Training Beyond Sit: 4 Important Obedience Cues Your Dog Should Know
Almost all dogs learn the cue "sit" at some point. Many people default to "sit" in all situations in which they want their dog to listen. And, while "sit" is a great cue for your dog to know, it is far from the be-all and end-all of critical obedience cues.
Many trainers will advise that your dog should sit whenever he wants something, or whenever you want him to pay attention to you. They'll advise that your dog should sit at the door before going out, sit by her food bowl before being fed, sit at the curb before crossing the street, sit at your feet in an elevator, sit at the vet's office...etc. But there are a lot of situations where asking for a sit is inappropriate. Dogs that are nervous, stressed, uncomfortable, or in pain may not be willing or able to offer a sit. Many dogs don't want to sit on wet ground, or feel unstable sitting on hard, slippery surfaces. Sitting down puts dogs in a more vulnerable position. If they feel uncertain about their environment, they may not be comfortable making themselves less able to run away.
As positive dog trainers, we are constantly on the lookout for ways to decrease stress and fear in our dogs. So, knowing that sit may not be the be-all and end-all of obedience, what cues can we ask for instead? Below are some of the most important obedience cues a dog should know.
Important Cue #1: Stay
What is "Stay"?
"Stay" simply means that your dog stops moving. She stays exactly where she was when you said the word. She can stand, sit, or lie down, as long as she doesn't move from the spot you left her in. She is released from "stay" when you give her a cue.
When is the cue "Stay" important?
Stopping your off-leash dog so you can get his leash on
Stopping your dog from running into dangerous situations
Getting your dog to settle on a mat or bed
Keeping your dog away from the door so people can enter your house
How to teach "Stay"
Wait for your dog to remain motionless for a few seconds
Mark the behavior (click or say ‘yes’)
Immediately reinforce the behavior with a treat
Repeat
If your dog is reliably performing the behavior, add the cue
Slowly build up the amount of time your dog maintains position
After your dog can hold a stay for at least 10-20 seconds, start adding distance.
Important Cue #2: Attention
What is "Attention"?
Sometimes cued as "focus," "watch me," or just the dog's name, "attention" is a cue to get your dog to look at you, ideally at your face, until released. He removes his attention from whatever else in the environment and focuses solely on you. This can be done in any position, and even while walking!
When is the cue "Attention" important?
In elevators, at street corners, in crowded and highly distracting areas and anywhere else you want your dog to focus on you and ignore distractions
In the presence of squirrels, cats, or other critters a dog might want to chase
In the presence of items or people that a dog is reactive to
How to teach "Attention"
Wait for your dog to make eye contact with you
Mark the behavior (click or say 'yes')
Immediately reinforce the behavior with a treat
Repeat
If your dog is reliably performing the behavior, add the cue (dog's name, "focus," "watch me," etc)
Important Cue #3: Leave It
What is "Leave It"?
"Leave it" is a critical safety cue that every single dog needs to learn. "Leave it" means your dog turns away from something she wants. "Leave it" is different than "drop it" because you are asking your dog to ignore something they want, but don't already have.
When is the cue "Leave It" important?
You've dropped something dangerous for dogs while cooking or eating (chocolate, onions, ec)
Your dog encounters something dangerous, disgusting, or unknown outside
Your dog tries to approach other dogs/people who don't necessarily want to be approached
How to teach "Leave It"
Hold a treat in your fist and present it to your dog
Your dog will likely sniff, paw at, and/or mouth your hand
When your dog gives up and removes her nose, immediately mark and reward
IMPORTANT: Reward your dog with a different treat from your other hand. You are trying to teach your dog that she never gets the thing she is told to leave.
Repeat
When your dog is reliably turning away from your fist, start adding the cue
Once your dog understands the cue, build the stakes by offering the treat in a flat palm or on the floor. If she ignores the cue, back up back to where she was last successful.
Important Cue #4: Wait
What is "Wait"?
"Wait" is a cue that tells your dog that he's going to get what he wants, but he needs to be patient and calm first. "Wait" is impulse control. It is what many people actually want when they ask for a sit. "Wait" is different from "stay" because it tells your dog to maintain their current position until a release word is given, after which they will be rewarded with the thing they waited for.
When is the cue "Wait" important?
Preventing door dashing when walking out the door
Preventing jumping up on people who are approaching to say hello
Preventing lunging and jumping during feeding time
Stopping before crossing the street
How to teach "Wait"
Put some treats in your dog’s bowl and hold the bowl
If your dog remains standing or sitting calmly, lower the bowl, say "okay!" or another release word and allow him to eat
If your dog gets jumps up, runs around, or breaks position, wait for a second of calm before putting the bowl down
Gradually increase the amount of time your dog must wait for the bowl.
Once your dog is reliably remaining calm until he hears the release word, add the "wait" cue
When is "Sit" Important?
These four skills are critical obedience skills for any dog, but that's not to say that you shouldn't teach your dog to sit! As long as you're aware that your dog may be reluctant to sit down when she feels vulnerable or nervous, "sit" is still a highly valuable cue to have in your repertoire. Sit is especially useful:
As an alternate behavior to jumping up on guests or people who want to greet your dog
As an "emergency stop" at a distance if your dog is off leash
When asking for a "Wait" or a "Stay" -- it is harder for a dog to leave a "Stay" from a sit or a down than it is standing
In crowded situations like elevators or public transit if you need your dog to occupy less space (as long as your dog isn't nervous or uncomfortable sitting).
And, of course, for the most important reason we teach our dog anything -- so we can take cute pictures!
Does your dog know any of the above skills? What other cues do you consider to be critical obedience skills? Let us know in the comments!
