Ep 5. Getting the Behavior: Verbal Cues

"Dog Training 101" season 1 episode 5 is titled "Getting the Behavior: Verbal Cues" and focuses on teaching dogs how to associate verbal cues with specific behaviors. The episode begins with the host, a professional dog trainer, explaining the importance of verbal cues in dog training. Verbal cues are concise commands that can be used to direct a dog's behavior. They are especially useful when teaching dogs complex behaviors that cannot be communicated through physical cues alone.

The trainer begins by introducing the first verbal cue to the dogs: "sit." She demonstrates the behavior by holding a treat above the dog's head and saying "sit." She then rewards the behavior with the treat. The trainer emphasizes the importance of consistency in training and advises viewers to use the same verbal cue and reward system every time they want their dogs to perform a behavior.

Next, the trainer moves on to teaching the dogs the verbal cue for "stay." She explains that this behavior requires the dog to hold a position without moving until released. The trainer demonstrates the behavior by telling the dog to "stay" and then taking a step backwards. The dog remains in place, and the trainer rewards the behavior with a treat. The trainer emphasizes that it is important to gradually increase the duration of the stay by adding more steps or waiting longer before releasing the dog.

The trainer then moves on to teaching the dogs the verbal cue for "come." She explains that this behavior requires the dog to respond to the verbal cue even when they are distracted or far away. The trainer demonstrates the behavior by calling the dog's name followed by the word "come." She rewards the behavior with a treat when the dog comes to her. The trainer emphasizes that it is important to use a positive tone when giving the verbal cue and avoid using it to scold or punish the dog.

The trainer also covers the verbal cue for "down," which is another crucial behavior for canine safety and comfort. She demonstrates the behavior by holding a treat in her hand and saying "down." She then lowers the treat to the ground and rewards the dog when it lies down. The trainer notes that it may take some dogs longer to learn this behavior, but patience and consistency are key.

Throughout the episode, the trainer emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement in dog training. She advises viewers to reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or toys and avoid using punishment or physical force. She also notes that dogs learn best through repetition and consistency, so it is important to practice behaviors regularly and reward progress.

In the final segment of the episode, the trainer reviews all the verbal cues taught in the episode and demonstrates how to put them together to create a training routine. She advises viewers to start with simple behaviors and gradually add more complex behaviors as the dog progresses. She also notes that training should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both the dog and the trainer.

Overall, "Dog Training 101" season 1 episode 5 offers practical advice and demonstrations on teaching dogs verbal cues. The episode emphasizes the importance of consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience in dog training and provides viewers with a solid foundation for further training.