BETA
Cue Definition in Dog Training
Learn what a cue means in dog training and why modern puppy handlers use positive cues instead of traditional commands to guide behavior.
Chapter 1
The puppy mind
Chapter 2
The language of training
Chapter 3
House rules and socialization
Chapter 4
Preventing problems and playing games
Ch 2 · The language of training
arti Decode your puppy's tail wags and body language to master the basics of dog training.
Glossary
cue (noun)
A signal, stimulus, or prompt that guides a specific behavior or triggers a desired action. On June 16, 2025, the Gundog Trainers Academy explained why handlers use positive cues instead of commands.
A signal, stimulus, or prompt that guides a specific behavior or triggers a desired action. On June 16, 2025, the Gundog Trainers Academy explained why handlers use positive cues instead of commands.
arti A clicker sound or the word yes bridges the gap between correct behavior and rewards to eliminate puppy guesswork
Fun Fact
Clicker training origin: Clicker training was adapted from marine mammal training techniques used by Karen Pryor in the 1960s to train dolphins.
Quiz
Within how many seconds must a treat be delivered for a puppy to connect it to their action?
Quiz
What common mistake occurs when a trainer shows a treat before asking a puppy for a behavior?
Quiz
What is the training technique called when you use a treat to guide a puppy's nose into a position?