ON
YOUR SIDE: This command is used for grooming, and simply means that
the dog should lie down on his side, relaxed, with his head completely
on the floor. In this comfortable position, the dog should allow you
to brush his coat, trim his nails, handle his feet, and otherwise examine
him. The dog should be relaxed and allow your contact without protest.
STAND:
Your veterinarian will love you if you teach this command. It simply
means that the dog should stand on all four legs in a stationary position
without moving his feet. In this position, you dog should allow you
and other people you designate to fully examine his entire body, including
checking teeth, ears, and eyes.
TAKE
IT: This command is used when the dog is allowed to either take something
from you such as a treat or toy, or fetch it on command. When first
teaching this command, do not ask for the “Give” right away.
Praise the dog for “Take It” and let him keep the object,
so that he enjoys taking it on command. After he is taking things readily,
then start the “Give”.
GIVE:
This command is used to request that the dog release whatever he has
in his mouth. This doesn’t mean that he will always be releasing
something out of his mouth and never getting it back. For example, you
would use “Give” to get him to release the tennis ball out
of his mouth so that you may throw it for him again. Never pull anything
out of his mouth - he must release it on his own. And never try to get
the dog to “Give” a real bone unless you have taught him
to do so first!
EASY:
This command means that the dog should settle down. It can be used in
many situations - if the dog is wiggling excessively, darting his eyes
about frantically, “talking” to you in short bursts of whining
or barking. Do not say this in a cooing, soothing tone of voice, else
your dog will think you are praising him for his wiggling behavior!
It is a command like any other, and in order for it to be effective,
you must use it that way.
COOKIE:
This command lets your dog know you are about to give him something
from your hand that he can eat.
GENTLE:
This command is used to remind the dog to take something from your hand
without nipping you.
MOVE:
Used when you need the dog to remove himself from your path. It is especially
useful in the house, where the dog may have staked out some favorite
positions, such as in doorways or at the top of stairs, that block your
right-of-way.
KENNEL:
This command is used to let the dog know he should get into whatever
you are pointing at. “Kennel” can be used to ask the dog
to get into his crate, the car, a boat, a dog run, etc.
Remember!
Follow
the proper sequence of command: ASK-GET-PRAISE!
