Sound silly to you? Don't laugh. This command will make it easier for you, groomers and
veterinarians to examine and
care for your dog. When your dog is nervous or uncertain he or she will often "cower and tuck" making it difficult
to do anything to him that might be necessary for his care. Teaching him "stand" will provide him with a command he
can be confident and familiar with, which in turn might pull him out of that anxiety spiral long enough to where he can be
examined or groomed.
Fortunately, "stand" is one of the easiest commands I've ever worked with, especially since dogs usually
enjoy being up on all fours. Just remember, you should practice this command as much as the others whether it's a piece
of cake or not.
STEP 1. Just like the sit and the down, you are going to use your treat as a lure like in the
cartoons when a character holds a carrot in front of a
stubborn mule. Let your dog have a whiff so he knows you have it.
STEP 2. Next you will step back from your dog and pull the treat as if you are pulling an imaginary
rope that is attached to your dog's nose, while clearly stating the command "stand". (See
image below.)
STEP 3. As soon as he is on all fours.. praise, reward, praise!
STEP 4. Repeat all of the above several times a day until you're dog is completely confident in
standing. Once he's learned it efficiently, remember to use that command along with the others whenever your dog
wants something he must earn.
*** Trouble Shooting ***
Here are some problems you might have and some answers that might help...
My dog won't follow the lure.
This is because he doesn't know what you want and is uncertain of what to do. Try making kissing sounds, slapping
your thighs, using a squeaky toy, or taking more than one step back. No one said you had to be a block of ice. ;o)
My dog stands, but then plops back down into the sit when I stop moving.
Again, this is because he doesn't know what you want and is uncertain of what to do. If he keeps doing it, have
someone in the family stand behind him and gently lift him up by his abdomen as soon as he goes to sit back down.
