[Chicalen1]

what do you think is the most important thing you can teach a dog? I would think it would be come when called because no matter how hard you try there is always a chance they could get lose and be in a dangerous situation.

Amanda

[Shalva]

Originally Posted by Chicalen1

what do you think is the most important thing you can teach a dog? I would think it would be come when called because no matter how hard you try there is always a chance they could get lose and be in a dangerous situation.

Amanda

I am going to give you a few, there are four in my mind.....

in no particular order.......

Come when called - for reasons you mentioned......

leave it - learning leave it prevents pups from eating things they shouldn't when you are there to supervise .... especially things like cigarette butts which can be hazardous, or other things you may encounter that are hazardous for your pup to eat.

drop on command - I love this..... because I show my dogs we are often traveling in strange places and staying at hotels. I had a dog wiggle out of a collar late at night near a highway in gary indiana, the dog was moving toward the road before I could stop her and I told her to drop and that was it..... down she went

and then I told her to ......

Stay - when I say stay my dogs don't move, they will stay exactly where they are until I release them..... when the dog in question above got off leash I told her to drop and stay and I calmly walked over to her and put her leash back on her..... very simple very easy....

I think these four commands are the most important..... each for a different reason but all four very important.

[the-tenth]

Originally Posted by Shalva

I think these four commands are the most important..... each for a different reason but all four very important.

I agree, but if I had to pick one it would definately be the recall. If my dog will recall without question or hesitation, I can essentially use it as a stay (not ideal, and not even prudent in every situation) with multiple come commands. Again the leave it command, if they are good enough with the come command, they will either drop the object in question and come, or come to me with it in their mouth and I can take it out. Again, not perfect, but if I had to choose one, I think the recall would definately be it.

[TooneyDogs]

Some of the other really important things to teach...no biting...no jumping...potty training. Those are some of the more common reasons for dropping dogs off at shelters and possibly losing their lives.
Of the basic commands I place DOWN as the real life saver. You don't
want your dog to come back across a busy street, railroad tracks or swim a flooded creek to come to you...in those situations, down is crucial. For the everyday, non-threatening environment the typical recall is enough. If you really want a recall that is on the par of the down then, you want to teach the Emergency Recall which is much stronger than just come.

[poodleholic]

Stop Drop Stay!