A Beginner Dog's Vocabulary

• SIT                     Plant your hindquarters in a random sitting position.
• DOWN             Lie down in a random prone position.
• HEEL                Walk at my side with the your head/neck next to my left hip/leg.
• COME              Join me and come in my direction when called.
• FRONT            Sit straight in front of me, facing me, with our toes meeting.
• STAY                Remain in a position without moving until I return to you.
• WAIT                Remain in a position without moving until I give you another command to move to me.
• NO!                  You are a good dog, but stop what you are doing; permission denied.
• OFF!                 Remove yourself.
• GOOD DOG!   I approve of what you are doing. I love your behavior.

With the exception of "No!" and "Off!", all commands should be given in a pleasant voice, but said with authority. Tone and timbre of voice denotes authority, but loudness does not. Each command is purposely one word; add no extra words. Be consistent in the use of your commands.

Do not give your dog a command unless you are in a position to follow through with it.

Avoid doing this:

• DOWN for OFF
• COME and not making the dog come
• STAY for WAIT
• NO! and letting the dog continue its behavior

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