K9 Buddy Curriculum: K9 Buddy List of Verbal Cues

The following is a list of verbal cues that your K9 Buddy dog has learned. Important training tips:

1. Be consistent! Dogs are lifelong learners and need repetition to maintain behaviors.
2. Keep training sessions short to keep your dog engaged.
3. Say the dog’s name before all cues. Example: "Juno, come."
4. Give each cue only once to maintain effectiveness. An occasional repeat cue is acceptable if dog does not respond.
5. Have fun and utilize praise and food reward for good responses!

SIT: Cue used to have the dog place it’s rear haunches on the floor.

DOWN: Cue for the dog to lie on the ground or floor.

LET’S GO: Cue to have the dog walk or move with you, at your left side, on a loose leash, without pulling. (relaxed heel with more casual positioning)

HEEL: Positional cue that indicates to the dog to return to or maintain position at your left side. This cue can be used stationary or in motion.

COME: Cue to have the dog come to you when called, allowing handler to touch the collar.

STAND: Cue to have your dog stand and wait for grooming or during a vet exam.

WAIT: An informal stay cue, usually used when the dog will be expected to move again soon, (ie at doors, getting in and out of a vehicle)

OKAY: Release cue. Example: to let them know you are no longer requiring them to “stay” and they may get up now.

KENNEL: Cue used as you place the dog in a crate, under a table, in a small space or into a vehicle.

DO YOUR BUSINESS: Cue to encourage the dog to urinate or defecate.

THAT’S ENOUGH: Dog will stop a current activity upon the cue. Relates to playing a game or interacting with a toy (dog should release toy upon verbal cue).

SIT - STAY: Cues used in progression to have the dog stay in a sit position for a reasonable length of time. This is a formal cue and you will need to use the “okay” cue to release the dog.

DOWN - STAY: Cues used in progression to have the dog stay in a down position.

GO TO BED: Dog goes to a designated bed or mat, lies down on the bed, and remains on the bed for a reasonable length of time until given another cue. Note this will need training in your unique environment before completely generalized.

Attending a reputable obedience class is a great way to maintain your dog’s training.