Today’s blog post is on using cues and commands in dog training. With a nod towards my first two blog posts, this month’s Whole Dog Journal has an excellent article on how to using “cues” and commands in dog training can help owners effectively communicate with their dogs. Whatever cues, markers and/or commands you choose, use them consistently. Try to keep your communications simple by selecting single words or short phrases. Be brief and most importantly stop talking! Offer the cue and then wait. Be sure to give your dog enough time to figure out what it is you’re asking. Take some time to check over here. If the behavior is done perfectly then reward it generously. If not, try it again but don’t reward it with a treat. A pat or a “good dog” is more than enough. In general, we like the Journal’s comprehensive reporting and respect their evaluations and reviews. The publication doesn’t accept paid advertising–a big plus in our book. The Journal has complete freedom to be impartial and call things as they see them. Already get the Journal? Try Ian Dunbar’s publication, the Dog Star Daily. This month’s featured article on “Over the Top Aggression“ is a worthwhile read. GC