Pet owners usually invest in dog training to fix problem behavior or brush up on manners, but training can do more than promote polite behavior. A few key commands could one day save your dog’s life. At Come.Sit.Stay Dog Training, we love it when people ask us about the most important commands a dog should know.There are three go-to commands that we believe every dog 100% needs to know — for his own safety and the safety of other people and canines that he comes into contact with.
The 3 Crucial Commands
Although there are many behaviors that promote pet safety, there are three basic commands that are especially critical: “down stay,” “drop it” and “come.” Not only should every dog be familiar with these behaviors, but dogs should be trained to perform them anywhere, anytime.
Down, Stay
A dog who immediately drops his body into a “down” position, regardless of distance from his owner, will be able to safely avoid danger. Search-and-rescue dogs are taught to respond to this command even if they are running at top speed toward a victim or are on top of a pile of rubble. Pet dogs can see similar safety benefits from this command and training.There are occasions when your dog may find himself in a dangerous situation but calling him to you could actually create a bigger hazard (for example, you’re on one side of the street and your dog is on the other and there’s a car coming). Directing him into a “down stay” can keep him out of the way and safe until you can get to him.
Drop It
Everyday household items can be dangerous for dogs — ladies’ underwear is a common choking hazard, but other typical offenders include chicken bones and apple cores. And the most common poison hazards for dogs are human over-the-counter and prescription medications — for some drugs, even a single pill can have devastating effects on a dog.This is why the “drop it” command is so important: Unless a dog has been taught to drop whatever is in his mouth immediately, he may play keep away and swallow the item before you can retrieve it. A dog that understands “drop it” will let go of the item, which can then be taken away, averting a potential disaster.
Come When Called
Dogs are often happily oblivious to potential threats around them, like traffic or poisonous plants, and can easily wander into dangerous — or deadly — situations.Teaching your dog to always come when he is called can help minimize the dangers for a dog prone to dashing out of doors or pulling out of his collar — or one who is simply curious about the world around him.Even the best-behaved dogs may find themselves in dangerous situations and it is truly risking life or death to not instill a reliable recall.
A Helping Paw
If you live in Jacksonville, Florida, and you need help training your puppy or older dog these 3 commands, then look no further! Come.Sit.Stay Dog Training will come to you in the comfort of your home for a FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION and all training. We start inside and work our way out into the real world. This sets your dog up for a lifetime of success to learn every command and basic & advanced training skill we teach. We love a good challenge and will work with any dog no matter the breed or age. Click here to learn more and to set up your FREE in-home consultation with us today. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily training tips.
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