In Dog Training, Simple Commands Work Better Than Complex Ones

Dog training simple commands work the best. Complex commands are harder for dogs or especially puppies to understand. If you go to an obedience training class, this point will be made, but it can still be a while till you really have the habit down.

As an example, imagine you are in a training class where the sit is being taught. All over the room, you may hear people saying the word repeatedly, so if the puppy or dog isn't completely confused, he may come to the conclusion that he isn't supposed to sit until he hears the word three times!

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.

Incidentally, an all-too-common puppy behavior is to jump up on people. You will want a command to stop your dog from doing that. Since "down" means "go down to the floor," that isn't exactly what you need. A better word here is "Off!"