What words do dogs respond to best?

For pet owners, here is my recommended list of words you should teach your dog: Come, Sit, Down, Heel, Out, and Quiet. You will be able to successfully live with your dog and manage most situations that pop up with those six skills. If you clearly define each of those words, you can use them individually or paired together to solve problems. Dogs don’t generalize well, so teaching a clearly defined meaning with a one or two word cue makes it easier for them to learn. You need a word that lets your dog know when he’s all done. Free, All Done, At Ease, Break, That’ll Do…pick what you like. Just be sure to bring it into your training from the get go so your dog knows he’s not on indefinite lockdown.

One-syllable names are a win-win: they're easy for your puppy to comprehend—and for you to say. These types of names, such as "Rex" or "Bear," have short and choppy sounds, which make dogs respond quickly, according to Rover. Names with two syllables are ideal as well. Dogs' hearing is about four times more sensitive than ours, according to Psychology Today. Therefore, because two-syllable names create a change in pitch frequency when said, they capture a pup's attention. Names including a hard consonant such as "c" or "k" help dogs clearly recognize their name amid surrounding sounds, according to The New York Times. Names with consonants, such as "Lucky" or "Charlie," make sharp sounds that pups easily understand. Along with including consonant sounds, long vowel sounds ("ay" or "ee") at the end of the name further help grab your dog's attention. These words change tone when you pronounce them. "Lucky" and "Charlie" are applicable here as well; some more names that end with long vowel sounds include "Bailey" and "Dixie."

Our dogs are smart, and it is incredible that they can learn so many words, but it is too much to ask them to learn English. Each word should have only one meaning and we should use the same word for the same concept or behavior every time. Some dogs respond better to words while others prefer the visual cue. The most important thing is that you pick a language that works for you so it is one you can use consistently. It is also helpful to associate as many of these commands as possible with a clear hand signal. Sit - get your booty on the ground Down - lay all the way down on your belly, ideally with hips flopped Off - get your paws (or body) off furniture, people, dogs, or whatever they are on Up up - jump or put your feet up on that Kisses - lick the hand, useful for puppies who are mouthy Paw/shake - raise your paw Beg/sit pretty - balance on hind legs Roll over - from laying down, roll to the other side Crawl - wiggle/army crawl to me keeping your belly on the ground Leave it/Take it - don’t go for it (usually the treat)/ take the treat Gentle- take the treat more gently Hold it- hold the object I am handing you in your mouth Find it- sniff the ground. Touch - touch your nose to my hand Load Up- get into a vehicle—Good (command)! - marks a positive behavior or correct response to command Look at Me- Give me eye contact/put all of your attention on me. Hey! - breaks a distraction to get their attention back, also used as a correction if they have ignored a command No! - stop doing what you are doing Bad! - I don't want you to do that behavior. Easy - (sing-songy) pay attention and slow down and bring your energy down Settle - especially for a puppy, calm yourself Out - get out of here or don't be where you are or stop doing what you are doing Back - back up or get out of my space Move - move your body out of my path Leave it - drop what you are chewing or leave that object, dog, or person alone Drop - drop what is in your mouth, usually so I can throw it —Wait - pause and wait for a release or further instructions, pay attention to me Stay - you stay stationary while I walk away Okay/free - release, you can change positions or do what you want again Let's go - we walk off together Come! - I am stationary, you come to me All the way - come all the way back to me and touch me This way - you are going the wrong way, change course & pay attention to me Heel up - walk to my side On the trail - get back on the trail Leash - hold still so the leash can be put on Fix your leash - hop one foot so the leash comes out from between your legs Pick up - for puppies or small dogs, hold still and brace yourself so I can pick you up —Outside - let's go to the door, usually to potty Wanna go potty? - Do you need to pee? Potty, potty? - I strongly suggest you pee if possible

Command words, like “sit” and “stay”, are the most common words that dogs know and respond to. Often, these words are taught when you train your dog in obedience, with tricks, or in sports. They found that the most exciting words were “walkies” (equivalent to “walk” or even “outside”), “dinner/food/eat”, “treat”, “get it”, and “fetch”. Naming a toy, using the dog’s name, or calling the dog a good boy or girl were also exciting for the dogs (and are some of the most commonly understood words, too). Some of the most common buttons that people have added to their dog’s soundboard are “Outside”, “Play”, “All Done”, “Water”, and “Walk” with “Food” and “Love You” being tied for the next most common words. If we think back to what words dogs are most excited by, or even what words are most commonly understood by dogs (command words, going for a walk, and generally interacting with humans), this makes perfect sense. From "sit" and "stay" to "hello" and "goodbye," these words will keep your dog happy and engaged. It seems like it’s more common for dogs to know and respond to an average of around 90 words. However, it seems like the words a dog responds to best are related to going for a walk, and generally interacting with humans.