Verbal command ‘SIT’.
Method: Using food – command the dog to sit – hold the food in front of the dog, and slowly move it up so it follows the food and sits naturally, then reward the dog.
Footwork: Stop on the right foot and bring the left foot in line with the right foot.
Hands On: Place the right hand on the dog’s chest – the left hand on the dog’s rump to help the dog sit. Reward the dog as soon as it sits.
Verbal command ‘STAND’ plus a hand signal.
Method: With the lead in the left hand, signal the dog with the right hand, with an open palm extended travelling in front of the dog’s nose, moving away from the handler’s body. Leave the right hand palm facing the dog in front of the dog’s nose for a few seconds while gently placing the left hand under the dog’s loins for support. Repeat the command STAND several times to reinforce the position. Reward the dog with food.
Footwork: Stop with the right foot forward and bring the left foot in line with the right foot.
Verbal command ‘DROP’ or ‘DOWN’ plus a hand signal.
Method: With the lead in the left hand, signal the dog with the right hand with the fingers extended and the palm of the hand facing the dog, travelling towards the ground {food between the fingers will encourage the dog to go down}. When the dog goes down, reward straight away.
Footwork: Stop with the right foot forward and bring the left foot in line with the right foot.
Verbal command ‘STAY’ and a hand signal.(make hand signal like a STOP sign)
Method: With the dog in the sit or down position – use the right hand with fingers extended, put the palm of the hand in front of the dog’s nose, and say the command STAY. When the handler leaves the dog, their hands should be clasped behind their backs, and remain in that position until the handler has returned to the dog. Initially stand directly in front of the dog. Depending on the stability of the dog, the handler may return around the back of the dog to the heel position.
Verbal command ‘STAY’ and a hand signal.(make hand signal like a STOP sign)
Method: With the dog in the sit or down position. Use the right hand with fingers extending like a stop sign in front of the dogs nose, and say the command STAY. Leave on the right foot to the desired position then turn & face the dog with your hands behind your back. On returning, walk around the back of the dog until you are once again in the heel position. Praise before releasing the dog.
Verbal command ‘STAY’ and a hand signal.(make hand signal like a STOP sign)
Method: With the dog in the sit or down
With the dog in the sit position. Use the right hand with fingers extending like a stop sign in front of the dogs face. Give the verbal command Stay or Wait. Walk away on your right foot to the desired position. About turn to face your dog with hands in front of you. With arms outstretched above your head & in a happy voice call COME. As soon as the dog starts to come towards you, return your arms back down to your lap. Always have a treat ready to give your dog when he returns to you.