What Do You Say?

Dogs can be taught commands for a variety of reasons, but the most important reason is to keep them safe.  My favorite safety exercises include mastering a solid stay and recall.  My favorite calming exercise is down stay.  

What words or commands you say to your dog are totally up to you.  When you are teaching your dog it is imperative that you are clear, specific and consistent.  For example, if you say “down” to mean lie down on the ground then you shouldn’t say “down” to mean stop jumping on me.  If you say “sit” then you shouldn’t accept your dog going into the down position.

Ronan & Jake sit/stay

Often a client will say to me “I can change my command to what you use.”, to which I explain that it doesn’t matter what words you use as long as you don’t confuse things by speaking in sentences, using a command for different meanings, and not following through and making sure your dog properly executes that command.

You and your dog will have a lifelong relationship and YOUR communication is what matters most.  After all, you can adopt a practice they use in Schutzhundt and give commands in a foreign language!  I don’t go that far, but I do use a command other than “come” for my urgent recall (stay tuned – I’ll explain in an upcoming post!)  

All dogs down stay

So I ask – what do you say?  It really doesn’t matter as long as your dog understands and reliably responds.  

Whatever reasons you have for training your dogs, keeping these precious animals safe should be the MOST important reason!   video-ronan-park

Hugs to your dogs,

Stacie & Ronan