For many dog owners, the world of dog training can seem complex, with an overwhelming number of commands to teach. However, the reality is that most dogs don’t require an extensive vocabulary to be well-behaved and responsive. This guide will explore how to simplify your dog’s command list, focusing on essential commands and effective training techniques.
Understanding Command Quantity in Dog Training
Some organizations boast of teaching dogs over 90 commands. While this sounds impressive, a closer look often reveals that this list includes many redundant commands or phrases that have little practical meaning to the dog. For instance, a dog might be taught separate commands for opening and closing a door, yet the action for the dog remains the same: pulling a string. The key is to teach commands that are distinct and clearly communicate the desired action or position to your dog.
Essential Novice Commands
A well-trained dog needs to learn commands that establish clear positions and actions. For novice training, focus on the following fundamental commands:
- Sit: The dog should sit.
- Down: The dog should lie down.
- Stand: The dog should stand.
- Front: Move into position in front of you and sit.
- Heel: Move to your side and sit. This can also serve as a command for a specific finish.
- OK: A release command to indicate the dog is finished with a task.
In addition to position commands, your dog needs to understand action commands:
- Come: Stop what they are doing and return to you.
- Let’s Go: Walk near you in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a formal heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively by your left side.
- Back Up: A useful command for teaching the heel position.
- Around: A command to circle behind you and finish in position.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary. Once a dog is commanded to assume a position (e.g., sit), they should maintain that position until given a new command. Similarly, the command “Heel” can effectively serve both as the name for the position next to you and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners and can understand the context of the command based on whether you are standing or moving.
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands as they signal what is about to happen, rather than directing a specific action. Useful cues can enhance your dog’s understanding and responsiveness.
- Hurry: Encourages the dog to increase their pace.
- Easy: Prompts the dog to slow down.
A cue like “Ready” can be used to signal that an exercise is about to begin. However, a more effective approach might be to assess your dog’s attentiveness and then give a firm “Sit” command if needed, ensuring they are focused before starting.
Streamlining Advanced Training Commands
As training progresses into more advanced levels, the need for new commands remains minimal.
Open Commands
- Drop on Recall: This command utilizes the dog’s existing knowledge of “Come” and “Down.” The desired “sphinx position” for a drop on recall can be taught contextually; dogs can differentiate between dropping beside you versus dropping in front of you.
- Retrieve on Flat: Requires only two commands: “Fetch” (pick that up) and “Drop” (release the object into your hand). A “Hold” command is generally unnecessary unless addressing specific gripping issues.
- Retrieve over High Jump: The primary command is “Jump,” initiating a sequence of actions that can be learned as a chain.
- Broad Jump: The command “Jump” is sufficient.
Utility Commands
Introducing new exercises in utility training typically requires only a few additional commands or cues.
- Signals: Dogs learn to respond to non-verbal cues for actions they already know verbally, without increasing the verbal command list.
- Scent Articles: While a distinct command like “Search” or “Find it” can be used if a dog shows anxiety with “Fetch,” dogs are often capable of understanding situational context. They can differentiate between a prompt retrieve of a single object and a slower, more scent-focused search among a pile of items.
- Gloves: The “Fetch” command remains relevant, with directional cues indicating the specific glove.
- Moving Stand: Existing stand, sit, and heel commands are sufficient.
- Directed Jumping: The “Go-out” command is used, combined with existing “Sit” and “Jump” commands.
Open & Utility Cues
Cues can further enhance training:
- Mark: Used before article exercises to draw the dog’s attention to the article pile.
- Look: Employed before directed jumping to encourage the dog to survey the area for the go-out location.
- Motivational Cues: Fun cues like “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can boost enthusiasm during advanced training.
Key Training Principles
When encountering training challenges, it’s crucial to avoid the instinct to change commands. Performance issues are rarely caused by the command itself. Similarly, when exploring different dog sports, resist the urge to add or alter commands unless absolutely necessary. A single, consistent command for an action (e.g., “come” or “here”) across various disciplines simplifies learning for the dog.
The benefits of a concise command list are significant. Shorter lists are easier for handlers to remember under pressure and simpler for dogs to learn. This approach fosters a deeper understanding as dogs learn to apply a few core commands across numerous similar situations, rather than memorizing numerous commands for every conceivable scenario.
Consider simplifying your dog’s command list. Focus on clear, distinct commands that enhance communication and strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.
