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When you are doing dog training simple commands are the best kinds to use. They are easier for puppies and dogs to understand. This concept is generally taught in an obedience training class, but it can take some time to get the hang of doing this.

For instance, let’s say you want your dog to lie down. You say the command once but if the dog doesn’t immediately hit the floor, the temptation will be for you to say it again… and again. Sometimes dog owners will say something like “Hey, get down now! I already told you! You know what I mean!” All this language does not further the cause of obedience training.

By using short, simple one-syllable commands in your training, you are creating a habit of response in the dog. Canine behavior is quite habit-based… actually, so is a lot of human behavior! When you use simple words with a dog or puppy, the words are much more recognizable as communication than if the animal has to figure out what you mean from a flow of language.

Naturally, dogs may notice certain words in the middle of your conversation with someone else. If you ask your son, “Are you ready to go for a walk with Buddy?” it is likely that Buddy will recognize his own name as well as the word “walk.” Domestic dogs have been listening to people talk for centuries!

So use one-word, easily pronounced commands — which, by the way, are also sometimes called cue words. That expression gets away from the idea that you have to be the boss and the dog has to obey! While there are certainly times that do call for obedience, such as when you need the dog to come rather than go into the street, by and large the best dog training evokes willing compliance from the dog.

With a new puppy, training goes best with simple words. Sit, stay, come, down… use these classic training commands and you are off to a great start.

By the way, since “down” means something like “Get onto the floor,” what do you say when your dog is jumping up on people and you want him to stop? A good word is “off.”

Tags: Pets

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