Cues

Cues are words or gestures that prompt a dog to perform a behavior. Cues can be verbal, that is, a spoken word or sound.  For example, the words “sit” and “down” may be verbal cues you have taught your dog. Cues can also be visual, such as a hand signal, body movement or body blocking (using your body to take up space) without physical contact. A verbal and visual cue may be given simultaneously. Reliability of cue response means that the dog responds to each cue and does so in a timely manner (within one to three seconds).

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“Cue” versus “Command”​

In general, the word “cue” is used instead of “command” throughout the C.L.A.S.S. curricula and when speaking of reward-based training.  A “cue” implies getting cooperation from a dog, while a “command” tends to connote a demand that a dog must do it, “or else” (with the “or else” usually being something unpleasant or forcing the dog to do something.) Dogs, like us, learn from consequences. Consequences do not need to be harmful to be effective. By rewarding dogs for doing what we ask, they are generally happier and healthier than dogs who are corrected in physical ways for doing undesirable behavior.

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Repeat Cueing​

Repeat cueing is when the student repeats the same cue multiple times (e.g., ‘sit,’ ‘sit,’ ‘sit,’ ‘sit’), often when the dog is not responding. Repeat cueing is also defined as giving an additional yet different cue intended to elicit the desired behavior (for example, saying “sit,” [clearing of the throat], then saying “excuse me,” if the dog doesn’t sit.) Another form of repeat cueing is a steady visual signal that lasts more than five seconds (e.g., a finger held up continuously for an attention cue.) Training should be clear, effective, and pleasant for the dog.  Repeating the cue word, like nagging, can be an undesirable habit, and cues need not be repeated if the dog has been trained and understands to perform the behavior on one cue.

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 If a cue does not result in a reliable response, that may be a sign that the student/dog team needs more work on that cue. Either the dog has not been taught the behavior reliably, has not been rewarded generously enough to create a habit or is distracted by something else.

 

Release

A “release” is a word or gesture that signals to the dog that the behavior is completed. Just as a student should give clear cues for a dog to perform a behavior, a student should also pay attention to clearly communicate to the dog when the dog no longer has to maintain the behavior. This means that after cueing a dog to sit, a release would be needed to signal the dog when he no longer has to perform the sit. For example, after cueing the dog to wait, the student should release the dog from the wait to go through a door, move to the food bowl, be free to do what the dog wants to do, etc. Typical release words are “release”, “okay,” “free,” “all done,” “that’s all,” “break,” “thank you” and “bingo.” A release gesture could be holding both palms out toward the dog as in a “no more” gesture.

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Rewards

Rewards are used to reinforce desired behavior in positive-reinforcement training. In reward-based training, rewards can be anything the dog desires: treats, toys, petting, praise, attention, access to desired resources and more.