Saturday, July 14, 2012

Cues vs. Commands


Cues vs. Commands 
Cue = A request from the handler for the dog to do a particular behavior.  
Command = An ultimatum for the dog to do the behavior or else there will be a consequence. In my training philosophy this is not even an option.
I personally use cues and allow the dog the choice to do the behavior or not.  If I have done proper training, built value in working with me, built value for doing a particular trick, and my dog does in fact know the behavior, then chances are he will want to do the behavior.  This is because the dog has had a strong reinforcement history for doing the requested behavior.  
I do not believe there is ever a reason to give a “command”.  I would not “command” my students, husband, friends or wild animals to do something or else, so why would I even think about doing so with my dogs?
Just my opinion...

4 comments:

  1. Pam, what a great statement. I believe that choice is one of the most important things we can give to our dogs. The idea of a "nothing or all Command" really takes the joy out of the learning experience for the dogs. i also believe that the more choices we allow our dogs to make the better problem solvers they become and with better problem solving abilities they become better at making those choices we prefer. In the end it is all about choice and how many opportunities we give our dogs to make them.

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  2. Dennis, I AGREE 100%! Well stated! Pam

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  3. LOVE THIS. Never really thought about it before, but this is definitely true.

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  4. I agree with this completely. Many people use the words "cue" and "command" interchangeably, when in fact they are two different things.
    I believe that commands are unnecessary; they are no fun for the dog or handler, and if neither are having fun, then what is the point?
    Positive Reinforcement is the way to go! Thank you for helping spread the word.

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