🐶 Cue vs Command: A Vet's Guide to Dog Training Through Trust in 2025 🧠🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

When you speak to your dog, are you asking them a question—or barking an order? In the evolving world of veterinary behavior and pet training, how we communicate with our animals matters. In 2025, we now understand that a small shift—from giving harsh commands to offering compassionate cues—can completely transform your pet's behavior, confidence, and willingness to learn. 🗣️🐾

🔁 Commands vs Cues: What’s the Difference?

• 📢 Command: A rigid instruction, often said with a firm tone and an implied consequence for non-compliance. (E.g., “SIT!”)
• 🎯 Cue: A friendly signal that invites your dog to participate and earn a reward. (E.g., “Sit?” or a hand signal with a smile)

While both may produce the same visible behavior—such as your dog sitting—the difference lies in your dog’s emotional state and the quality of your relationship. ❤️🐕

🚨 What’s Wrong With Commands?

Command-based training assumes that your dog is a robot. It ignores why they may not perform a behavior and can trigger anxiety, fear, or shutdowns. 🤯

Imagine you shout "SIT!" and your dog hesitates. You repeat it. Then push their rear down. Did they learn the behavior—or learn that ignoring you gets them manhandled?

Here’s what might really be going on:

• 😟 Their hips hurt
• 🌡️ The ground is too hot or slippery
• 📢 There are loud or unfamiliar distractions nearby
• 😨 They feel scared or unsafe
• ❓They don’t understand what “sit” means yet

Commands say: "Obey me, or else."
Cues say: "Would you like to participate and get a reward?" 🧀🎉

✅ Why Cues Work Better

Cues are invitations—clear, consistent signals that a certain behavior will earn your dog a treat, praise, or play. Because cues are based on choice, dogs trained with this method are happier, less anxious, and more responsive. 🧠🐾

Here’s what makes cues so effective:

• 🗣️ Gentle tone: Encourages participation, not fear
• 🎓 Backed by training: The dog already understands what behavior is linked to the cue
• 💡 Faster learning: Reward-based training boosts memory and confidence
• 🫶 Builds trust: Your dog learns that your interactions are safe and enjoyable

🐾 How to Turn a Command Into a Cue

Let’s take the example of teaching “sit” the cue-based way:

1. Use a food lure to guide your dog’s nose up and back—this naturally leads their rear to drop.
2. As soon as their bottom hits the floor, say “yes!” or click (if using a clicker), and reward. 🍖
3. Repeat until your dog offers the sit at least 75% of the time without help. 🧠
4. Now introduce the cue—say “sit” before they do the behavior. Mark and reward again. ✅

This makes “sit” a predictor of reward rather than a demand backed by pressure. Over time, your dog hears “sit” and thinks: “That’s my chance to get something good!” 🎉🐶

📉 Signs of Command-Based Stress

Dogs trained with punishment or force often show these stress signals:

• 💤 Slowing down or refusing to move (“shutting down”)
• 👅 Lip licking, yawning, scratching
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking away or avoiding eye contact
• 🐾 Delayed responses or confusion
• 😣 Avoidance of training altogether

Dogs are incredible observers—they’ll remember how you made them feel more than what you said. 🧠💔

🌟 Building a Cue-Based Life

Training with cues isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset. It respects your pet’s emotional and physical needs. Here are key tips for cue-based training success:

• 🥳 Keep sessions short and upbeat
• 🧀 Use high-value treats like cheese, liver, or freeze-dried meat
• 🎉 Celebrate small wins with play or praise
• 🌍 Train in a quiet environment before adding distractions
• 🙋‍♂️ Let your pet say “no” if they’re overwhelmed—it’s feedback, not disobedience

🛠️ Need Help Shifting to Cue-Based Training?

Old habits are hard to break, especially if you were taught to “be the alpha.” But veterinary behaviorists and modern science now emphasize positive reinforcement as the most effective, humane approach. 🧠❤️

If you need a hand, connect with experts at AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app. Our team can help you rewrite your training script, no matter your dog’s breed or background. 📲

🐕 Ask, Don’t Order—Your Dog Will Thank You!

Training with cues gives your pet the freedom to participate willingly—making them not just obedient, but joyful, resilient, and connected to you. That’s the real reward. 💝🐾