Supplemental Word List

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The following list of words are some additional vocabulary that may be taught to dogs enrolled in our training program. (For a list of the standard vocabulary, see the Word List). In most cases, dogs will only be taught these words if we feel they are necessary, or upon owner’s request. Some of the words also have hand signals that can be used. When saying most of these words to your dog, please keep in mind that you are requesting that the dog do something for you. Remember, give the command in a calm, authoritative voice. The commands you use should also be used in praising the dog for a job well done. Tell the dog what it did that made you happy, e.g., “GOOD HUP!”

UP / HUP

This command is used to allow the dog to jump up and greet you or to put his front feet up on whatever you indicate with a pat of your hand, such as a grooming table, the couch, or the back of a truck. In cases where he is not able to jump up completely on his own, use this word to get his front feet up on the object, then kneel down and lift his hind end up for him. Use your “Off” command (see the Word List) when you are ready to ask him to get off of the object.

ON YOUR SIDE

This command is used for grooming, and simply means that the dog should lie down on his side, relaxed, with his head completely on the floor. In this comfortable position, the dog should allow you to brush his coat, trim his nails, handle his feet, and otherwise examine him. The dog should be relaxed and allow your contact without protest.

STAND

Your veterinarian will love you if you teach this command. It simply means that the dog should stand on all four legs in a stationary position without moving his feet. In this position, you dog should allow you and other people you designate to fully examine his entire body, including checking teeth, ears, and eyes.

TAKE IT

This command is used when the dog is allowed to either take something from you such as a treat or toy, or fetch it on command. When first teaching this command, do not ask for the “Give” right away. Praise the dog for “Take It” and let him keep the object, so that he enjoys taking it on command. After he is taking things readily, then start the “Give”.

GIVE

This command is used to request that the dog release whatever he has in his mouth. This doesn’t mean that he will always be releasing something out of his mouth and never getting it back. For example, you would use “Give” to get him to release the tennis ball out of his mouth so that you may throw it for him again. Never pull anything out of his mouth – he must release it on his own. And never try to get the dog to “Give” a real bone unless you have taught him to do so first!

EASY

This command means that the dog should settle down. It can be used in many situations – if the dog is wiggling excessively, darting his eyes about frantically, “talking” to you in short bursts of whining or barking. Do not say this in a cooing, soothing tone of voice, else your dog will think you are praising him for his wiggling behavior! It is a command like any other, and in order for it to be effective, you must use it that way.

COOKIE

This command lets your dog know you are about to give him something from your hand that he can eat.

GENTLE

This command is used to remind the dog to take something from your hand without nipping you.

MOVE

Used when you need the dog to remove himself from your path. It is especially useful in the house, where the dog may have staked out some favorite positions, such as in doorways or at the top of stairs, that block your right-of-way.

KENNEL

This command is used to let the dog know he should get into whatever you are pointing at. “Kennel” can be used to ask the dog to get into his crate, the car, a boat, a dog run, etc.

Remember! This is a list of optional words only! See the Word List for standard Academy vocabulary.

Also remember! Follow the proper sequence of command: ASK-GET-PRAISE!