20 commands to teach a dog

​SPOT
Teaches a dog to balance on an object. The record so far has been on a penny. 

TRADE
Service dogs need to know how to trade objects for rewards. Such as a medicine bottle for a ball. 

HUSH/BARK
These two commands ensure that you have control of how and when your dog barks.

KENNEL
Kennels offer service dogs structure and safety. This command helps to reinforce these feelings.

HERE NOW
Having an emergency command that calls your dog to you immediately can save your dogs life.

SIT
Teaches a dog to sit on command. It is important to do this in several places.

DROP
This command gets your stuff back when your dog is naughty and stealing it from your closet. 

IGNORE
Sometimes it is hard for even a service dog to stay focused. This command is a reminder. 

COME
Come is a command that is celebrated because the way to teach it is through relationship building.

FREEDOM
This command lets your service dog know when it is appropriate to act and play like a normal dog. 

STAY
All dogs need to know how to stay in place for any certain amount of time. 

DOWN
Teaching down ensures that your dog knows how to respect the human body, counters, etc. 

GO-TO
"Go-to" tells a dog that they are temporarily being passed to a new hand. Done with a leash. 

OFF
This command can be used when your service dog decides that muddy paws belong on the couch. 

GO POTTY
An easy to teach command that lets your service dog know when it is time to take a break and go potty.

LAY
Service dogs need to know how, when and where to lay down. 

HEEL
This command teaches your service dog to walk, sit and/or lay down within a foot of your side. 

WAIT
This command teaches three very important service dog skills, restraint, patience and trust. 

LEAVE IT
Used when a temptation is tempting your service dog (like your daughter with a chicken nugget).

UNDER
Service dogs are brought into many situations where the only place to put them is under a chair or table.