Photos by Kris Millgate
It’s exciting to have your dog in the field with you until your K-9 sees, or smells, something it wants that you don’t want them to have. That’s when commands are vital. Here are the first words dogs should learn as told by their human companions.
Sit
“Start teaching the ‘sit’ command as soon as your new dog moves in. Especially for retrievers, it’s the preeminent command that all other commands flow from. Sit makes them stop and think about what they’re supposed to be doing.”
Glen Cropper
River Dog Retrievers owner
Human companion for two Labrador retrievers, Jack and Nelli, plus a revolving door of dogs in training.
Too Far
“My dogs know to stop as soon they hear me say ‘too far.’ The dogs know they have to stop, look back and check in. That allows me to call them back to me or just keep them from straying too far out of range. A bird dog is no help on a hunt if he’s too far out in front of you.”
Christine Petersen
Freelance journalist
Human companion for two Labrador retrievers, Finn and Tuco.
Here
“I prefer the command ‘here’ as opposed to ‘come.’ It emanates from deeper in the throat and sounds more like an order instead of a request.”
Tom Carney
The Upland Almanac editor
Human companion for Ryman-type English setter, Jack.
Leave It
“This command is your stop-all-action command to tell a dog they need to cease whatever bad activity they are initiating such as chasing a deer into traffic, eating a poisonous item or entering into an interaction with another person or animal that is not going to turn out well (think porcupines and rattlesnakes).”
Hannah Nikonow
Intermountain West Joint Venture communications coordinator
Human companion for wirehaired pointing griffon, Rye, and pudelpointer, Bannack.
Whoa
“A solid ‘whoa’ can prevent a dog from flushing game out of range. It can also prevent the dog from moving forward in a situation that represents a risk to their safety like approaching a road, a barbed wire fence or a dangerous drop off. When you need the dog to stop forward movement for any reason, ‘whoa’ is essential.”
Greg Gunter
Rave Communications president
Human companion for two pudelpointers, Tucker and Elvis.
Place
“Beau’s ‘place’ is his bed. Whether it’s his crate at home or a blanket when we’re staying somewhere else. When I say ‘place’ he goes to that designated space and lays down. He knows that’s his safe spot.”
Travis Zmak
Teton Toyota general manager
Human companion for Labrador retriever, Beau.
Gear Box
Rugged essentials for your four-legged trail buddy.
Gunner G1 Kennel
gunner.com
$750
You know those heavy-duty coolers for storing food while you’re camping? This crate is like that, but made to protect your dog while traveling instead. It’s five-star, crash-tested, impact protection in case of an accident.
Water Dog Gear Biothane Collar & Lead
waterdog.online
$66
Got a tugger? No worries. This Teton Valley business produces a durable collar and leash set that endures all sorts of yanks without snapping. Waterproof and odor-proof. Comes with silver plated hardware for reduced glare and reliable wear.