I’ve noticed that I say some pretty weird things to my dogs, Moose and Lally. And yet somehow, they manage to understand what I want. As much as I’d like to think it’s because they’re both brilliant… it’s probably more because of repetition and consistency. In other words, when you’re training your dog, ALWAYS use the same words in your commands.
My brother’s dogs, for example, don’t know “Sit!” But they do know (and respond to) “Sit down!” I guess it’s the “down” part that makes it work. And they sit down, shut up, and pay attention if he says, “Don’t be crazy!” Despite his sometimes unusual choice of commands, he’s got his girls rather well trained. They both give kisses on command, and Lily will shake hands and dance with you. Lily actually knows MORE tricks than my brother’s other dog, who he had from a puppy. But Lily was pretty wild when Mikey got her, so he’s spent more time training her.
My fur-sister, Becca, won’t come if you say, “Come!” But she’ll come right to me if I say, “Let me see this dog!” That’s what I always said to her, from the first day we got her. So that’s what she comes for.
“Moosie, move!” That’s for when the Moose is hogging the bed and I need him to get out of my way so I can get in! If he only knows one command, this one is it. It’s a pretty important one for us, because Moose’s natural habitat is apparently the center of my bed.
And Miss Lally Bee will drop her squeaky ball at my feet if I say “Gimme that ball right here.” If I leave off the “right here” she’ll just toss it in my general direction.
So whether you’d like to be clever and unusual, or just make sure your dog knows the basics, be consistent in the commands you choose. Maybe you’d like your German shepherd to respond to commands in his native tongue. Maybe you want the kids to practice Spanish on the dogs. Whatever you decide, just be consistent!