Basic Commands

by Joan Ronalder

• Sit: Important for control when greeting, petting, and feeding.  No food or hand contact until he is sitting quietly
• Down: Good for time out when things are getting hectic and there is too much excitement.
• Off: Four on the floor.  All four feet must always be on the ground.  DO NOT push him off, this is giving him the reward he wants, your hands on him.
• Come:  A long line attached to the dog’s collar and dragging on the ground or holding end.  Not taught.  Give “come: command and use long line to enforce by reeling him in if he doesn’t  respond to first “Come” command.

Be patient but not lenient. Consistency is a must for a well mannered dog. There are no exceptions to good behavior. He has to obey there is no other option. 

When letting him out for playtime it is a good idea to preface his play session with a short, ON LEASH, obedience session.  Take him from the pen on leash, work him for a few minutes, then release for play time. A short, 5 minute, obedience session before going back into his quarters helps leave him with something positive about which to think overnight.