Obedience Training: Basic cues to have good communication with your dog!
Updated: Dec 27, 2022
Dog obedience training will make your life and your dog's easier by helping your dog learn to respond and listen to basic cues. The process of teaching a dog to listen to obedience cues is one that you progress through step by step. It establishes a strong basis on which your dog can cultivate new talents and training commands. In particular, positive reinforcement obedience training strengthens the bond between you and your dog while also teaching it wanted behaviors. Your dog will also build confidence as you go along during this exercise!
Importance of Obedience Training.
The bond you have with your dog will benefit most from obedience training for the following reasons:
With basic obedience training, life becomes easier for your dog. Your dog will be able to see how desirable behaviors are very rewarding! It can be so much fun to do unwanted behaviors so we want to show them how much better it is to chew on that toy we gave then instead of your shoes. For us, the main goal is to make training your dog enjoyable and gratifying for both of you.
In addition, you'll have a dog who is happy, polite in the home, and who will be more enjoyable for you to be with! While we always will love our fur babies having as dog who lacks basic house manors is stressful for anyone.
A dog or puppy that has been trained in obedience is generally safer. You can still cue your dog even if he gets loose. You'll be able to use one of your practiced obedience commands, like "come". Having a great recall can make all the difference! Any dog lover will find this quite reassuring.
By implication, you develop a bond with your dog based on great communication. He is aware of what you are asking him to do and is confident that you will respond consistently and listen to his needs.
When your dog behaves well, he can be better around family, friends, and children with cues to help him understand how he needs to behave.
Obedience training also satisfies your dog's desire for exercise, a "task", mental stimulation, and quality time with you, among other essential needs.
Basic cues to have good communication with your dog.
Starting with the "focus" cue.
As a starting point for any basic training, you must teach your dog to pay attention to you. Before you attempt to teach your dog a new cue or skill, you must first teach them to pay attention or focus on you. This is also necessary when you go for dog walks, hang out in the neighborhood park, or choose to join in open training sessions. Often, this resembles instructing your dog to pay attention when you say, "Watch me" or "Look".
Teaching the "sit" cue
The most well-known command for dogs is often considered to be "sit". This obedience cue is particularly helpful since your dog has his paws on the floor when they're sitting; they're not positioned for action or set to chase something. The "sit" cue is ideal if you ever find yourself in a scenario when you need your dog to keep their feet on the ground and be still, for example it can be great for when another dog is passing on the street during your regular walk. The "sit" cue is a great foundation for other cues like "stay" and "lay down". Keep in mind that learning is a process, so be patient!
Teaching the "stay" command
The "stay" cue is for asking you dog to freeze in position like sit, stand or a down. Training your dog to stay helps them build confidence and impulse control from a distance! This can be important in a number of instances, for example if you are trying to pick up shattered glass in the kitchen or when your neighbor who is terrified of dogs pays you an unexpected visit.
Teaching your dog to "come"
Another essential obedience cue that you should emphasize teaching to your dog is "come". Having a cue that means for your to dog return to you can be essential to their safety. Such as if they are in a potentially dangerous environment, for example you are near heavy traffic and they get loose. Even if you keep your dog leashed at all times when you're outside, mishaps can still occur. For instance, you might drop the leash or your dog might unclip from their collar. Additionally, the "come" cue only makes things simpler and less difficult for you both. No more rushing out into the pouring rain to bring your dog inside from the backyard!
Final Thoughts
Responsible dog ownership involves training your dog on a regular basis. Dogs that know all the remanded basic obedience cues are happier, better mannered, and give you the dog owner bond you are looking for!
At Morgan’s Pawsitive Pup Training, we have specialized programs just for teaching these essential cues. We do not only train the dog but also teach you. By educating our clients we help to increase their confidence when working with their dog(s).
All dogs are not the same and they must be trained with such knowledge. Since they are distinct individuals, dogs require individualized training. We can create training plans to meet the needs of each unique dog. Our main objectives are to increase your dog's confidence, your own confidence as the handler, and create a learning setting where you and your dog can interact with each other efficiently and develop a closer bond. We can't wait to hear from you!
Morgan’s Pawsitve Pup Training Basic Obedience Cue List!
What cues you can expect us to teach you and your dog.
Yes!- your marker used to let your dog know a treat is on the way!
Name Recognition- a way to get your dogs attention
Focus- 123 eyes on me!
Sit- bottoms on the floor
Down- bum, tum, and elbows on the floor
Puppy push-ups- sit, down, sit
Touch- boop your nose on my hand
Drop it- I’m about to give you something awesome so you need to drop what you have to get it
Sit/down stay- freeze in this position until I release you
Free!: you are released to break your stay
Handling- all four paws, tail, ears, and mouth
Collar grab- reaching over to grab your dog’s collar without your dog reacting
Wait- hold your forward motion for a moment until I release you (good for feeding or walking through doors)
Leave it- that’s not for you, a preventative before your dog gets a hold of it
Leash walking (heel and let’s go)- getting your dog in heel position and then having them move with you while still in heel position
Sit at side- sitting in heel position and staying in that sit, great for having a conversation while you are out with your dog
Recall- come when called
Place- go to this designated location, settle and lay down, and stay until I release you