Training a dog can be a rewarding experience, and for those involved in service dog training or competitive obedience, the number of commands a dog can learn might seem impressive. Organizations often boast of teaching dogs upwards of 90 commands. However, a closer look reveals that many of these are redundant or lack practical meaning for the dog. For instance, differentiating between commands for opening and closing a door, when the action for the dog is the same – to pull on a string – is unnecessary. Similarly, using one command, like “Kennel,” to cover various scenarios such as entering a crate, a kennel run, or even a specific room, simplifies the process for both the dog and the handler.
The core idea is to train a dog with a concise set of commands that clearly communicate desired positions and actions, rather than an extensive glossary. This approach not only makes learning easier for the dog but also for the handler, especially under pressure in a competition setting.
Essential Commands for Obedience Training
A dog’s command list doesn’t need to be exhaustive. Focusing on clarity and consistency is key. For obedience training, dogs primarily need to learn commands that dictate their position and commands that prompt specific actions.
Positional Commands
These commands tell the dog what stance to adopt:
- Sit: Assume a sitting position.
- Down: Lie down.
- Stand: Stand still.
- Front: Move in front of the handler and sit.
- Heel: Move to the handler’s side and sit. This can also be used for a “swing finish.”
Action Commands
These commands direct the dog’s 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 by the handler’s left side.
- Back up: Move backward, a useful command for teaching heel position.
- Around: Finish by circling to the handler’s right.
Commands like “Stay” and “Wait” are often considered redundant. Once a dog is commanded to assume a position, such as a sit, they should maintain that position until given a new command. The “stay” command is often a habit from tradition rather than a necessity for the dog’s understanding.
The command “Heel” efficiently serves two purposes: indicating the position next to the handler and the action of maintaining that position while moving. Dogs are situational learners and can differentiate the meaning based on whether the handler is standing or walking. This eliminates the need for multiple, similar commands like “Get in” or “Get back.”
Helpful Cues for Enhanced Communication
Cues are distinct from commands; they signal what is about to happen rather than instructing an action. Helpful cues can improve a dog’s responsiveness and understanding of pace.
- Hurry: Encourages the dog to increase speed.
- Easy: Prompts the dog to slow down.
A cue like “Ready” can be used to signal the upcoming start of an exercise. However, relying solely on this cue can be problematic if the dog doesn’t respond immediately. An alternative is to assess the dog’s attentiveness and, if ready, proceed. If not, a firm “Sit” command can regain the dog’s focus before indicating readiness.
Advanced Commands and Cues
For more complex exercises, additional commands and cues can be introduced without significantly lengthening the overall list.
Open Commands
- Drop on Recall: This command, instructing the dog to lie down in a sphinx position when recalled, does not require a new word. Dogs can understand contextually that a “Down” command means rolling onto their side when beside the handler, but a sphinx-like drop when in front.
- Retrieve on Flat: This involves two commands: “Fetch” (pick it up) and “Drop” (release the object). The command “Hold” is typically unnecessary, as “Fetch” implies holding the item.
- Retrieve over High Jump: The primary command is “Jump,” initiating the sequence of actions. While breaking down all steps (jump, fetch, come, jump, front) is useful during training, the initial command is sufficient for a proficient dog.
- Broad Jump: The command “Jump” is adequate for this exercise as well.
Utility Commands
These commands are for more advanced exercises:
- Signals: These are nonverbal cues for actions the dog already knows how to perform verbally. They do not add to the verbal command list.
- Scent Articles: While traditionally a different command is used for scent articles than for a standard retrieve, the command “Fetch” can be adapted. Dogs can understand that when presented with a pile of objects, they should scent and search carefully, unlike a prompt retrieve of a single object. If “Fetch” causes anxiety, alternative words like “Search” or “Find it” can be used.
- Gloves: No new commands are needed. A directional signal guides the dog to the correct glove after the “Fetch” command.
- Moving Stand: Dogs already know verbal and nonverbal cues to stand. They can then transition into a 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, utilizing existing “Sit” and “Jump” commands.
Open & Utility Cues
Cues can enhance preparation and focus for specific exercises:
- Mark: Before the article exercise, this cue alerts the dog to the upcoming task and the location of the article pile.
- Look: Used before directed jumping, this cue prompts the dog to locate the target for the “go-out.”
Enthusiastic cues, such as asking a dog if they are “Ready to fetch?” or “Want to jump?”, can be fun motivators.
Key Training Principles
When encountering training challenges, it’s often more effective to refine the execution of existing commands rather than introducing new ones. Similarly, when exploring different dog sports like agility or herding, resist the urge to immediately adopt new commands if existing ones serve the same purpose. For instance, “here” and “come” are interchangeable and serve the same function.
A shorter list of commands is easier for handlers to remember and for dogs to master. It allows for a more versatile application of commands across various situations, promoting a deeper understanding and a stronger bond between dog and owner.