively cover getting into a crate, a run, or any designated space, eliminating the need for multiple, similar commands.
Many obedience enthusiasts fall into the trap of using an excessive number of commands. The sport of dog obedience does not require a complex glossary of terms for both the dog and the handler to memorize. Simplifying commands not only makes training more efficient but also enhances the dog’s understanding and responsiveness.
Essential Novice Commands
A dog in novice obedience training needs to learn commands that clearly indicate desired positions and actions. Essential positional commands include:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand upright.
- 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 may be needed for an around finish.
- OK: A release command signifying the end of an exercise.
Action-oriented commands are equally important:
- 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: A useful command for teaching proper heel position.
- Around: A command to finish by circling to the right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary. Once a dog is commanded to assume a position (e.g., “Sit”), it should maintain that position until given a new command. While “stay” is often used out of habit, it’s redundant if the dog understands that a command to assume a position implies holding it.
The word “Heel” can effectively serve two purposes: designating the position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners and can distinguish the meaning of “Heel” based on whether the handler is standing or moving. There’s no need for a separate command for each nuance. Eliminating commands like “Get in,” “Get back,” “Get up,” and “Get off” simplifies training, as the handler only needs to indicate the desired position, and the dog learns to achieve it.
Helpful Cues
Cues are distinct from commands; they signal what is coming next rather than dictating an action. Helpful cues can include:
- Hurry: Indicates a need to increase pace.
- Easy: Indicates a need to decrease pace.
A cue like “Ready” can signal the upcoming start of an exercise. However, relying on “Ready” can be problematic if the dog isn’t attentive when the cue is given. A more effective approach is to visually assess the dog’s readiness and, if not attentive, issue a firm “Sit” command to regain focus before indicating readiness to the judge.
Simplifying Open and Utility Commands
Many advanced obedience exercises can be performed without introducing numerous new commands, leveraging the dog’s existing understanding.
Drop on Recall
A dog already knows “Come” and “Down.” The “Drop on Recall” command simply requires the dog to assume a sphinx position when in front of the handler, distinguishing it from the side-lying “Down” command. This situational understanding eliminates the need for a new command.
Retrieve on Flat
- Fetch: Pick up the object. This command inherently implies holding the object, making a separate “Hold” command unnecessary unless addressing specific mouthing issues.
- Drop: Release the object into the handler’s hand.
Retrieve over High Jump
- Jump: Initiates the action sequence. While all individual actions (jump, fetch, come, jump, front) might be taught initially, the primary command “Jump” starts the chain of events.
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise as well.
Advanced Obedience Utility Commands
Introducing two new exercises typically requires only two new commands and two new cues.
Signals
Responding to non-verbal signals for known body movements does not necessitate adding new verbal commands.
Scent Articles
Traditionally, a different command is used for scent articles than for a retrieve. The argument is that “Fetch” implies speed, which might cause a dog to retrieve an article without thoroughly scenting. However, dogs are situational. They can differentiate between retrieving a single object promptly and slowly scenting a pile of articles. If a dog shows anxiety with “Fetch,” alternative command words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used.
Gloves
No new commands are needed. “Fetch” signals retrieval, and directional cues guide the dog to the correct glove.
Moving Stand
Dogs can be directed into a heel position with the “Heel” command or circle behind with the “Around” command, negating the need for a new command for this exercise.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler. The dog already understands “Sit” and “Jump,” making additional commands unnecessary.
Open & Utility Cues
Cues can enhance performance in advanced exercises:
- Mark: Before the article exercise, this cue can signal the dog to pay attention to the article pile as it is being set out.
- Look: Used before directed jumping, this cue prompts the dog to scan and locate the “Go-out” target.
Motivational cues, such as asking an obedience dog if they are “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”, can generate enthusiasm and improve performance.
Two Additional Hints for Effective Training
- Avoid changing commands when encountering training difficulties. A dog’s lack of performance is rarely due to the command itself.
- When exploring other dog sports (agility, herding, fieldwork), resist the urge to add or change commands unnecessarily. For instance, instead of using “here” in fieldwork and “come” in obedience, maintain a single, consistent command like “come” that means “come to me” and can be used across different disciplines.
A concise list of commands simplifies training, reduces handler pressure in the ring, and enhances the dog’s ability to generalize commands to similar situations. This approach fosters a stronger understanding and a more responsive partnership between dog and handler.
How long is your list of commands? Could it be simplified for better results?
