ServiceDawgs.org - Other Commands

Other Commands
from Around the Globe

I collected these from various sources. Its amazing how many commands a good dog can learn! And its even more amazing that the handler knows them too!

"Commands" seems to be such a harsh word. Many of the handlers I know always seem to add 'please' and 'thank you' to the commands. I know I do and Joella seems to appreciate it.

The first list was obtained several years ago from several sources.

The second list is another compilation from Brent, a member of the WheelchairJunkie.com community.

1. sit
2. down
3. stand
4. come
5. stay
6. go out
7. back up
8. left, right, forward
9. turn around
10. come around (such as around an object and towards you)
11. pick up
12. carry
13. retrieve from
14. put back
15. take
16. shake
17. shake out
18. drag
19. up, lift up
20. paws up
21. wave
22. open
23. pull
24. way back
25. open wide
26. go through
27. watch fingers
28. find (objects)
29. search & find (people)
30. find room (hotel room)
31. visual work (obstacles in path or above, change in floor texture)
32. shoes (find shoes, match shoes-same type/color)
33. remove shoes
34. pants up/down
35. pants on/off
36. sweater on/off over head
37. sleeve on/off tugs
38. zipper pull
39. Velcro tug/attach
40. socks off
41. socks on--tug up leg (dog helps by tugging sock up leg, but the initial put on over toes I have to do)
42. wrist braces off
43. back brace/neck brace off
44. brace for transfers
45. check water temperature for bath/shower
46. open/close doors
47. open/close cabinets
48. open/close drawers
49. pull/retrieve wheelchair
50. retrieve walker
51. retrieve cane/crutches
52. carry/drag hose from plant to plant & water them on direction
53. assist on stairs
54. left my legs onto couch/bed
55. pull me to a sit up position
56. push legs off bed/couch
57. assist in standing
58. roll me over in bed or after a fall
59. bring telephone when it rings (mine)
60. retrieve ringing telephone on command (someone else's)
61. retrieve phone when I fall
62. straighten me when I slump in chair
63. seizure alert/assistance
64. migraine alert/assistance
65. alert to sounds
66. mop up spills on floor
67. pick up objects & place where they belong
68. shakes out wet clothes for hanging up (I hang them up)
69. pulls clothes from line & retrieves dropped clothes pins
70. gathers laundry onto a table for sorting
71. puts clothes in washer
72. takes clothes from dryer & puts in basket
73. drags basket with laundry upstairs
74. retrieves can of dog food from basement cabinet at meal time
75. pick up dog dishes & place in sink
76. pulls shopping cart when shopping
77. flush toilet
78. put toilet seat down
79. locate toilet paper roll
80. locate accessible stall in public restroom
81. locate towel holder, sink, etc. in public restroom
82. locate trash can in public restroom
83. find elevators
84. find public restrooms
85. find empty tables/booths in restaurant
86. pee/poo on command
87. lead me around backyard & indicate where poop is so that I can scoop
88. picks up kindling for wood stove
89. leads me to specific rooms in house on command
90. uses different bark/tail wag mode for different visitors so I can differentiate who is at door without opening--some self taught, others encouraged/trained
91. watches for & uses/pushes buttons for handicap access doors

From: Brett (via wheelchairjunkie.com)
Here is the list of commands-some are good, some are a little cumbersome. Use what you like!

BACK - Dog drops behind partner when passing through narrow aisles or doorways.

BACK-UP - Dog steps backwards. Used if dog gets ahead of you.

BRING - Dog picks up object and "brings" to you. (See also HOLD & TAKE)

BRING-UP - Dog takes an object, and brings it up onto a counter (i.e., a credit card to a cashier).

BRING-OFF - Dog removes an object of an elevated surface and gives to you.

COME ABOUT - Used when making a U-turn to the right, when the dog is on your left.

COME - Dog is to "come" to you. Used for any situation in which you want the dog to come to you, including getting out off a vehicle.

COME-BY-BACK - Come to a standing position behind you.

COME-BY-FRONT - Come to a standing position in front of you.

COME-BY-HEEL - Dog is to come to your left side and stand.

COME-BY-SIDE - come to a standing position at your right side.

COME-BY-STAND - Come to a standing position from a sit or down position--useful for harnessing, or before STAND and BRACE commands.

DOWN - Dog is to lie "down" and be still.

EASY - Dog is to slow down the pace or take something gently. Applies to any situation in which gentleness is required.

EMPTY - Dog is to "empty" bladder or bowel on command in preparation for trip or activity.

ENOUGH - Dog is to stop barking or growling.

EXCUSE ME - Dog is to get out of the way of your wheelchair.

FORWARD (SLOW, FAST, EASY) Dog pulls forward, when used with wheelchair pulling, walks forward when used with a walking individual.

GO - Dog walks away from partner. Used to get the dog to "go get" or "go find" something or someone. Also used in door openings to tell the dog to walk away from you in order to open the door.

GIVE - Dog "gives" up object in mouth into partner's hand. (See also BRING, HOLD & TAKE)

HEEL-BY (SLOW, FAST, EASY) - Dog walks at your right side without pulling at pace.

HEEL-BY-SIDE - Dog walks to your right side.

HOLD - Dog "holds" object in mouth without chewing or biting. Follows the TAKE command. (See also BRING, GIVE & TAKE)

HOME - To become acquainted with your home. "We are home! Let's go home!" (You can also acquaint the dog with your vehicle, if you have one. "This is the van! Let's go to the van!"

KENNEL DOWN - You pick and point a spot where the dog is to lie down. Dog may not stand up, but may shift or roll. Movement is allowed, but dog must stay in designated area in lying position.

KENNEL IN - Used for getting into a vehicle. The dog enters the vehicle first, before you and leaves the vehicle last, after you. This ensures the safety of the dog around traffic.

KENNEL UNDER - Used for getting under something and out of the way, as in under a table (i.e. at a restaurant). Dog is to lie down and relax wherever you point.

LEAVE IT - Used to discourage dog's interest in an object and "leave it" alone.

LEFT - Turn "left" while walking.

NO - Don't do that! Stop.

NO SNIFF - The dog will not pay attention to his partner if preoccupied with sniffing, therefore, the "no sniff" command is used to stop him from sniffing trees, fences, other people, lawns, and food (especially useful in restaurants).

OFF - To bring dog "off" a raised surface after the "up" command was used. Also, can be used like "no" when dog has jumped up on people or furniture.

PAY ATTENTION - Used when dog is distracted from his/her work, to focus the dog on you.

PHOOEY - Stronger than "NO." Reserved for major infractions (aggression, chasing cats, dogs, squirrels, etc. or any violent action that may endanger you)

RIGHT - Dog turns "right" while walking.

SETTLE - Dog picks his/her own spot, but must lie down and be still. Used if dog is underfoot or during meals.

SIT - Dog is to "sit" down where you are and be attentive.

STAND - Dog stands up from sitting or lying position.

STAND & BRACE - Used to prepare dog to bear weight--dog moves into position near you. You place hands over dog's shoulders and hips only, and use the dog to support your weight during transfers. Also, used for getting up from the floor or a chair.

STAY - Dog should "stay" where he is starting with 1 minute and then gradually move to longer periods as your bond with him/her strengthens.

STOP - Dog stops walking and stands next to you.

TAKE - Dog stands up and "takes" indicated object in his/her mouth. When giving a treat or some item, say "take" so that the dog becomes familiar with this command which will be used frequently in service. Dog must learn to wait until you say "take" before taking anything from you or anyone else.

TAKE AND PULL - Dog "takes" an object, usually a strap attached to a door and pulls to open door.

TAKE ME AROUND - Dog pulls "around" an obstacle, or group of people.

TAKE ME THROUGH - Dog pulls "through" a group of objects.

TOUCH - Dog "touches" an object with paw or nose.

UP - Dog jumps "up" to a raised surface. Can be used with BRING command in bringing an object to an elevated surface.

UP TOUCH - Dog stands up and touches indicated object, usually an elevator button or light switch.

WAIT - Dog must stay were you are and "wait" while you do what you need to do-have patience. Used when opening doors or when path is blocked. Always used at curb and traffic lights.

WATCH - A warning used to call attention to something the dog might not have noticed, asking the dog to be alert. It means "watch" where you are going-be careful! (Used with a tone of sharp caution in your voice).

WORK LEFT - Dog walks forward and to the left.

WORK RIGHT - Dog walks forward and to the right.

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