When choosing vocabulary or cues to introduce to my dog I have two priorities. Select words that are not used often in everyday language to avoid confusion during learning and words that carry the least amount of emotion – more specifically the capacity to carry negative emotion.
For example, it may take multiple repetitions of telling a puppy or dog to “drop it” or “leave it”. Failure by a dog during the training process can be frustrating for both human and dog however adding a negative tone is not a good long-term solution. We must recognize failure as a necessary part of the learning process. By studying us intently all day every day, our dogs become in tune with our state of being in ways we are likely not aware of.
Learning patience and how to maintain composure as a leader is important in the eyes of our dogs and contagious to other parts of life. It isn’t natural or automatic so continued practice is required.
Sometimes instead of saying “leave it,” I recommend saying “ick,” just another word out of my everyday language that may lead to successful training if used often. I also try to match the tone of my voice to the emotion attached to the word. “Easy,” is said in a light, calm whispering tone while “Let’s Go,” is more upbeat and prompt. Something I do often is use my dog’s name with care as a cue to look at me then prepare for more direction. Any cue can be marked with any word you want. Asking is always polite and it sends out positive, encouraging vibes.
Another pro tip is to avoid using the word “no” as a general negative or corrective marking cue. It’s used abundantly in day to day life and can easily take on negative energy which we intend to be neutral. When I do use “no” it is always proceeded by one of the actions specifically associated with it which are a bit more advanced and related to context. Point is, I don’t want to be on the phone ordering a pizza and say “no anchovy” then have a 4 month old puppy standing next to me wonder what the heck they did wrong. Using “no” as a negative marker doesn’t set us up for the clearest communication possible.
It’s fun to think outside the box and make your own personal language with your dog. This entire list below can be connected with body language and nonverbal cues as well – This is why dog trainers often walk with a specific posture. When trying out these commands remember practice makes perfect!
Example: Behavior – “Verbal Cue”
Come here – “Come”
Give me attention, prepare for a cue “Dog’s Name” “Ready..”
I like what you just did, treat on the way (reward marker) – “Ya” “Good girl” “Thank you”
I disagree with your behavior, stop (corrective marker) – “Uh, Uhh!”
Look at me – “focus”
Look away from external stimuli – “look away”
Sit – “Sitz”
Lie Down – “Platz”
Lie Down and chill, it’s going to be a minute – “Can you relax?”
Slow your energy – “Easy” “Gentle”
Move quicker, move with me from stationary position – “Let’s go”
Move backwards – “Back up”
Turn Left – “Left”
Turn Right – “Right”
Leave it – “ick”
Don’t sniff – “No sniffs”
Don’t Jump – “No jumps”
Give me breathing room – “Space”
Go to the bathroom – “Can you better hurry?”
Heel – “Side”
Stand from a seated position – “Alpha”
Go over there (and point or mark verbally) – Go Place
Jump in the car or vertically from a surface – “Up”
Go in someplace (room, car, kennel etc.) – “In”
Move out of a place (area, room, object such as car or kennel) – “out”
Stop moving – “stop”
Don’t move until I say so – “wait”
Keep your current position in relation to something else – “stay …”
Lie down against the wall and wait – “Wall”
We’re going out in public, best behavior necessary – “Ready to work?”
Release cue… do what you want – “free”
Task, play, treats etc. is over – “All done”
Don’t pull – “On a leash” “Too far”
Don’t go in the street without me – “No street”
Give me a wet one – “kiss”
I love you – “I love you”
