The Five Most Common Words in Dog Training and Which Ones I Never Use #52

There are five words commonly used when training a dog. I bet you can immediately think of dog training commands that are in use frequently! Are cues like sit, down, stay, come and okay on your list? One of these words I would never ever use, and I’m sharing why. I believe our dogs put our words into five categories, and I’m covering each cue category and how it relates to what we say to our dog.
In the episode you'll hear:
• How many words dogs can respond to and understand.
• What words our dogs will ignore and how that can be inadvertent.
• Why there are words that can be confusing for our dogs.
• How words can make our dogs happy.
• The importance of the tone of our verbal cues.
• About the words that can create stress and fear for dogs.
• Why sit means sit and importance of a release word.
• The one word I never use.
• Why some words are ignored or confusing for our dog.
• My best advice on selecting cues for your dog.
• How some dogs only have micro-seconds to respond to a cue.
• About the release cue “break” that I use and one I don’t recommend.
• How you can easily change a word to one that will bring your dog clarity.
Resources:
Learning Resources Answer Buzzers -
geni.us/buzzers
Vlog Post: Toning Up On Cue Clarity (Hearing The Sirens) -
susangarrettdo...
Blog Post: Three Different Types of Verbal Markers in Dog Training -
susangarrettdo...
Blog Post: How Do I Train My Dog To Come When Called? -
susangarrettdo...
Podcast Episode 19: One of My Biggest Pet Peeves in Dog Training -
• One of My Biggest Pet ...
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Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!
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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 82 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
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[@tgtg4512]

I lost my dog to cancer a month ago.💔💔💔💔 I applied to adopt a dog coming from the North. She was described as "clean slate" dog. Has to be trained for everything. I hope I get her!! 💖

[@kathiseaman]

I have my first puppy in over seven years, another Giant Schnauzer. Starting over with a puppy is scary. I was SO happy to find these podcasts and the new things Susan is doing. The free podcasts makes it so easy to share Susan with my friends so they can see for themselves how wonderful their dog or puppy can be. I have signed up for Home School the Dog, Puppy Peaks, dug out my Ruff Love book and my Susan Garrett DVDs. I hope to be sharing our successes in the near future.

[@TrainingHudsonAndMaisie]

Simple and efficient communication that's effective is so appreciated. Thanks!

[@ml4242]

Susan your podcasts have been so helpful for training me train my Border Collie puppy. I have had more success with your methods then the old traditional obedience classes

[@joannaexley3388]

Can't wait for the new videos! I have watched every. single. episode. cannot recommend them enough!

[@funkynoodles57]

Thanks for all your amazing tips and tricks for shaping a great family pet!

[@amyv.1382]

Amy V. We don’t have our puppy yet but are preparing. We will be getting him shortly and our family is pretty excited. In our anticipation, we watch training videos so we can be a bit more prepared. Thank you for what you do on here to help us out. 🎄

[@MalakaiBoarder16]

CANT GET ENOUGH! Thank you Susan for all the great knowledge you've shared with us!

[@lynne-sheltiesrock2322]

Great podcast as always! Funny about dog's names... I'm from NY and I never realized how many times a day I said "gotta" - until I named my dog Gotta! Now I've changed my conversation word to hafta! I wondered how you two were going to handle her name being This! Back in the 70's, my grandfather actually thought my U.D. High in Trial Sheltie was stupid because he wouldn't lie down when he gave the command "rest!" - the word that he used for his Collies. It meant nothing to my Sheltie, whose down command was "down!" I gave up trying to change my stubborn Grandfather, and taught my dog that "rest" meant "down" - mainly because my Grandfather thought is was ok to slap my poor dog on the head for being bad. So wonderful that Susan has taught millions of folks to move from their outdated, harsh methods into the joys of positive DO LAND!

[@niyatim]

You're an inspiration. My dogs are thriving with all your guidance!

[@bridgitgilmore]

I love all your programs, Susan! And this podcast is super as well. And (happy brag) I knew the answers to both of the questions! The buzzers look like great fun, hope I win them! Keep up the great, inspiring work!

[@DylanCragle]

Absolutely love your information, clear, easy to follow directions. My 4 month old puppy has learned so much already, I have! You should have seen my dogs face when he hear your sounds! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@copestuart]

Your podcast, whatever topic you cover, is always of greater common sense, BUT......we often never think of it until YOU mention it that gets you saying to yourself:"boy, that makes sooooo much sense"😉😊

[@teresasombati3339]

More wise words of wisdom..thank you. I especially love the use of sounds instead of words. I couldn’t figure out why my dog would always lie down when I was teaching her a bow...duh bow..down🙈

[@juleebishop5735]

That is pretty enlightening. Makes such total sense. I was picking up that I never heard the 'stay' command, so had to look into it.

[@qldsafari]

I subscribe to a lot of podcasts but Shaped by dog is by far the best I have ever listened to. I learn something from every one & not just about dogs. The training you offer is just brilliant for anyone interested not just in training dogs but learning about themselves & other people as well, love it!👍👍👍

[@joannewall3616]

Loving all of the podcasts. I listen to them over & over. I joined Recallers & HSTD earlier this year & am loving how your positive reinforcement training is working with our new pup & our other dog. Thank you so much 😊

[@lynng8989]

Great as usual. Time to change my release word.

[@karenneufeld8367]

I appreciate Susan so much!! I live in British Columbia and I wish i would have known about her from the beginning! I even missed this draw for a prop but if she's still doing it, I'm in! 🥰

[@JediKarolyNovh]

Love the "answer buzzer" targets! And the prop looked great.

[@debibuchholz8040]

Thank you for talking about these words. I agree, with my clients, OK is the word most people use and it is a problem...and yes, 'free' is the 2nd most used....same issue. I also agree with the redundancy of 'stay'. Thank you for sharing this! I also use 'break'.

[@azogal53]

Definitely going to "break" the "okay" habit and "free" my dog for "release." 😉 Seriously good advice that makes perfect sense. Thank you Susan! ❤️

[@amywong8844]

Amazing podcast as usual. Very insightful. Have to be more careful of what and how I use my words. Loving HSTD!

[@valeriasvensson5197]

Great content as usually 🙌 I have listened to all of your podcasts so far 👌And I think they are a great addition to your fantastic classes🔥 Thank you Susan 🙏❤️

[@dhagen9384]

Great information!

[@maryborie6478]

Thank you, so very much for sharing your special wisdom ❣️ Looking forward to listening to all of your podcasts. Sincerely, Mary Borie 😺🐶🐶🐾

[@janetjones2092]

Great information! I am learning so much, and can see where in the past I was less than clear to my dog. Thanks to Susan and her team for all of his amazing instruction!

[@nlane8047]

Another awesome Podcast Susan! This! with the buttons How cute is that!

[@DogsThat]

Thank all for joining in Podcast #52 random comment G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y!

 This podcast’s giveaway of the Learning Resources Answer Buzzer Box will go to: SplinterFox 
SpinterFox you can reach out to us at: [e-mail] where we will need a few private details to follow up on getting you your Buzzers! 
 Follow along with the our Podcasts for more chances to join in!

[@megschmieder552]

I love when I get notifications of a new episode. I love these 😁❤

[@avae3894]

Love this podcast! One of my favorite resources, all the episodes are so informing, it’s really helped me with my new puppy!

[@anniebel9149]

Thanks for sharing all of your awesome insights and knowledge!

[@ldavis-henry5065]

Love these podcasts. I am a newbie to your world of dog training but luckily many of your ideas are not totally new to me after watching other professional dog training videos almost every day for many many years. My “guilty pleasure” and love learning from my dog each and every day. Your use of “ok” made me smile. I had this as release word for first dog. Too funny sometimes when I used it without realizing she would release. 2nd dog changed to “free”. Now with 3rd dog using “free” I will change to “break”. Or I like the “reeeee lease”. 😂. Thanks for sharing all of your amazing experiences and insights into dog training and behaviors. Working my way through in order then will repeat and take notes 😁🙏

[@sovaydesitges]

Excellent video as always. Sisu and I would sure love to win that prize and how to train it. ❤️

[@karenlobb1762]

Love all the videos! Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@darnold5575]

Enjoyed this. Of course, This too!

[@lesliereneefox]

So helpful. I am loving these episodes. So glad you’re doing a podcast now!!

[@elizalee]

Thank you Susan for the great tips and reminders. We love This!! Do you have advice for introducing a puppy to household with an older reactive dog? I've watched all your videos/podcasts and it's been inspiring!

[@marnienordquist3499]

I am really enjoying these podcasts. Love Susan's enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge. In #52 I really appreciated how Susan explained the steps in changing a cue. Thanks!

[@loyal_dogs]

My 4 most used words are in that order "good boy/girl" "sit" "sad" ("are you sad?" Is my cue for shaking the head which is my Shepherd's favourite trick 😂), and "free" (it is my release word and since I'm not an English speaker, I never use it other than with my dogs 😁)

[@Islandflats]

Super pod cast. Never thought of categorizing words! Absolutely...i release instead...the stay is built in to the sit or down....:)

[@gudrunvl]

I’ve been using ok as well, but you have convinced me to try «break» instead.

[@lisakaniho786]

Awesome thank you for sharing. I have a two year old GSD.

[@jeanettehopkins1639]

That was funny watching that. I was sure that only the word "stay" was going to be a no no for you but not the word "OK". I have multiple release words - including Ok and free. I'm going to think about that!

[@emsmith1638]

I changed to break! It worked.

[@bethl7399]

My Ah ha comment with "okay" came when I was getting my dogs out of the car. After I had their leashes on (thankfully) I said outload to myself, "Okay I have my keys" and the dogs jumped out. Again, Like I said, thankfully I had their leashes on.

[@stepheniedomenico4943]

I’m so guilty of using OK. I will definitely be working to break that habit!

[@JennyYasi]

Well done! One time I was doing a pet therapy group for kids, someone was recording the interaction and I asked Tigerlily to sit. One of the kids said, "Can I pet her?" I said, "Okay!" Then, "Tigerlily what are you doing? Sit!" All caught on video! Smack forehead!

[@deborahspoehel4714]

That was great! I need to come up with a new word for come. It’s just not very effective.

[@paulroberts5930]

I have a 14 week old puppy and I am very carful in using the cue words, he knows his name, sit, place, break, and search. I want to socialize him with as many people as possible but they poison the words and its hard to explain to everyone. Will the puppy learn to ignore them and always listen to me? if not I am thinking of using not so obvious cue. Any ideas are helpful :)

[@PeakWisdomMedia]

I look after my daughter’s husky. I’m teaching her HotZone with staying there til I say “break”. Unfortunately my daughter “interferes “ when she sees it! While I wait for the dog to choose to go to the HZ! she says “bed” then... you guessed it... “stay “! Then it’s “ok” to release. Will the husky learn “my words” work here & the others with my daughter?

[@RaptorsGirl]

Yes for sure, check out episode #49, I talk about this very thing. Your daughter's dog will learn to listen to you ...likely better than he does your daughter!

[@PeakWisdomMedia]

@@RaptorsGirl Thank you! Guess what! I watched episode 49 when it came out but going back when I am now in the situation of trying to get a family member on board! it makes so much more sense!

[@jaydayrock]

I don't very often interact with my dog unless we're on a walk, or I'm coming home. Can you help?

[@brittaedwards7415]

I totally agree with you, but changing an old Humans way of ' doing things' is way harder than training a dog.....

[@purplejodyjake]

Susan said….

[@kristinarnold2546]

Ok has always been in my dog training as a release word! I'm going to have to rethink that! Love the podcasts!

[@Whoanellietraining]

This episode is great! I will be sharing these points with all my clients. I always love how Susan makes dog teaching so common sense and understandable for even the most rookie dog person. Being a part of Susan's training community has changed how I teach my dogs, teach my clients, and how to be a better person by understanding life from a dog's perspective.

[@denisekrigbaum9453]

“Going all spider monkey on them!” Cracked me up! I had a sense that tones matter, but now I’m inspired to really put them to use. I learn something from every podcast.

[@acaussies]

I love every single episode of this podcast! REALLY REALLY good stuff! Thank you!

[@dcbragg]

Love the podcast. Always listen on my phone. This is the first one I've watched. So much fun. Love the graphics and video effects.

[@petrawestbury5023]

I my standing at attention to this episode Susan, my puzzle pieces are slowly coming together I am one for voice tones for some time now voice pitch is important high tones low tones, short words drawn out short words. Learning more efficient ways to train my blind dog Fern. Definitely want all my dog owner friends to get on board, my share button is just getting bigger every day. So excited about this episode, and of course all past episodes, have made a full journal on all episodes and a special journal on fern addressing her training, and have encouraged my dog friends to do the same. My energy is pumping to move forward towards better training methods and relationships we can have with our dogs. I am so energized thank you Susan looking forward to getting on to your home dogs program. 🤩😀👍PS. I do Rally 0 with fern, so need to learn how to stop her knocking my leg. Maybe I could use the word space. Whole new training session coming up to keep certain distance from my knee when doing Rally 0. Think I am answering my own question here. Will also work on this when we walk on lead around block. We are off for a morning walk now.

[@dalestorm5248]

Fabulous podcast as always! Thank you, Susan!

[@kathyk7434]

Great information again 👍🏻. I always learn something valuable when I listen to your podcasts. Thank you 😁

[@janetscott3604]

I feel like you read our posts on FB and then you create a podcast to clarify. We were discussing what words to use to release a dog from a stay/sit/down/drop/wait and now there is a podcast. I think my current recall word might be "Cheese" or "Ch" (Chicken)... Sit is probably my most broken verbal cue. I can get instant response with hand signal. Pick my battles. PS my release word is "Go". "Go Play", "Go Sniff", "Go Say Hello"...

[@pascaleburnet7583]

Love seeing This! during your podcast and I was wondering what nickname you will give her as every time I say "this" I am thinking of her :) My older dog was a "OK" release dog and I changed it to "break" within a few session, my 8 months (tomorrow) puppy has been raised with "break" and crate games! Really like your view of the 5 categories, totally make sense to be aware of what words we use or not use during our training. I smile now when I hear people saying "stay" to their dog even if sometime this word escapes my mouth :) Cannot wait for next podcast and curious about the next subject. Every day is a learning day. Thank you!

[@jodichristensen706]

This podcast made me realize how much I really do say OK when working with my dogs without even realizing it.

[@Catbooks]

Welp, I had been a sit-stayer and have been changing to a sit-releaser, using Okay! But now I'm thinking using a different release makes sense, and since I want to have fun with this, I'm going to use "Toooodle!" I think my dog will like that, and if people look at me funny when I use it, oh well. Who cares, right?

[@dogsrgodsspelledbackwards3340]

Hahahah. This! Was so darn cute. Look mom I did it. I hit the like button just like you taught me to. The one thing you didn’t have to teach me is to be cute. Everyone thinks I’m a cute puppy. This! I know . Well Susan, again another fabulous video. I know I have to teach a new cue to my youngest dog. That’s only because my husband inadvertently taught him or should I say reinforced the “blow you off” response to a recall when time to get inside. I was away for a month and then recovering at home for 2 more months I didn’t have strength nor desire to fix the issue. PS. I was distracted by This! Being so darn cute as a button. Great Job SG

[@MtnGirl98]

I always use OK and never have had a problem with it, but I think I'm going to change it to Break simply because I'm doing a lot of re-training of foundational skills in agility so my girl, at age 7, has been in warp speed learning mode and loves it. Why not give her something else/new to keep her brain working and to make her think.

[@chele519]

Denzel and I would love to get a box of the buzzers! We are in all your programs (except IC Peeps) and we love them! We already had your programs when he came to me so he learned Break from the beginning

[@windywilliamson5069]

Yeah of course things become clear to me. Thank you. You know how you have always said Bob Bailey is your mentor? Well I would have to say your mine. ⛺

[@katerynafensom6829]

Always looking forward listening to you x

[@udderman1966]

You are the best! I love listening and learning. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom.

[@funkybec]

Love This! (and this). I love your podcast Susan, I reckon I've heard them all at least 3 times ;)

[@allisontraynor2870]

Another great podcast. I had been using ok as a release word but changed to break when I joined Recallers. It definitely created more clarity for my dog. ❤️

[@michellekeyes4837]

I always wondered why we were teaching the cue stay when really the dog should always stay until they are released anyways and if we use our dogs name to call them then why would we use the word come when they should already come to there name being called. But I think that's brilliant how you said to save the word come for an emergency call though!! Now if we could only come up with something like that for when our toddler runs out onto the road or in a parking lot!!! Thanks for another brilliant podcast Susan!! You truly have become a mentor to me and I love your style of teaching!!! You should start a dog trainer school as every dog trainer out there would in my opinion be learning from the best!! Thanks a million!!!!

[@tanishasutton6041]

I don't know how to whistle 😂😊

[@pathoyer5823]

I have a lot of clarifying to do for my poor Fenn!

[@deborahseline]

Thank you for this (!) clearly stated.

[@nancyt.4228]

thank you, very informative

[@ladonnaking4222]

I guess there are some advantages to having a dog that can't hear me. I do have to pay attention to my body language and what my hands are doing so as not to confuse her. I often catch her watching my hands through the day looking for instructions.

[@hankaskacanova7500]

Another amazing podcast 😍

[@karenmacguigan6805]

Thanks Susan. I’ll start the training to eliminate OK today!

[@susanjohnson8973]

I love these podcasts! They are so helpful. They lead me to sign up for Recallers on Nov 30

[@superdoo2009]

Love the podcast! The graphics are great, too!

[@dogsinvt]

That's a fun prop!

[@carrieforrester6263]

awesome video, so much common sense 🤣

[@lbeaudet]

Thank you !

[@itchy4pony]

I listen to your podcast while I drive to work . I have all 4 of my dogs in the car with me , so they listen too !!! My dogs go with me everywhere , I love dogs and want to train them even better so I have been following you for months now 😊 Thank you for all you do to help us communicate better with our dogs !! I also want to say a HUGE thank you for the free training you shared with all of us during covid 🙏🏻 I enjoy how real and funny you are when you share with us , easy to listen to and I can’t wait to learn more 😊

[@dianecogs4348]

Perfect timing! Have a new puppy, 10 weeks old....looking for clarity from the beginning ... I did not have the knowledge of training with my other 3 dogs until we found Susan Garrett... so now we are all learning and relearning cues!! THANKYOU SUSAN!!

[@madisonsherwood6220]

Love this one! Thanks Susan!! I’m getting a new puppy soon and this convinced me not to use the word “stay” or “ok!”

[@DE-ss5ks]

That This is wonderfully adorable. As always, thank you for these podcasts, Susan. I always pick up tips on top of Recallers. Recallers is a fabulous program, and I hope anyone who wants to learn to teach their dog in a tried and true fun manner will consider signing on.

[@erinhildahl6932]

So helpful! I have been catching myself using "stay", & "good ______", & am trying to eliminate them. I have been keeping a list of my cues over the years, just to keep track, & make sure they are different enough, & also, in case 1 becomes "poisoned" & needs to be changed.

[@davidjimenezfd]

My wife says she has words that I ignore. At least I think she does...I really wasn't paying attention.😁just kidding

[@RaptorsGirl]

ROFL

[@phyllpascoe9953]

A year and a half ago I found myself with 3 young Weimaraners. 8 months between oldest and youngest. Thank absolute heavens I found you Susan! I have learned, and continue to learn, so much from you! And I’m loving your podcasts the topics of which just seem to turn up exactly when I need them! 👍😊

[@theresaweber2765]

Love your perspective on the cue words and the reasoning why certain words are better than others:):)

[@darleenmuhly529]

I would love those buzzers! How fun to teach my girls!

[@karenbavier1588]

This was a great episode, love your podcast Susan!! Just joined Recallers and looking forward to learning new games with my pup.

[@michellebrodsky636]

I only listen to podcasts that make me laugh or teach me something. Shaped By Dog does both! Toby is my first dog and he says thank you Susan Garrett.

[@kerensamckie8211]

I think this is a real gem in understanding how to train our dogs. Awesome

[@SplinterFox]

Should I learn to use different tones for each of my commands? Love your videos! Always learning and inspired to be a better trainer because of you.

[@DogsThat]

Podcast #53 giveaway of the Learning Resources Answer Buzzer Box will go to you SplinterFox! 
SpinterFox you can reach out to us at: [e-mail] where we will need a few private details to follow up on getting you your Buzzers! (LyndaTeamSusan)

[@SplinterFox]

@@DogsThat YYAAAAYYYY!!