Talk:Obedience training

message: Lachatdelarue 18:54, 28 Jul 2004 (UTC)
replies: text: OK, I created the article! Elf | Talk 17:19, 17 Sep 2004 (UTC)
thread_title: Clicker training

message: Here are a few commands that almost every dog should respond to:
*Come: This command, also referred to as the recall, is crucial.  If the dog won't come when called, it is not an obedient dog.  One method for training begins by allowing the dog to wander out on a long leash or line, then calling it by name and the command Come.  This method might require a quick, light tug on the leash to get the dog moving when first teaching this command. Like all commands, it is successful only if the dog is rewarded when it completes the command and only if the practice is repeated—under different circumstances and distances and gradually removing the controls—until the dog performs flawlessly.  
*Sit: This command is also crucial.  Sitting dogs are under the handler's direct control.  It is common to precede other commands, such as the Stay command, with a sit command.  One method for training uses a treat held in front of the dog's nose and passed back over its head, forcing the dog to sit.  Sit and Stay are used in conjunction with many other commands.  
*Stay: This command gives peace of mind.  An owner can park her dog while doing something else.  One method of training involves placing the dog in a sit or a down position, then telling it to stay while stepping away from the dog.  If the dog stays, the handler rewards it while it is still in the position.  Indoors, use this command to park your dog under a favorite table or bench.   
*Lie down or down: this command allows even greater control than sitting.  One training method uses a treat drawn forward and down across the dog's face, forcing it to lie down to get at it.  Since even people without dogs are familiar with this command and use it when dogs are bothering them, the better the dog is at it, the better it can get along with strangers and visitors.  
*Go to bed or get in: Directs the dog  to go to its bed or its crate and to remain there until released. The dog has freedom of movement in that location to stand up, turn around, or lie down, unlike when placed in a Stay.  Useful to keep a dog out from underfoot and safe in a busy or complicated situation.
*Drop or drop it: Dogs pick up all sorts of things, some of which they shouldn't have.  A dog that drops anything on command, no matter how attractive (which to a dog can be rotten and smelly), is a dog under control that the owner can prevent from eating dangerous items or from destroying valued personal property.
*Leave it: An adjunct to Drop, directing the dog to not touch an item.  Also useful before the dog has picked anything up.  One method of training involves leaving a treat on the ground and walking the dog past it without allowing the dog to pick it up.  Leave it is also used in conjunction with Take it.    
*Take it: The dog leaves a desired object, such as a toy or treat, untouched until given this command.  This can protect an owner's, visitor's, or child's fingers. 
*Heel, Close, By me: The dog walks with its head directly next to the handler's leg and does not deviate until released.  One method of training accompanies the command with a slap to the thigh indicating where the handler wants the dog's head. 
*Okay, Free, Break, or Release:  Releases the dog from Stay, Heel, Sit, and so forth.  Also a general release to play.  
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Elf | Talk 20:58, 11 January 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Basic Commands

message: I just RVVed a PETA supporter blanking stuff on this page. I think it would be a good idea to semi-protect it so that the vandal doesn't bring friends over. ChairYeoman (talk) 00:08, 21 February 2010 (UTC)
thread_title: Semi-protect this page