Today's dog trainers discuss words and their meanings at length, on line and at conferences around the world. Assumptions are made as to a trainer's methodology, tools, philosophy and, even as to how dogs might be treated, based on the words they use. Whether a trainer issues a command or provides a cue to a dog might make a difference to you too.

The typical dictionary definition of 'command' when used as a verb reads something like- 'to direct with authority over, to control, order or demand; to have or exercise authority or control over, to be master of ' and so on. To command a dog to do something implies that a dog must do it, 'or else'.

Traditionally, in dog training, the 'or else' is usually some form of force that provides an unpleasant (and often painful) consequence aimed at decreasing the dog's tendency to repeat a specific undesirable action. Mild examples might be that of pushing a dog's backside to the ground while pulling up on the neck to make sit happen and, issuing a 'correction' with a choke or prong collar for pulling on the leash. With such methods and tools in use, it is not uncommon to hear a dog yelp in pain.

When the word 'cue' is used as a verb, the following dictionary definitions are typical: 'to prompt, signal, or inform; a hint, intimation, guiding suggestion'. To cue a dog to do something implies the solicitation of cooperation from a dog.

Gaining cooperation from a dog is easily accomplished. The use of hand signals to cue a dog to sit, down, stay, or come make sense to a dog. A hands off approach allows dogs to engage more freely in the training process. Using collars and harnesses that are humane go a long way in building trust between you and your dog. The use of force is simply not necessary.

Over the past fifteen years, there has been a shift in how dogs are trained. By focusing on how to help dogs  understand what we want from them, we can increase the tendency of a dog to repeat desirable behaviors. Using classical and operant conditioning, and the laws of learning, dogs can become willing partners in the process of learning how to live with people.

Cooperation is the essence of healthy relationships between people and dogs too. By rewarding dogs for doing what we ask, they make more positive associations with us. They are, as a result, generally happier and healthier than dogs who are 'corrected' in physical ways for doing the wrong thing. Dogs, like us, learn from consequences. Consequences need not be negative to be effective.

Commanding a dog to sit versus cueing a dog to sit? Perhaps I'm paring my words unnecessarily. Dogs do not understand most of our words but they do, watch us closely and, read us better than we read them. Each of us has the ability to choose how to we will interact with and respond to our dogs. Treating dogs with kindness and respect, just as I wish to be treated, is a choice I have made.

Vera E. Wilkinson - written in January 2006