Teaching your dog cues are very useful ways to signal to your dog to perform a specific task or behavior. You may already be doing them without realizing them, like holding your hand up for a sit or pointing to the ground for a down. Those are visual cues, but they also come in verbal forms as well. Telling your dog “stay” is a verbal cue that lets them know to stay. Combining visual and verbal cues can allow for your dog to understand what you’re asking them to do!
Teaching Your Dog a Cue
For example, use a treat to get your dog into a sitting position, treating them immediately for a job well done. Once your dog begins to understand what they are meant to do, you can introduce the cue by saying the word “sit” (or give the hand signal) just before your dog does it. This is how you pair the cue with the behavior!
The first part is teaching your dog the desired task. Keep treats handy or other motivators that will help your dog stay motivated to do the task. Then reward, or reinforce, the new task enough times that they show they are getting the hang of it!
Training Tips:
- Only say or visually cue your dog one time and wait for them to perform the task. If you say “sit” over and over again, your dog is going to think you mean to say the word sit four times before they should sit!
- Make sure you have your dog’s attention before you cue them to do a task or behavior. They will need to see or hear you for it to be effective.
- Be consistent with your cue! You should use the same word or hand signal every time to not confuse your pup.
*Be sure to check out our other Canine Training Tips & Tricks blogs for more training resources!
