Heel is our walking cue. When walking, the expectations are simple. Your dog should walk by your side, as opposed to pulling you or you pulling it, and sit when you come to a stop.

With the Switch command, your dog will be able to switch to the opposite side when cued, when walking.

Down is reliable in all levels of distraction. It is used as an "off switch" in your dog. This can be used on the patio of a restaurant, watching tv at home, and more. Down is used for maximum control and can be used to calm your dog.

Sit is a self-explanatory command. When told to Sit, your dog will remain seated in low levels of distraction. This is reliable for short-duration control, such as checking the mail or answering the door.

Off! is one of two cues that we do not want to give a treat for. No one wants to be a human vending machine. Off! is important in making sure that your dog doesn't jump on you, your guests, or the kitchen counter.

When your dog is told to Stay, it will be required to remain in the desired location until you use a complex signal to release it. Stay is one of the hardest commands to teach, as it goes against the grain of your dog's wolf heritage. However, it can be taught and maintained with a little bit of work.

This trained behavior requires your dog to lie down immediately without having to stop moving first. Possessing the capability to command your dog to do so is not only convenient when you and your dog are approaching guests or unruly dogs, but it can be a lifesaver when your dog is moving toward a dangerous situation like an opened door or busy street.

Come is one of the most requested commands in training. Having your dog reliably come to you when called is important in establishing your leadership over your dog and achieving a high quality of life. It also can potentially save your dog's life in the instance that there is danger and it is imperative your dog come when called.

Unlike the Stay command, Place offers your dog a visual reminder to remain in the desired location. He can do whatever he wants (stand, lay down, drink, etc.), as long as he stays in the desired location, usually on the training mat that is supplied. This can be used under heavy distraction, allowing for hours of reliability.

Your dog will be trained to go to its Place mat when commanded. Imagine answering the door with your dog, then commanding it to go to its Place mat before inviting your guests to enter your home. Having the capability to do so with your dog is incredibly convenient and safe for your guests.

There is nothing worse than being pulled through a door by your dog. At The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training, we teach your dog to wait at all doors until given permission to proceed through them. Your dog will also wait on the other side of the door until you are ready to do the same.

Whereas "stay" means remain in one spot until released, the command "wait" means stop and don't follow me any further. For instance, you wish to leave home but not take your dog with you. When your dog attempts to follow you out the door, you can command "wait," and your dog will momentarily freeze in place. However, unlike "stay," your dog does not have to remain in place when the door is shut. Instead, it can go about its business.