Training Tip #2
Cues, Commands, and Releases
From Total Retriever Marking with Mike Lardy
A cue is a word or phrase, or action from the handler that gives a dog a hint or clue.
Examples: "mark"," watch it"," easy", "find the bird", " no bird", loud send, quiet send or putting your hand down to send
A command is a word or phrase or action from the handler that requires an action response from the dog
Examples: "sit", "here", "heel", "back", "over", "drop", or snapping fingers or patting leg for heeling movements, giving a cast
A release is simply a word, phrase, or action that lets the dog proceed as wanted.
Examples: " "OK", "dog's name"
The same word might be a cue, command, or release depending on the context or its use.