Training your dog effectively doesn’t require an exhaustive vocabulary of commands. Many trainers, especially those involved in service dog training, often utilize a surprisingly concise set of commands. The key lies in teaching your dog to understand the action or position required, rather than memorizing a lengthy list of unique words for similar tasks. This approach not only simplifies training for your dog but also for you, especially under pressure in the ring or during everyday interactions.
The premise of effective dog training is to build a strong foundation of understanding. For instance, instead of having separate commands for opening and closing a door, a single command instructing the dog to “pull the string” is sufficient. Similarly, a command like “Kennel” can encompass entering a crate, a kennel run, a van crate, or even a designated room, as the core action for the dog is the same: entering a confined space. This principle of teaching a single command for a consistent action, regardless of the specific context, is crucial for efficient training.
Essential Commands for Obedience Training
A well-trained dog needs to understand commands that define their position and commands that dictate their actions. For novice obedience, focusing on fundamental positions is key:
- Sit: Assuming a seated position.
- Down: Assuming a lying down position.
- Stand: Assuming a standing position.
- Front: Moving in front of the handler and sitting.
- Heel: Moving to the handler’s side and sitting. This command can also be used for a swing finish.
- OK: A release command signifying the end of an exercise.
Beyond positions, certain action commands are vital:
- Come: Immediately returning to the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walking casually near the handler, not necessarily in a heel position.
- Heel: Walking attentively by the handler’s left side.
- Back up: Moving backward, a useful skill for establishing heel position.
- Around: Circling to the right to finish.
It’s important to note that commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered redundant. Once a dog is commanded into a position (like “Sit”), they should maintain that position until released. The inclusion of “Stay” is often a habit from tradition rather than a necessity for the dog’s understanding. Similarly, the command “Heel” can effectively serve both as the name for the position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while walking. Dogs are situational learners and can discern the meaning based on whether the handler is stationary or moving.
Helpful Cues for Pace and Readiness
While not commands that dictate action, cues can provide valuable information to your dog. Cues such as “Hurry” and “Easy” can help your dog adjust their pace. Another useful cue is “Ready,” which can signal to the dog that an exercise is about to begin. However, relying solely on “Ready” can be problematic if the dog isn’t attentive. A more robust approach is to assess the dog’s readiness and then issue a firm command like “SIT!” if needed, ensuring their full attention before signaling readiness to a judge.
Streamlining Advanced Commands
Many advanced training exercises can be accomplished without introducing new commands, leveraging the dog’s existing understanding.
Drop on Recall
The “Drop on Recall” command requires the dog to release an item while returning to the handler. Since the dog already understands “Come” and “Down,” a separate command isn’t necessary. The distinction between a side-lying down and a sphinx-like drop in front of the handler is situational for the dog.
Retrieve on Flat
For retrieving, two primary commands suffice:
- Fetch: To pick up the object.
- Drop: To release the object into the handler’s hand.
A “Hold” command is generally unnecessary, as “Fetch” implies holding. It’s best reserved for dogs with mouthing issues.
Retrieve over High Jump
The command “Jump” initiates the sequence for retrieving over an obstacle. While you might initially break down the entire action (jump, fetch, come, jump, front), the dog ultimately learns to associate the initial “Jump” command with the entire chain of events.
Broad Jump
The “Jump” command is also sufficient for a broad jump.
Utility Commands: Minimal Additions
Introducing utility exercises typically requires only a couple of new commands and cues.
Signals and Scent Articles
Responding to non-verbal commands for known body movements doesn’t necessitate new verbal commands. For scent articles, while traditionally a different command than “fetch” is used to encourage careful scenting, dogs can differentiate based on context. If a dog struggles with “Fetch” in this context, alternative command words like “Search” or “Find it” can be employed.
Gloves and Moving Stand
Retrieving specific gloves requires only the “Fetch” command along with directional cues. Similarly, a moving stand utilizes existing verbal commands and signals for standing and then transitioning to positions like heel or circling.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler, and they can then be instructed to “Sit” or “Jump” as needed.
Cues for Enhanced Engagement
Cues like “Mark,” used before the article exercise, can alert the dog to the upcoming task and the location of the articles. Similarly, a “Look” cue before directed jumping prompts the dog to survey the area for the go-out location. Fun, motivating cues such as “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?” can further enhance enthusiasm during training sessions.
Key Takeaways for Effective Training
When encountering training challenges, resist the urge to change commands. Performance issues are rarely due to the command itself. Likewise, when exploring different dog sports, avoid adopting new commands unless absolutely necessary. Consistency in commands, such as using one word for “come” across all disciplines, simplifies training and avoids confusion for your dog. Ultimately, a shorter, more intuitive command list benefits both the handler and the dog, leading to clearer communication and a stronger partnership.
