12/01/2025
Cue vs. Command: Why Words Matter in Dog Training
Have you ever thought about the power of the words we use with our dogs? I certainly have, and it’s one of the reasons why I always use the term cue in my training classes rather than command.
But first, a little story about plants!
Now, I’ve never been much of a green thumb, but recently I’ve surprised myself by keeping a few houseplants alive. (I know—who even am I?) As I’ve delved into the world of greenery, I stumbled upon an interesting study: researchers spent 30 days speaking to two identical plants. One plant received loving, positive words like “you’re growing beautifully,” while the other was told horrible things like “you’re useless.” And guess what? The positively spoken-to plant thrived, while the other didn’t.
What’s this got to do with dogs, you ask? Well, just like plants, dogs thrive when we create an environment of positivity and clear communication.
Cue vs. Command
Let’s break it down.
• Cue: Something that excites to action or stimulates a response.
• Command: A demand or order that must be followed.
See the difference? A cue invites your dog to make a choice and rewards them for the correct one. A command demands compliance and comes with consequences if they don’t comply.
Since I started my dog training career back in 2012, I’ve always chosen to cue dogs because it fosters understanding, choice, and a much healthier relationship. When I teach my clients at Paws Positive Dog Training, I always say, “Now we’re going to cue the dog,” or, “It’s time to add the cue.”
Think about it—do you prefer learning in a way that excites and encourages you, or in a way that feels demanding and rigid? Our dogs are the same.
I can personally relate to how dogs feel when they don’t understand us. Years ago, I lived in Turkey for six years, and when I first arrived, I didn’t know the language. People would often shout things at me—simple instructions, I’m sure—but I had no idea what they meant.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t listening or that I was being stubborn; I just didn’t understand what the words meant.
Over time, I started to learn the language and could respond appropriately, but it took repetition, patience, and practice. This is exactly how our dogs feel when we use words they haven’t yet learned.
Dogs don’t come pre-programmed to understand English (or any language for that matter). It’s up to us to teach them what our words mean, and the best way to do that is by introducing cues at the right time, with clear communication and lots of positive reinforcement.
The “Cue” Mentality
Using cues is all about teaching first, then communicating clearly. Here’s how we introduce a cue:
1. Start by teaching the behaviour using luring, shaping, or capturing.
2. Mark and reward when your dog performs the behaviour.
3. Only once your dog reliably understands the behaviour do you add the cue word.
This way, the cue has real meaning for your dog—they know what to do when they hear it.
Why Isn’t My Dog Responding?
If your dog doesn’t seem to follow a cue, don’t worry—it’s not that they’re being stubborn. Usually, it comes down to one of these three reasons:
1. They don’t fully understand the cue yet.
2. They’re too distracted.
3. The reward isn’t motivating enough.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Your Dog Doesn’t Understand
Just because you’ve said the word doesn’t mean your dog knows what it means. Like my experience in Turkey, hearing a word doesn’t instantly translate into understanding.
Dogs need time and repetition to make that connection between a cue and the behaviour. It’s our job as trainers to ensure that link is clear.
2. Distractions Are Too Enticing
Even if your dog knows the cue, they might find the world around them more exciting—squirrels, other dogs, or even a dropped sandwich on the pavement.
To help, reduce distractions during training and build their focus gradually. Think of it like teaching a new footballer—you wouldn’t expect someone new to the sport to play at Wembley straight away! They’d start small, practice the basics, and build their skills step by step.
3. The Reward Isn’t Worth It
Dogs, like people, need incentives. In the early stages, high-value treats or rewards are key. Once the behaviour is reliable, you can reduce the treats and use other rewards like praise, toys, or a game of tug.
It’s a bit like when you’re at work, and your boss promises to bring in cakes for the team if you meet a deadline. Suddenly, the effort feels worth it because there’s a tangible reward at the end.
Our dogs are the same—they care about what’s on offer. So, choose rewards your dog loves, whether that’s tasty treats, a fun game, verbal praise or even life rewards. The key is to find what motivates your dog.
Words Matter
At the end of the day, words aren’t “just words.” They shape our mindset, our approach to training, and the bond we have with our dogs. Just like the plants in that study, our dogs thrive in environments where we encourage, support, and guide them positively.
So, next time you’re working with your dog, ask yourself: are you cuing them with clear communication, or commanding them with demands?
At Paws Positive Dog Training, we’re here to help you create a deeper bond with your dog through positive, force-free methods. If you’d like to learn more about using cues in your training, feel free to reach out—I’d love to support you and your dog.
Let me know in the comments—have you noticed how your words affect your dog’s behaviour?
Happy training,
Jane