This is so true. I all the years that I have been training dogs I have never taught a dog to sit, down, etc. I have taught them to to respond to my body language, gestures, voice, etc. The dog instinctively knows how to sit and lay down. I have taught them to respond to my cues to stop a carjacking, kidnapping, home invasion, perimeter protection. I have taught them to release a bite upon my request or demand. 

I have a couple of Patterdale Terriers. I don’t teach them to hunt, climb or tunnel. But I do teach them to respond to me to climb, tunnel, etc.