In the realm of dog training, particularly for service dogs or those involved in obedience competitions, the sheer number of commands a dog can learn can be astonishing. While organizations may boast of training dogs in over 90 commands, a closer examination often reveals a system with numerous redundancies and commands that hold little practical meaning for the dog. The key to effective training lies not in the quantity of commands, but in clarity, consistency, and understanding how dogs learn.
The purpose of commands is to clearly communicate to your dog what action or position you desire. Overcomplicating this with an extensive and often overlapping list of words can lead to confusion for both the dog and the handler. For instance, instead of using separate commands for opening and closing a door, a single command like “Pull” is sufficient, as the action for the dog remains the same: to grab and pull. Similarly, a versatile command like “Kennel” can encompass entering a crate, a kennel run, a van, or even a specific room, as the core action is entering an enclosed space. This approach simplifies training and reinforces the dog’s understanding.
Essential Commands for Your Obedience Dog
For dogs participating in obedience, a focused set of commands is far more effective than an exhaustive, confusing list. The essential commands can be broadly categorized into those indicating desired positions and those prompting specific actions.
Foundational Positions
Your dog needs to understand commands that place them in a specific stance. These core commands include:
- Sit: Assume a seated position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand upright.
- Front: Move to a position in front of the handler and sit.
- Heel: Move to the handler’s side and sit. This command can also be adapted for a swing finish.
- OK: A release command, signaling the dog is free to move.
Action-Oriented Commands
Beyond positioning, dogs need commands that direct their actions:
- Come: Stop current activity and return to the handler.
- Let’s Go: Walk near the handler in a relaxed manner, not necessarily in a precise heel position.
- Heel: Walk attentively next to the handler’s left side.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful command for refining heel position.
- Around: Circle around the handler to the right to achieve a specific finish.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered unnecessary if the handler is consistent with other commands. Once a dog is given a command to assume a position (like “Sit”), they should maintain that position until released. The word “stay” is often used out of habit or tradition rather than necessity.
The command “Heel” serves a dual purpose: designating the 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” whether the handler is standing or walking. There is no need for separate commands for “get in,” “get back,” or “get up” when the dog can be directed to a position, and they will naturally find the most efficient way to get there.
Helpful Cues and Open Commands
Cues are distinct from commands; they don’t dictate an action but rather signal what is about to happen. Cues like “Hurry” and “Easy” can help a dog adjust their pace. A cue such as “Ready” can be used to signal the start of an exercise, though it’s advisable to have a backup, like a firm “Sit” command, if the dog isn’t attentive.
For more advanced training, certain commands can be combined or adapted:
Drop on Recall
Instead of a separate command for dropping an item during a recall, the dog’s existing knowledge of “Come” and “Down” can be utilized. The context of the situation—whether the dog is in front of the handler or beside them—will dictate the manner of the “Down” (sphinx position versus rolling to the side).
Retrieve on Flat
- Fetch: Pick up the object.
- Drop: Release the object into the handler’s hand.
The command “Hold” is typically unnecessary as “Fetch” implies holding the object.
Retrieve over High Jump
The command “Jump” initiates the sequence. While teaching, breaking down the entire chain of actions (jump, fetch, come, jump, front) is helpful. However, ultimately, the chain begins with the primary command, “Jump.”
Broad Jump
The command “Jump” is sufficient for this exercise.
Utility Commands and Cues
Utility commands introduce new challenges but require minimal new verbal cues.
Signals
Dogs can be trained to respond to non-verbal cues for body movements they already understand through verbal commands, without adding to the verbal command list.
Scent Articles
While some trainers use a distinct command for retrieving scent articles, the argument for using “Fetch” remains strong. Dogs can differentiate contexts; they understand to search carefully among multiple objects versus retrieving a single item promptly. If “Fetch” causes anxiety, alternative words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used.
Gloves
A directional signal, combined with the “Fetch” command, is sufficient to indicate which glove to retrieve.
Moving Stand
The dog’s existing verbal and signal commands for standing are adequate. Commands like “Heel” or “Around” can then be used to move into the desired final position.
Directed Jumping
The “Go-out” command directs the dog away from the handler, and they can then use their known “Sit” and “Jump” commands.
Enhancing Training with Cues
Cues can add an extra layer of engagement and preparation:
- Mark: Used before the article exercise to signal the dog to pay attention to the article pile.
- Look: Employed before directed jumping to prompt the dog to locate the target.
Enthusiastic cues, such as “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”, can be motivating for dogs during training sessions.
Key Training Insights
- Troubleshooting: When training issues arise, resist the urge to change commands. Performance problems are rarely due to the command itself.
- Cross-Venue Consistency: When exploring different dog sports, maintain a consistent set of commands. For instance, use “Come” consistently across obedience and field training, rather than switching to “Here” for field work.
A concise list of commands is easier for both the handler to remember under pressure and for the dog to understand. By focusing on a shorter, more applicable set of commands, training becomes more effective, and the dog’s comprehension is enhanced. The goal is not the sheer number of commands, but the clarity and effectiveness with which they are communicated.