Alexandria, VA – Using a “command” to tell your dog to perform a behavior versus a “cue” to invite your dog to perform a behavior may sound like semantics, but the two words are very different.

For many years, dog training was about obedience and compliance, using coercive methods to force the dog to obey. Today’s positive trainers emphasize a more cooperative relationship. We aim to set the learner up for success, reward the dog for getting it right, and make the dog an active, not passive, participant in the training process.

When I work with a dog who doesn’t immediately respond to my cue, I don’t fault the dog for being “stubborn” or “not listening.” I look at a couple of factors.

First, has the dog practiced this behavior enough for it to be reliable? Remember, dogs don’t understan

See Full Page