The
commands that come to most people’s mind when they think “basic obedience” are
sit, down, stay, come and heel, but what if I told you there is another command
that is so universal it can be used in nearly any situation?
The
command I am referring to is “wait”.“Wait” means to stop in your tracks and wait for further
instruction.Our dogs can
learn to wait for permission to go through an open front door, to jump in and
out of the car, before crossing the street and to eat food whether it is their
own meal or food that has fallen on the floor.These are a few of many situations where this command
can prove useful.
The
”wait” command serves other purposes besides just making your life easier.“Wait” can also be a clear message to
your dog that you are the leader.When you ask your dog to “wait” and he does it, he is surrendering to
you.When you become leader, your
dog will begin to look to you for direction rather than always just doing what
he wants to do.The “wait” command
can also be an important safety precaution.Being able to ask your dog to “wait” for your permission to
exit the vehicle or cross the street could save his life one day.
Teaching
your dog to “wait” is fairly simple.Set your dog up in normal, everyday situations where he would normally
take it upon himself to bolt through the door or gobble up the turkey you just
dropped on the floor.As soon as
your dog goes to move forward, physically block him and tell him “wait”.I use my index finger as the hand
signal.Back up just enough to
give him an opportunity to try to go for it again.When he goes to make a move, physically block him again and
using the hand signal, repeat the command “wait”.Once he surrenders to your wait command, release him by
stepping way back and giving an upbeat “OK!”Practice several times daily in any situation where this
command could be of use.
