Words Matter: Teaching Dogs to Understand Our World, One Cue at a Time

*Disclosure: We only recommend products we have used ourselves and trust. This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Imagine arriving in a foreign country-new smells, new rules, new sounds-and not knowing a word of the language. Now imagine being expected to follow instructions from locals who are frustrated you don't already understand.

That's what it's like for our dogs.

Dogs are brilliant, intuitive learners, but they're not born understanding English (or any human language). Yet we often speak to them as if they should already know what we're saying-and get frustrated when they don't.

Your Dog Is Learning a Foreign Language

When you bring a dog into your home, you're inviting them into a new country with new rules. They're trying to figure out: What earns rewards? What gets them scolded? Where do they eat, sleep, pee, and play?

Think about traveling abroad. Learning basic phrases like "Where is the bathroom?" or "Help!" goes a long way. Dogs need the same-basic, prioritized communication first, and more complexity added over time.

The Problem With Assuming Too Much

One of the most common breakdowns in communication is expecting too much, too soon. If we haven't taught a cue clearly and consistently, it's just background noise.

Foundational Words Every Dog Should Learn

Start with words that directly support your dog's daily routine: - Come - Let's go - Potty - Kennel / Bed / Crate- Sit / Down - Walk - Off - Leave it / Drop it - Find it - Get it / Take it - Yes / Good puppy - Up

Check out our free download Your Vocab Cheat Sheet and Verb Cues!

Get Your FREE Download

Language Builds Safety, Trust, and Confidence

Every time your dog successfully responds to a word, you're reinforcing their ability to trust you, their sense of safety, and their engagement with you.

Teaching Is Not Talking

Talking to your dog isn't the same as communicating with them. Dogs need repeated exposure, consistent pairing, and rewards to understand a cue.

Communication Breakdown: Why Your Dog Might Not Respond

Dogs may not respond due to: - Lack of training or generalization - Confusion or distraction - Fear, anxiety, or discomfort - Low motivation or unclear context

The assumption that your dog "should know" is often the first (and most toxic) mistake. Fair leadership means checking ourselves first.

What Makes a "Basic Communicator"?

The most effective cues are: - Specific - Consistent - Well practiced - Generalized - Positively reinforced

Your Dog Doesn't Like "Word Salad" Either

Let's be real: none of us like being micromanaged and we definitely don't learn best when someone throws a bunch of unclear instructions at us all at once.

Imagine these situations:

- A coworker stands over your shoulder saying, "Do it now. No-not like that. Hurry up. Wait, what are you doing? Didn't I tell you?"

- A partner repeats, "Take out the trash, please. Hey, did you hear me? Trash. Now. Trash. TRASH!"

- You walk into a room and five different people all try to tell you what to do, but each uses different words for the same thing.

- Someone's explaining something important, but they ramble for 60 seconds straight without getting to the point, and you still don't know what they want from you.

Now imagine trying to function in those scenarios while still learning the language they're using.

That's what it's like for dogs when we:

- Talk too much

- Use inconsistent phrasing

- Repeat cues without teaching what they mean

- Assume they "should know by now"

Your dog doesn't need a flood of words, they need clarity, calm, and consistency.

A single well-timed cue (like "Sit" or "Leave it"), followed by a reward or a redirection, teaches far more than a frustrated string of corrections ever could.

So skip the word salad. Speak clearly. And give your dog a real chance to succeed.

Bottom Line: Start at Step One

If your dog isn't doing what you ask:

- Pause.

- Go back to basics.

- Re-teach clearly.

- Translate your expectations into canine language.

Be fair. Be consistent. Reward often. Don't assume. When communication is clear, your dog enjoys working with you.

Consistency at Home: Speak the Same Language

Make sure everyone in the household uses the same words. Write them down and stick them on the fridge.

Examples:

- "Off" instead of "No, get down"

- "Quiet" instead of "No barking"

- "Drop it" instead of "Stop fighting"

Avoid general terms like "No." Teach what to do instead.

Be the Leader You'd Want

When you have language, you have clarity. When you have consistency, you have teamwork. Your dog will respond with trust and cooperation.

Pro Tip: Put It on the Fridge

Post a cue list on your fridge or family message board. Consistent language speeds up learning and reduces confusion, especially in multi-dog homes.

Make It Yours-And Have Fun With It

Don't be afraid to get creative. Maybe "Treat!" means "Come!" The words don't matter-as long as they're consistent, context-specific, and fun.

What Not to Do

Avoid these common pitfalls:

- Don't repeat cues without follow-through

- Don't shout louder, re-teach instead

- Don't change words mid-training

- Don't assume your dog is being defiant

Client Example

One family I worked with had three kids and a young dog who "never listened." After agreeing on core cue words and practicing them together, the dog became calmer, the kids felt confident, and the household transformed.

Need help teaching your dog their first language-or repairing communication?

I offer personalized training plans that blend structure, empathy, and science. Reach out today and let's create clarity, together.

Schedule a Consultation