Last updated: 1/14/2026
Tells the dog to sit between the handler's legs (done when the handler is standing or sitting), facing the same direcrtion as the handler. CLOSE is done primarily when the handler is seated but can also be done in standing with the dog sitting in front of the handler's legs.
The hand signal is a half-circle hand motion tracing the inside of the handler's legs from one knee to the other. They make the half circle in the direction they want the pup to follow. Eventually all that is needed is usually a light pat on the leg along with the cue "close". If planning to be stationary for an extended amount of time, typically the dog is cued "down".
Sometimes referred to as a recall. Dog comes from whereever they are to be within easy reach facing the handler and take a hold of the collar.
If the handler is standing, the dog is to be very close, even with toe-to-toe contact. Straight orientation to the handler is desired.
Pup lies belly to ground, elbows on floor. Hind legs may be thghtly tucked, spread to the side or behind her, or she may on one or the other hip. During long stays or periods of inactivitiy, the dog may choose to stretch out of her side.
Lying on her back or rolling around are not desired responses.
Tells the dog to drop whatever he has in his mouth
Tells the pup he should urinate and / or defecate in the designated area while on leash.
Tells the pup to put his head through the vest
Tells the pup to go to a designated target place. Can be used when the pup is near the target place or from a distance
When given this verbal cue, the dog should return to the handler's left side, shoulders aligned with the handler's left leg, and the dog, from nose to tail, facing the same direction as the handler
"Fido, jump on". All four of the pup's feet will leave the ground and get onto another surface. For example: grooming table, short wall, footwell of a vehicle
Tells the dog to go to and get into her crate. May be used when pup is near the crate, or from a distance, or from other rooms
This signal is given in a clear, upbeat tone. "Let's Go" notifies the dog that you and he are about to start moving. Give the cue before you actually move so the dog has time to process the request and respond.
A marker is a word or sound that precisely marks a specific desired behavior. We use "Nice" as our marker word. When using a mark, always follow with a reward.
This is our release word that tells the dog he is done and free to move. Always end a specific request with a formal release, spoken with a clear, happy tone.
Having a formal release, "OK", means that praise & rewards can be used during a behavior without ending it
Pup places rump on the ground and front paws are also on ground.
Pup stands with all four paws on ground and remains still without moving.
The pup needs to remain in a specific position in a specific place while the handler moves away from them. The handler may return to the dog or call the dog to them from the stay.
Informal "stay", to be used as a brief hold like before exiting the kennel or car, waiting for a food bowl or waiting to go thruogh a doorway. Can be released with "OK" or "Let's Go"
Calling your pup's name means that you want his attention
Be specific "Bradley!" is not the as "Bradley, sit!" Dogs are not mind readers. If you want the dog to do something, tell him what that is
Use your dog's name to prepare him for action. "Bradley, let's go!" is a good use.
