Teaching
Your Dog the Wait Command
By Kelly Marshall
“Wait” is a very powerful command to
teach your dog. Teaching your pet how to wait is very important
if you are planning to train him to the point where you can
trust him off the leash. It is one of the several safety commands
that you can use to keep him safe from potential danger.
There will often be times when you need
your dog to wait for you but not necessarily stay still. The
“Stay” command would not be the best command to
use during these times. Also, there will be times when he
will be in a hurry to go somewhere or grab something. “Wait”
will be the proper word to tell him that he can have what
he wants, but not right this second.
Because dogs live in the present, teaching them
how to “Wait” not only adds an interesting and
useful word to their command vocabulary, but it also teaches
a concept that is quite difficult to understand. However,
your dog can understand the meaning of the word “Wait”
on a short-term basis. The most effective way to train your
dog to “Wait” is by your tone of voice. Remember
that the tone of voice is one of the most effective tools
that you have in dog training. Your dog needs to be able to
understand your tone to properly respond.
To understand how this type of training works, remember mind
that your dog is a pack animal and that you are the pack leader.
He looks to you for direction and approval. When he is doing
something, and you say a word, any word at all in a disapproving
tone, he should stop whatever task he is doing because of
your disapproval. For example, when you want him to stay at
the bottom of the steps before running to the kitchen, and
you say “Wait” in a serious but not an angry tone,
a properly trained dog will turn around and look at you. At
this point, say “Good dog” in a pleasant tone
while he is waiting. If he runs away from the steps, say “NO,
WAIT!” in a firmer tone.
The main difference between the command “Enough”
and “Wait” is that “Enough means stopping
the activity for now. On the other hand, “Wait”
signifies a mementary pause. In the example of the dog waiting
to run down the steps into the kitchen, the command “Wait”
gives him the pumped up feeling of anticipation. It lets him
know that if he pauses for a moment, then he can continue
going up the steps with your approval.
Use the “Wait” command when you are pouring his
food into the bowl. Make him wait for a few seconds, long
enough for you to move away before he starts chowing down.
He can wait to get out of the car or get out of the door.
He can also wait for you to go first through doorways and
down flight of stairs.
“Wait” needs to always be followed by the release
word “Ok” to let your dog know it' s alright for
him to continue with the activity at hand.
About the Author:
Kelly Marshall is the head author at Oh
My Dog Supplies, an online pet supply store featuring
unique
dog beds & dog
feeders.
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