Tag Archives: basic cues

Keeping a dog from playing, running, and jumping for a few weeks is no easy task. Here are some simple tips to keep your dog calm after surgery.

This podcast is all about Dog Bite Prevention Week! Victoria and Holly chat with State Farm's Heather Paul to discuss why being a responsible pet parent is much more important than a dog's breed.

Crates are a good house-training aid and a comfortable, safe place to go, provided they are used correctly. If used properly, the crate encloses a puppy or dog safely and becomes a favorite place for sleeping or safety. It can also be a highly effective toilet training tool. Some puppies and dogs love their crates Read More

The 'Touch' cue teaches dogs that an approaching hand is not a threat and therefore does not require a negative response. Many advanced behavioral issues can often be traced back to seemingly innocuous beginnings like a puppy reacting nervously to an outstretched hand or general human touch. The key to avoiding the escalation of such Read More

You can prevent resource guarding from ever developing by teaching your puppy or dog to trade and give up objects, making the whole experience a game. The 'Take It and Drop It' cue teaches your dog to do this in low-stress situations so that you'll be able to more easily gain the attention of your Read More

This is a great cue to teach your dog because it not only requires a stationary body position but also promotes a positive emotional response. Asking your dog to relax on cue helps in situations where you need your dog to be calm and comfortable. This cue should not be used to force a calm Read More

The 'Stand' cue is an interesting, rarely-taught tool which can be useful when you want your dog to effectively do the opposite of 'sit', but don't necessarily want her to come to you. This teaches the dog to rise from a sitting or lying down position, but not to move after standing. Whether you need Read More

'Go Settle', 'Go to Your Bed' and 'Go To Your Spot (or Place)' are all cues that ask your dog to go to a desired area such as a mat or a bed when needed. This is a great cue to use when you do not want your dog begging at the table, when you Read More

'Watch Me' is an important cue, but many owners never think about teaching it to their dog. This cue helps to get your dog’s attention when you’re out and about, especially if there are distractions around that might make him nervous. Having a reliable 'Watch Me' is also one of the building blocks needed to Read More

Another great cue to teach your dog is the 'heel' or 'close' cue. Walking well on a leash and walking right next to you are separate leash manner skills. A dog’s walking pace is naturally faster than a person’s, so be aware of how difficult it is for some dogs to modify their pace to Read More

The 'leave it' cue teaches your dog an invaluable lesson in impulse control that can be useful in many situations. The 'it' in question might be food that has fallen on the floor, something your dog picks up on a walk, another dog, or even a child. Like the recall this is an important safety Read More

Most puppies will 'come' to you whenever you decide to walk away because they instinctively follow you. Making this a reliable response, however, usually takes months of consistency and positive training. The easiest way to associate your new puppy or dog with the 'come' cue is to begin using it as soon as you bring Read More

The secret to teaching your dog to 'stay' is to not move through the stages too fast. Build the cue up gradually, lengthening the time and distance of the stay. This cue teaches your dog impulse control skills and can be used in a variety of situations, such as the front door, before crossing a Read More

Teaching the 'down' cue takes a little patience, but is a valuable cue for your dog to know. Lying down and getting up again can be very strenuous for large breed dogs such as Mastiffs or Great Danes, and can even be challenging for older dogs, so do not overdo the down cue with certain Read More

Teaching the 'sit' cue is the first cue many dog owners want to teach their new dog or puppy. This cue can be used when you need your puppy or dog to focus her attention at certain times; for example, at the curb before crossing the road, in front of a food bowl before eating, Read More

Regardless of whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, it is never too late to start teaching your dog basic cues. From beginner cues like 'sit' and 'touch' to more advanced cues like 'stay' and 'heel' which require more impulse control, your dog should be taught using fun, force-free methods and every Read More