Why This Skill Matters in an Emergency or Survival Situation

In survival scenarios, your dog’s obedience can be a matter of life and death. A trained dog can help you navigate through dangerous terrain, retrieve water or food, and even alert you to potential threats. In an emergency, your dog’s ability to follow commands can mean the difference between safety and peril.

What You Need

  • A well-socialized dog
  • Positive reinforcement treats (small, soft, and highly desirable)
  • A clicker (optional but useful for precise timing)
  • Patience and consistency
  • Basic understanding of dog behavior and body language

Step-by-Step Instructions or Key Techniques

Basic Commands

Sit

  1. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
  2. Slowly move the treat upwards, causing your dog to tilt its head back and sit.
  3. As soon as your dog’s bottom touches the ground, click (if using a clicker) and give the treat.
  4. Repeat this process, gradually removing the treat from your hand and using a hand signal or verbal command.

Stay

  1. Start with your dog in a sitting position.
  2. Extend your hand in front of your dog, palm facing it.
  3. Say “stay” and take a step back.
  4. If your dog remains in place, return and reward it.
  5. Gradually increase the distance and duration of your absence.

Come

  1. Use a short leash to prevent your dog from running away.
  2. Walk a few steps away from your dog and turn around.
  3. Call your dog’s name followed by the command “come.”
  4. When your dog approaches, reward it immediately.
  5. Practice in various environments and distractions.

Heel

  1. Walk beside your dog, maintaining a steady pace.
  2. If your dog pulls ahead, stop and wait for it to return to your side.
  3. When it does, reward it.
  4. Gradually increase the duration of walking together without pulling.

Advanced Commands

Retrieve

  1. Throw an object and say “fetch.”
  2. When your dog brings the object back, reward it.
  3. Practice in different environments and with various objects.
  4. Ensure your dog associates the command with the action, not just the reward.

Drop It

  1. Encourage your dog to pick up an object.
  2. Say “drop it” and offer a more desirable treat.
  3. When your dog releases the object, reward it.
  4. Practice with different objects and in various settings.

Leave It

  1. Place a treat in your hand and close it.
  2. Say “leave it” and wait for your dog to stop sniffing.
  3. When your dog looks away, open your hand and reward it.
  4. Progress to using objects and eventually to situations where distractions are present.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Overloading Commands: Avoid using too many commands for a single action. Stick to one command per action to prevent confusion.
  • Lack of Consistency: Ensure all family members use the same commands and hand signals to avoid confusing your dog.
  • Ignoring Body Language: Pay attention to your dog’s body language to understand its emotional state and adjust your training approach accordingly.
  • Neglecting Positive Reinforcement: Always reward good behavior to encourage repetition. Avoid using punishment, as it can lead to fear and aggression.

Variations, Tips, or Related Techniques Worth Knowing

  • Desensitization: Gradually expose your dog to stimuli that might cause fear or aggression, such as loud noises or unfamiliar people, to build confidence.
  • Proofing: Practice commands in different environments and with distractions to ensure your dog obeys regardless of the situation.
  • Mental Stimulation: Incorporate games and puzzles to keep your dog mentally engaged and reduce destructive behavior.
  • Emergency Commands: Teach specific commands for emergency situations, such as “hide” or “go to your bed.”

TLDR

Survival dog training involves mastering basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel, as well as advanced commands like retrieve, drop it, and leave it. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and desensitization are key to effective training. Practice in various environments to ensure your dog obeys regardless of distractions. .

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