Simple Commands

Now an overview of the first commands your dog has to learn.

Sit: This is the simplest exercise and, like all the other lessons, the sit command also has a practical implication.

When properly trained, your dog will learn to sit automatically when it is moving along at your side, on or off leash, and you come to a halt. In the car it will stay in the sit position until given permission to leave the vehicle. This is important in terms of its own safety. You can also teach the dog to sit automatically at the edge of every curb.

Heel: This is another exercise that teaches the basics of leash training. The dog will learn or heel, remaining at your left side and not pulling at the leash. Later, the dog will heel when it is off leash as well, in the heel free. Mastering the heel on leash and the heel free will come in handy when you are downtown with your pet, or in the park, for example.

Down: Down is a very important command. You can have your dog remain in the down position anywhere you choose – in front of a store or at an outdoor snack bar, for instance. Your dog should also learn to obey the command when it is some distance away from you. If it is running into a busy street because it has seen or smelled something, it can be stopped in time before a tragedy occurs. Depending on the stimulus that is acting upon the dog in such a situation, it is likely to be easier to stop the dog than to get it to turn back.

Coming when called: Naturally, your dog also has to learn to come immediately when called. It is important to start teaching this lesson while your puppy still a puppy, so that when it is fully grown it can be expected to respond in every situation.

EDUCATING YOUR DOG WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING, KATHARINA SCHLEGL-KOFLER