Hardest Dog Cues to Teach: Why They Challenge Your Dog

Training dogs to respond reliably to cues varies according to the cue, breed, environment, and the dog's personality and prior experience. Some cues are easier to learn, like “sit,” while others can be challenging even for experienced pet owners and trainers.

Breeds differ in how they respond to training based on their instincts, temperament, and motivation. A key factor is also the handler's skill in adapting training to the dog's individual needs and the environment where training takes place.

This article explores some of the hardest cues to teach, why they can be difficult, and actionable strategies UK dog owners can use in 2025 to improve training success.

1. House Training or Toilet Training

One of the first and most critical cues for new dog owners is house training. House training is less about a single cue and more about teaching your dog where and when to toilet. Puppies cannot learn this instantly; it requires patience, consistency, and consistent supervision.

Understanding your puppy's signals, such as sniffing or circling, and responding quickly by taking them outside prevents accidents and builds good habits. Introducing a verbal cue like "go potty" while the dog is toileting can reinforce this behaviour over time.

You may wish to use crate training for overnight control, as dogs naturally avoid soiling in their sleeping area. Be patient with accidents and ensure thorough cleaning to remove odours that encourage re-soiling indoors.

For detailed tips on house training, see this guide.

2. Recall or "Come Back When Called"

Recall is often cited as the most important but also one of the hardest cues to teach effectively. Challenges arise because outdoor environments offer distractions, rewarding smells, other animals, and activities more interesting to your dog than returning.

Your dog needs to learn that coming back to you is more rewarding than staying away. This demands using high-value treats, consistent clear cues like "come," and gradually increasing distractions starting from indoors to secure outdoor areas.

Using a long training lead safely allows practice while giving your dog freedom but keeping control. Avoid punishing or calling your dog just to reprimand; instead, always reward prompt, happy returns.

Find step-by-step recall training advice here.

3. Leave It and Drop It

“Leave it” and “drop it” are vital life-saving commands but very challenging because they require your dog to relinquish or ignore something valuable or interesting.

With "leave it," the dog is taught to avoid touching an item they have not yet picked up, while "drop it" requires releasing something already in their mouth. Impulse control plays a crucial role, since these cues often conflict with a dog’s natural desire to explore or retain objects.

Training starts with low-value items in a controlled environment, pairing the cue with rewards when your dog chooses not to touch or drops the item. Gradually increase the value and add distractions, practicing in varied locations for reliability.

These commands are especially important to prevent your dog from ingesting dangerous objects or causing harm to wildlife.

4. Stop Cue to Curtail Chasing

An emergency “Stop” command is essential to prevent dangerous chasing behaviour, such as squirrels or cats, or to prevent your dog from running into hazardous areas like busy roads.

This cue challenges your dog’s strong chase instinct and requires a clear, consistent command often paired with a sharp whistle to gain immediate attention.

Training involves starting at close range, rewarding instant stops, and progressively increasing distance and environmental distractions. Frequent practice in a variety of settings builds confidence and reliability.

Some trainers also teach a "flying lie down" for even greater control after stopping, but the key principles remain consistency, clear communication, and positive reinforcement.

5. Complex and Multi-Step Behaviours

Cues involving multiple steps, like retrieving an object, switching a light on/off, or performing sequences, are hard because dogs don’t automatically generalize from one step to the next.

Successful training breaks tasks into small manageable parts, teaches each component clearly, and then gradually combines the steps. Shaping behaviours through rewards for incremental progress makes learning manageable and enjoyable.

Why Are These Cues Difficult for Dogs?

• Instinctual Drives: Some commands force the dog to counter natural urges, such as chasing or scavenging.
• Environmental Distractions: Exciting or noisy outdoor settings compete with attention to cues.
• Impulse Control: Relinquishing items or stopping ongoing activity demands strong self-control that develops with training and maturity.
• Training Consistency: Inconsistent cues or intermittent reinforcement confuse dogs and reduce reliability.
• Complexity: Multi-step tasks require careful breaking down to avoid overwhelming the dog.

Training Tips for Success

1. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog immediately with treats, praise, or play to build strong cue-to-action associations.
2. Start in Low-Distraction Environments: Begin training at home or in quiet spaces before moving to busier locations.
3. Break Down Complex Tasks: Teach simpler parts of a behaviour before combining into complex actions.
4. Consistency: Use the same cues, tone, and rewards across all training sessions to avoid confusing your dog.
5. Patience: Progress varies widely among dogs; remain calm and supportive to encourage learning.
6. Professional Help: If struggling with recall or stopping dangerous behaviours, consider a force-free qualified trainer.

Training is never one-size-fits-all; tuning into your dog's motivators and personality is key to successful teaching.

Where to Find a Puppy or Dog

When you are ready to find a dog to train, searching through puppies for sale from reputable breeders or considering adoption is a responsible choice. Always seek breeders who prioritise health and temperament, and who provide support and guidance to new owners.

Starting with a well-bred or well-socialised dog supports smoother training journeys and helps build a happy, lifelong relationship.

Conclusion

Hardest cues like house training, recall, leave it, drop it, stop, and complex behaviours challenge many dog owners due to instinctual drives, distractions, and impulse control requirements. Success depends on consistent, positive reinforcement-based training, patience, and adapting strategies to your dog's unique personality.

By following expert guidance, breaking down tasks, and seeking support as needed, you can build a strong bond and communicate effectively for a safe, happy life together.