Basic Dog Commands and Their Role in Canine Rehab
Many dog owners feel like teaching their pet commands is something that is just out of reach. Sure, it would be nice to have your dog respond in a certain way to given words, but how realistic is it to teach your dog commands at this point?
As it turns out, it might not be as hard as you think. This article will highlight some of the fundamental commands that you may want to try out with your dog.
Why Teaching Basic Commands Is Important
On a fundamental level, teaching your dog basic commands is a great way to strengthen the connection between you and your pet. (1) You are effectively creating a simple language that your dog understands and that you can use to make everyday life safer and more enjoyable.
These commands become even more valuable when your dog needs to utilize canine rehabilitation services. Being able to respond to verbal cues or hand signals makes it easier for the dog to work with a rehab therapist, and as a result, exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, and coordination will be more effective.
Essential Basic Dog Commands to Teach
So, if you are going to invest the time and effort needed to teach your dog some commands, which ones should you work on? The list of five basic commands below is a great place to start. (2)
Sit
“Sit” is a fundamental command for dogs. This simple direction encourages your dog to stop and focus, which makes it easier to transition into other activities. If you were to only teach a single command to your pet, this would likely be the one to choose.
Down/Lie Down
When you teach the “down” command, you are teaching your dog to lie flat on the ground. This position is good for stretching and relaxation, and it can also help a dog calm down in the middle of a stressful environment.
Stay
The idea behind the “stay” command is that your dog will hold in place until released by another command. This is a great one for safety. If you have the ability to get your dog to stop and hold in position with just a single command, you’ll be better able to keep them safe in a variety of settings.
Come
Saying “come” to a trained dog should result in the dog returning to you immediately. This is another one that is big in terms of safety, especially in outdoor environments. It’s also great for rehab settings, as it can be used during controlled walks and other exercises.
Roll on Side
This might be the least commonly used of the commands we’ve listed here, but it’s still quite important.
Asking your dog to roll and stay on their side allows for better access to provide gentle massage or manual therapy, and it can be a relaxing position.
Stand
Asking your dog to “stand” is a natural follow-up command to “down”. In a rehab setting, following the stand command will support strength-building exercises. A dog who responds to a “stand” or “up” command will be much easier for a rehab therapist to work with than one who doesn’t understand this cue.
Tips for Teaching Commands Effectively
If you have never before taught a dog how to follow commands, the whole process might feel a little bit intimidating. (3) Fortunately, it’s easier than it seems from a distance, and you should start to see some progress pretty quickly after getting started.
Use Positive Reinforcement
This is the most important piece of the training puzzle. Reward desired behaviors immediately with treats, praise, or play. Using positive reinforcement will make it clear to the dog that they have done the right thing and will encourage repeat behaviors. Avoid methods that are based on punishment, as they create fear and confusion.
Keep Training Sessions Short and Consistent
Consistency is key in training, so you never want to go too long without practicing commands. At the same time, these training sessions should not be long. Working on commands just a few minutes at a time will help the dog stay focused and prevent fatigue.
Practice in Different Settings to Generalize Commands
It might be tempting to practice your commands in the same place each time, but that can actually be limiting. Instead, mix it up and work on commands in a variety of places so your dog can adapt and respond to commands in many different settings.
Be Patient – Especially with Senior or Recovering Dogs
As the trainer, you’ll need to show patience and not try to rush through the process. Even if obedience to the commands doesn’t come along as quickly as you would like, keep at it and know that you are moving in the right direction.
Supporting Your Dog Through Rehab
Learning or reinforcing basic commands can make rehab sessions more effective. At Austin Canine Rehab, we use simple and familiar commands to guide dogs through their sessions successfully. (4) If your dog comes to us already knowing and responding to those basic commands, the stage will be set for excellent results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The five basic commands given to dogs are usually considered to be “sit”, “stay”, “down”, “come”, and “stand”. Depending on the dog’s needs, other commands may be added or substituted, such as “heel” or “roll”. Building obedience to even just five short commands can go a long way toward managing your dog’s behavior and actions.
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Dogs that respond to basic commands make it easier and safer for them to participate in targeted exercises. The dog will have an easier time following the direction of a rehab specialist, and sessions are generally more effective as a result. We often use sit, down, up/stand, and place/station, along with having dogs comfortably lay on their side and stay there so we can provide hands-on treatment.
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Absolutely. While it can take longer for an older dog to learn certain commands, this goal can be accomplished with patience and plenty of repetition. Providing consistent positive reinforcement during training will encourage dogs of any age and help them pick up on the cues they are being given.
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The first step is getting your dog to respond properly to the command to lie down. Once that is in place, you can use a treat or a hand signal to encourage your dog to roll onto its side. Reward this behavior immediately with a treat and continue to repeat this practice regularly in short sessions until the action becomes automatic. Then work on staying in that position calmly for longer and longer durations.
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It is not necessarily required to work with a professional trainer before starting rehab. If you are willing and able to go through basic command training at home, that will often be enough. Teaching your dog the basic commands and practicing them periodically is a good start, and your canine rehabilitation therapist will help to reinforce those commands during sessions.
