Dogs are often considered man’s best friend, and for a good reason. They are loyal, loving, and eager to please. But sometimes, in our quest to train them, we might end up teaching them commands that, while fun or amusing, don’t really serve any practical purpose. This article will explore ten such pointless commands and offer five valuable alternatives to ensure your furry friend is well-trained, safe, and happy. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a newbie, these insights will help you focus on what truly matters when it comes to dog training.
Why Some Commands Are Pointless
Understanding why some commands are considered pointless is the first step in reevaluating your dog’s training regimen. Pointless commands often lack functionality or relevance to everyday life. They might be impressive to show off to friends but offer little beyond entertainment. For instance, teaching your dog to “play dead” might get a few laughs, but it doesn’t enhance their safety or improve their behavior. It’s essential to distinguish between commands that are merely tricks and those that have a practical application. Focusing on meaningful commands ensures that your dog remains obedient and responsive in situations that truly matter.
Command #1: Play Dead
While “playing dead” is a classic trick that can delight audiences, it doesn’t offer much else. The command requires your dog to lie still, mimicking a lifeless state. While it can be entertaining, it doesn’t serve any functional purpose. Unlike commands that enhance safety or behavior, “playing dead” is purely for show. This command doesn’t help in emergencies or aid in managing your dog’s behavior in public settings. Instead, consider teaching commands that can be useful in real-life scenarios, ensuring your dog remains responsive and well-behaved.
Command #2: Shake Hands
Teaching your dog to “shake hands” is a charming trick that often brings smiles, but it’s ultimately pointless. While it can be a fun way to showcase your dog’s social skills, it doesn’t contribute to their safety or obedience. The gesture is more about human amusement than canine functionality. Instead of focusing on tricks like this, prioritize commands that enhance your dog’s understanding and responsiveness. Remember, while tricks can be amusing, they shouldn’t replace essential training that ensures your dog’s safety and well-being.
Command #3: Roll Over
“Roll over” is another popular command that’s often taught for entertainment. Watching a dog perform this trick can be delightful, but its utility ends there. The command requires your dog to flip onto their back, which can be unnecessary and even uncomfortable in certain situations. Unlike commands that improve behavior or safety, “roll over” doesn’t serve any practical function. It’s important to focus on commands that enhance your dog’s obedience and understanding, ensuring they remain well-behaved and responsive in various settings. A more useful alternative is teaching “Down,” which helps keep your dog calm and controlled. This command is especially beneficial during vet visits, grooming sessions, or in high-energy situations where your dog needs to settle and stay put.
Command #4: Speak
Teaching your dog to “speak” on command might seem like a fun idea, but it’s often more trouble than it’s worth. Encouraging your dog to bark can lead to excessive vocalization, which might become a nuisance. Instead of focusing on this command, consider teaching your dog to be calm and quiet in different environments. Prioritizing commands that promote good behavior and safety will ensure your dog remains a well-mannered companion in any situation. Many dog owners struggle to stop their dogs from barking at inappropriate times—teaching them to bark on command only exacerbates this problem. Instead, focus on commands that promote quiet, calm behavior, such as “quiet” or “settle.”
Command #5: High Five
The “high five” command is another trick that’s more about human amusement than canine functionality. While it might be fun to see your dog raise a paw in response to your hand, it doesn’t contribute to their obedience or safety. The gesture is purely for entertainment and lacks practical application. Instead, focus on commands that enhance your dog’s understanding and responsiveness, ensuring they remain well-behaved and safe in various settings. If you want to engage in more interactive play, consider teaching recall commands, which can be life-saving in emergency situations.
Command #6: Beg
Teaching your dog to “beg” might look cute, but it’s a command that lacks practicality. The command involves your dog sitting on their hind legs with their front paws raised, which can be uncomfortable and unnecessary. Instead of focusing on tricks like this, prioritize commands that promote good behavior and safety. Remember, while tricks can be amusing, they shouldn’t replace essential training that ensures your dog’s well-being.
Command #7: Army Crawl
Having a dog crawl on their belly is unnecessary unless you’re training for a specialized purpose, such as agility competitions or service work. For everyday pet owners, this command provides no real benefits. Instead, teaching a reliable “stay” command ensures your dog remains in one place when needed.
Command #8: Balance a Treat
Balancing a treat on a dog’s nose is a trick that can impress onlookers, but it’s ultimately pointless. While it requires patience and discipline, it doesn’t contribute to your dog’s safety or obedience. The trick is purely for entertainment and lacks practical application. Instead, prioritize commands that enhance your dog’s understanding and responsiveness, ensuring they remain well-behaved and safe in different settings. A better alternative is the “wait” command, which has broader applications, such as preventing your dog from bolting out of a door or eating something harmful.
Command #9: Dance
Teaching your dog to “dance” might be fun to watch, but it’s a command that lacks practicality. The trick involves your dog standing on their hind legs and moving in a rhythmic motion, which can be unnecessary and uncomfortable. Instead of focusing on tricks like this, prioritize commands that promote good behavior and safety. Remember, while tricks can be amusing, they shouldn’t replace essential training that ensures your dog’s well-being.
Command #10: Clapping or Mimicking Human Gestures
Some people train their dogs to “clap” by bringing their paws together, but this has zero practical application. Commands should help manage behavior, improve safety, or enhance communication. Instead of gimmicky tricks, training a solid “come” or “heel” command will be far more beneficial.
5 Essential Commands to Teach Instead #1: Sit
Unlike the previous commands, “sit” is a crucial command that every dog should learn. It’s a foundational command that helps establish control and discipline. Teaching your dog to sit on command ensures they remain calm and responsive, especially in crowded or busy environments. The command is simple yet effective, providing a basis for further training. Prioritizing commands like “sit” ensures your dog remains obedient and well-behaved, enhancing their overall safety and behavior.
Command #2: Stay
The “stay” command is another essential command that promotes safety and obedience. Teaching your dog to remain in place until released ensures they don’t wander off or get into trouble. The command is particularly useful in busy or dangerous environments, providing peace of mind for dog owners. Prioritizing commands like “stay” ensures your dog remains responsive and well-behaved, enhancing their overall safety and behavior.
Command #3: Come
The “come” command is a vital command that ensures your dog returns to you promptly. Teaching your dog to respond to this command is crucial for their safety, especially in off-leash environments. The command helps establish control and discipline, ensuring your dog remains responsive and obedient. Prioritizing commands like “come” ensures your dog remains well-behaved and safe, enhancing their overall behavior and responsiveness.
Command #4: Leave It
The “leave it” command is an important command that promotes safety and discipline. Teaching your dog to ignore distractions or potential hazards ensures they remain focused and responsive. The command is particularly useful in busy or dangerous environments, providing peace of mind for dog owners. Prioritizing commands like “leave it” ensures your dog remains obedient and well-behaved, enhancing their overall safety and behavior.
Command #5: Heel or Down
The “heel” command is a valuable command that ensures your dog walks calmly by your side. Teaching your dog to respond to this command promotes good behavior and discipline, especially in crowded or busy environments. The command helps establish control and ensures your dog remains responsive and obedient. Prioritizing commands like “heel” ensures your dog remains well-behaved and safe, enhancing their overall behavior and responsiveness.
Teaching “down” helps keep your dog calm and under control in various settings. It’s particularly useful for hyperactive dogs who tend to jump on people or become overly excited. This command encourages relaxation and can be a game-changer when managing an energetic or easily distracted dog.
In conclusion, while amusing tricks can be enjoyable, focusing on practical commands ensures your dog remains well-behaved, safe, and happy. Prioritizing essential commands over pointless tricks ensures your furry friend is a well-mannered and responsive companion.
Esther is from India; the heartbeat of South Asia, holding a Master’s degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Animal Welfare. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her passion and dedication to working for animals, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for their rights. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience, she is committed to making a positive impact in the field of animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys embroidery and sewing. As a Chennaite from Tamil Nadu, Esther loves Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
