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April 26, 2023 - By :

3 Lifesaving Commands Every Dog Should Know

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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