Top 16 'Beyond-Sit-and-Stay' Communication Cues to try at home for building a deeper bond with your dog. - Goh Ling Yong
We’ve all been there. You’ve mastered "Sit," "Stay," and maybe even a respectable "Paw." Your dog performs them dutifully, but sometimes it feels less like a conversation and more like a series of commands. You crave a deeper connection, a more intuitive understanding that flows through your daily life together, not just during formal training sessions. What if I told you that the key to unlocking this next level of partnership lies in a shared language that goes far beyond basic obedience?
This isn't about teaching your dog complicated circus tricks. It's about developing a set of communication cues that build trust, enhance safety, and make your day-to-day interactions smoother and more joyful. These cues transform you from a simple "commander" into a true "communicator." They teach your dog how to navigate the human world with confidence and give you a way to understand and respond to their needs more effectively. As a professional who has spent years helping people connect with their dogs, I, Goh Ling Yong, believe that this two-way communication is the absolute foundation of a profound human-canine bond.
So, let's put the well-trodden path of "Sit" and "Stay" behind us for a moment. In this guide, we'll explore 16 powerful communication cues that will revolutionize how you and your dog interact. Get ready to build a language of trust, one cue at a time.
1. "Watch Me" or "Look"
This is arguably the most important cue you can teach. It’s the canine equivalent of making eye contact to say, "I'm listening." It's not about dominance; it's about connection. Teaching your dog to voluntarily check in with you, especially in distracting environments, creates a powerful channel of communication. When you have your dog's focus, you can guide them through almost any situation, from a squirrel dashing across the path to a friendly stranger approaching.
To teach "Watch Me," hold a high-value treat near your dog's nose, then slowly bring it up to your eyes. The moment their eyes meet yours, say "Yes!" or click, and give them the treat. Start in a quiet room and gradually practice in more distracting areas. The goal isn't a long, intense stare, but a quick, voluntary check-in that says, "What's next, boss?"
- Pro-Tip: Use this on walks when you see a potential trigger ahead (another dog, a loud truck). Ask for a "Watch Me" before your dog reacts. This helps them learn to look to you for guidance instead of reacting on instinct.
2. "Touch" (Hand Target)
"Touch" is a wonderfully versatile cue that asks your dog to boop your outstretched hand with their nose. It's a fun game, but its applications are incredibly practical. It can be used to guide your dog onto a scale at the vet, into the car, or away from something you don't want them to investigate. Because it's a specific, easy-to-understand action, it builds confidence in shy or anxious dogs.
Start by presenting your open palm a few inches from your dog's nose. Most dogs will naturally sniff it. The moment their nose makes contact, mark the behavior ("Yes!") and reward them. Once they get the idea, add the verbal cue "Touch" just before you present your hand. You can then start moving your hand to different positions—low, high, to the side—to teach them to follow the target.
- Real-World Use: Is your dog hesitant to get on the grooming table? Use the "Touch" cue to guide them step-by-step, making it a fun, rewarding game instead of a scary ordeal.
3. "Go to Your Place" or "Mat"
This cue is a game-changer for household management. It teaches your dog to go to a designated spot—like a bed, mat, or crate—and stay there until released. This isn't a punishment; it's their special, safe space. It's incredibly useful when you have guests over, when the doorbell rings, or when you simply need a moment without a furry shadow under your feet.
Make the "place" incredibly appealing with comfy bedding and special toys. Lure your dog onto the mat with a treat. Reward them for having all four paws on it. Gradually increase the duration they stay on the mat before getting the reward. Once they are reliably going to the mat, add the verbal cue "Go to your place." Remember to always use a release word like "Okay!" or "Break!" to let them know when they can leave.
- Example: When you're cooking, and your dog is underfoot, send them to their mat. Toss them a treat every few minutes for staying there. They learn to settle calmly instead of begging or getting in the way.
4. "Settle"
While "Place" directs your dog where to go, "Settle" teaches them how to be: calm. This cue asks your dog to lie down and relax, often with their head down and body loose. It’s a powerful tool for teaching your dog an "off switch," helping them learn to de-escalate their own excitement or anxiety. It's perfect for relaxing at a pet-friendly café or simply chilling at home.
Practice this when your dog is already naturally calm. When you see them lying down and relaxed, gently say "Settle," and drop a treat between their paws. You're not asking for an action; you're naming and reinforcing a calm state of mind. Over time, you can begin to cue "Settle" when they are slightly more active, guiding them into a relaxed down position.
- Key Insight: The difference between "Down" and "Settle" is the emotional state. "Down" is a position. "Settle" is a state of being.
5. "Leave It"
"Leave It" is a crucial safety cue. It means "Do not touch that thing with your mouth, no matter how tempting it is." This can prevent your dog from eating dangerous dropped food, discarded items on the street, or even toxic plants. It’s a cue built on trust—your dog trusts that leaving the item is more rewarding than snatching it.
Start with a low-value treat in one closed fist. Let your dog sniff and lick your hand. The moment they pull their head away, even for a second, mark and reward them with a higher-value treat from your other hand. This teaches them that ignoring the first thing leads to something better. Gradually work up to dropping items on the floor and covering them with your hand, then eventually leaving them uncovered.
- Safety First: Never use "Leave It" for something you intend to give them later. This breaks the trust and muddies the meaning of the cue.
6. "Drop It"
The counterpart to "Leave It," "Drop It" means "Release what is currently in your mouth." This is essential for games of fetch and critically important if they pick up something hazardous. The key is to make this a positive trade, not a confrontation. You don't want your dog to think "Drop It" means you're going to take their prized possession away.
Teach this by offering your dog a fantastic treat in exchange for the toy or item they have. Say "Drop It" as you present the treat. When they open their mouth to take the treat (and thus drop the item), praise them enthusiastically. For valuable items, you may need an equally valuable trade.
- Pro-Tip: Practice with low-value toys first. Don't start by trying to take away their favorite chew. Make it a fun and rewarding game of exchange.
7. "Wait"
"Wait" is a casual, short-term pause. It's different from a formal "Stay." Think of it as a polite "hang on a second." You can use it before opening the car door, before putting their food bowl down, or before crossing a street. It teaches impulse control in everyday situations and enhances their safety.
To teach "Wait," hold your hand up in a "stop" gesture and say "Wait" as you present something they want, like their food bowl. Initially, they might lunge. Just lift the bowl back up. The moment they hesitate, even for a fraction of a second, praise them and put the bowl down. This teaches them that a brief, polite pause is what makes the good thing happen.
8. The Release Cue ("Okay!" or "Break!")
A release cue is the period at the end of the sentence. It tells your dog that the requested behavior (like "Stay," "Wait," or "Place") is over. Without a clear release, dogs can become anxious, never knowing when they are "off the clock." Using a consistent release word gives them clarity and reduces stress.
After your dog has held a "Stay" or "Wait," say your chosen release word in an upbeat tone (e.g., "Okay!") and toss a treat away from them to encourage them to move. This clearly marks the end of the previous cue. It makes your formal cues much stronger because the boundaries are crystal clear.
- Consistency is Key: Everyone in the household should use the same release word to avoid confusing your dog.
9. "Chin Rest"
This is a cornerstone of cooperative care. "Chin Rest" asks your dog to place their chin in your open hand or on a surface and hold it there. It's an incredibly valuable tool for making vet exams, eye-drop applications, or face grooming a voluntary and stress-free experience.
Hold your hand out flat and low. Lure your dog to lower their head toward it. Reward any movement downward. Eventually, they will rest their chin on your hand. Mark and reward this. Build duration slowly. The dog should always be free to lift their head and end the interaction. This gives them a sense of control and builds immense trust.
- Building Trust: The power of this cue is that it's voluntary. By allowing the dog to opt-in, you turn a potentially scary procedure into a cooperative task.
10. "Let's Go"
This is a relaxed, informal cue for "change direction and move with me." It's less rigid than a formal "Heel." It’s perfect for navigating a crowded park or simply getting your dog to turn a corner with you on a walk without pulling. It keeps the walk a collaborative journey rather than a tug-of-war.
When walking, say "Let's Go!" in a cheerful voice and pat your leg as you turn in a different direction. When your dog turns and moves with you, reward them with praise or a treat. It encourages them to stay aware of where you are and to see you as the leader of the adventure.
11. "Back Up"
Teaching a dog to move backward on cue is great for their body awareness and is surprisingly useful around the house. You can use it to ask them to move away from an opening door, the refrigerator, or a hot oven. It's a polite way to ask for space without any physical pushing.
You can teach this by tossing a treat between their front paws, which encourages them to take a step back to get it. As they do, add the cue "Back Up." Another method is to walk toward them in a narrow hallway, saying "Back Up," and rewarding them as they take backward steps.
12. "Side"
Similar to "Chin Rest," this cooperative care cue asks your dog to lie on their side and relax. It's fantastic for full-body examinations, brushing, or nail trims. It turns what could be a wrestling match into a calm, consent-based procedure.
Start from a "Down" position. Use a treat to lure your dog's head around toward their shoulder, which will naturally tip them onto their hip. Reward this. Continue luring until they roll all the way onto their side. Add the verbal cue "Side" as they become more comfortable with the motion. Keep sessions short and positive.
13. "Find It"
This cue taps into your dog's most powerful sense: their nose. "Find It" turns mealtime or treat time into an exciting game of scent work. It provides incredible mental stimulation, which can be more tiring than a long walk. A mentally tired dog is a happy, well-behaved dog.
Start easy. Show your dog a treat, say "Find It!" and toss it a few feet away. When they get it, praise them. Gradually make the hides more difficult—under a rug, behind a chair leg, or in a snuffle mat. You can even use it with their regular kibble to make meals more engaging.
- Confidence Booster: This is a fantastic game for timid dogs, as it allows them to be successful and use their natural abilities in a fun, low-pressure way.
14. "Go Say Hi"
For the friendly, social dog, this cue provides structure for greetings. It gives them permission to greet a person, but with rules. It helps prevent jumping and overly boisterous greetings by teaching them that politeness is what gets them the desired interaction.
When someone wants to greet your dog, ask your dog to "Sit" first. Once they are calm, say "Go Say Hi" and allow them to move forward. If they get too jumpy, gently guide them back and start again. This teaches them that a calm approach is the key to getting to meet new friends.
15. "Paws Up"
This is another brilliant cooperative care cue. "Paws Up" asks your dog to place their front paws onto a surface, like your lap, a stool, or a cushion. It's perfect for examining their chest, trimming front paw nails, or helping them get into a car or onto furniture.
Start with a low surface. Lure your dog with a treat to place their paws on it. The moment they do, mark and reward. Add the verbal cue as they start to offer the behavior reliably. This is often an easier and more stable position for nail trims than trying to hold their paw while they are standing.
16. "All Done"
This is a cue of closure. It clearly communicates that an activity—like a training session, grooming, or a game of fetch—is over. Dogs thrive on predictability, and knowing when an activity has officially ended can prevent them from pestering you for more or becoming frustrated.
To teach "All Done," simply say the phrase in a neutral tone at the end of a session, show your empty hands (the "all gone" signal for treats), and turn to do something else. Don't engage in more play or training right after. Over time, your dog will recognize this as the signal to switch gears and relax.
Building Your Shared Language
Mastering these cues won't happen overnight. It takes patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. Remember, the goal of training isn't to create a perfectly obedient robot; it's to build a stronger, more intuitive relationship. Every short, successful training session is like adding a new word to your shared vocabulary. The techniques and philosophies we use at Goh Ling Yong's training programs are all centered on this principle of communication and mutual respect.
Start with one or two cues that you feel would be most useful in your daily life. Keep your sessions short, fun, and always end on a positive note. Before you know it, you'll find yourselves navigating the world together with a newfound ease and understanding. You won't just be giving commands; you'll be having a conversation.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Which of these cues are you most excited to try with your dog? Do you have another "beyond-sit-and-stay" cue that has transformed your relationship? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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