Dog Training: Finishing A Command

Do you tell your dog when he/she can return back to doing as he/she pleases? This is as important as the command itself. Let’s use the “sit” command as an example.

You tell the dog to “sit” and he/she sits. Now, who determines when that “sit” command is finished? Does the dog give you a momentary, courtesy sit and then is on its way again? The dog would be correct to do this, if you have not taught it the ‘magical word’ that ends the command. This magical word can be something like “Ok!”, although I would suggest something more creative. The reason for a word to end the command (or to release the dog and allow it to do whatever it pleases) is that it allows you to determine the full sequence and duration of the behavior. If the dog is determining the length of the “sit”, then I really wonder who is the leader of the pack. Is the dog just humouring you and then quickly on its way? If this is the case, you have limited, superficial control of the dog.

If you have taught the dog that there is an end to your command, then he/she realizes your full expectations. The “sit” remains a sit until you end it. The dog does not end the command on its own whim. And you have to remember to give the dog an end to the command. It is unfair to the dog if you don’t end a command. If the dog breaks the “sit” prior to your saying the magic word, then it is wrong. It gives the dog definite and clearly defined parameters; and it removes any ambiguity for the dog about what is expected. The same ‘magical word’ ends all your commands to the dog.

Now I must add a word of caution. As you know, dogs are opportunists. If you use “Ok!” as your ‘magical word’ to release your dog, you will find your dog listening intently for this word. If you accidentally say “ok” in conversation, while the dog is sitting (or obeying one of your instructions), the dog is absolutely correct in breaking that sit command and doing as it pleases. Therefore, being creative (and selecting your release word carefully) is important, especially if you are prone to saying “ok” frequently in casual conversation. - My last word is “clever!”. That is the word that releases my dog. It is also a reminder to myself to heap loads of praise on the dog. The word is a behavioural cue for me.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]dogs, training, magical word, end of command, obedience training, pack leadership, sequence[/tags]