🗣️ Asking vs Demanding: Cue vs Command – Vet Edition 2025

Training your dog is about communication—not dominance. The words you choose change how your dog thinks and feels. In this expert 2025 guide, I’ll help you understand why using cues (invitations) builds trust, lowers stress, and helps your dog learn faster—while commands can breed fear, avoidance, and inconsistency.

1. What’s a “Command”? And What’s a “Cue”?

A **command** is an order: *“Sit!”* It demands compliance and implies negative consequences if ignored. Commands often don’t consider your dog’s emotional state or readiness :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

A **cue**, by contrast, is an invitation—*"Sit?"* said in a playful tone or gesture that encourages cooperation. There’s no threat—just a clear, positive prompt.

2. Emotional Impact: Fear vs. Willingness

Harsh commands and force—like pushing a dog’s hips to sit—can create stress, uncertainty, and even aggression. Dogs may:

• Freeze, walk away, lick lips, yawn or shut down

These are signs of discomfort :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Using cues and rewards keeps your dog emotionally safe, boosting confidence and willingness to participate.

3. The Science of Cues: Markers & Rewards

The effective training sequence is:

1. Lure or capture the behaviour
2. Use a marker (clicker or "Yes!") to pinpoint the moment
3. Reward immediately
4. Once behaviour is stable (~75%), add the cue or word

Then your dog connects the cue to the behaviour reliably :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

4. Cue vs. Command in Real Training

Imagine teaching "sit":

• Command style: "Sit!" repeated, pushing hips, expecting instant compliance.
• Cue style: Capture a voluntary sit, mark & reward, and introduce "sit?" once behavior is solid.

The cue leads to a calm, eager dog; the command can lead to stress or hesitation.

5. Benefits of Cue-Based Training

• 💡 Empowers problem-solving and choice
• 😊 Creates positive emotional states
• 🚦 Encourages faster, more consistent learning
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Easy for families—no force or fear

Studies show reward-based methods are humane and effective :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

6. Impact on Learning & Retention

Cues motivate—commands can confuse:

• Dogs ignore commands if distracted, in pain, or uncomfortable.
• Cues are context-sensitive and flexible—dogs know they *can* refuse without fear.

Cues are "invitations," not threats—leading to focus, calmer decisions, and better retention :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

7. Emotional & Physical Needs First

If a sit doesn’t happen, consider:

• Physical pain (hips, joints)
• Surface discomfort
• Fear or insecurity
• Distraction levels
• Understanding of cue or behavior

Requests must be fair and adapted to the dog, not just pushed through :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

8. Putting Cue-Based Training into Practice

1. Capture: Wait for behavior (e.g., sit), mark & reward.
2. Reinforce: Repeat until the dog offers it consistently (~75%).
3. Add cue: Say cue just before behavior. Mark & reward continuation.
4. Generalize: Practice in varied locations, distractions, and pair with release cues like “OK.”

9. Troubleshooting Tips

• Timing matters—mark the moment, then reward :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• If dog stalls or ignores cue: check understanding, reduce distractions, amplify reward value.
• For stress: use calming supports or vet guidance alongside cue training.

10. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Cue-based training isn’t just kinder—it’s smarter. It balances clarity and compassion, inviting your dog to participate wholeheartedly. By shifting from demands to invitations, you cultivate a confident, motivated learner who trusts you deeply.

For personalized cue-based training techniques or behavior support for your dog, connect with Ask A Vet. Our app provides 24/7 veterinary and behaviorist access—so every cue supports learning, not fear. 🐾