Beginning Basic Obedience Release

Why:

· The RELEASE command is used to let your dog know that you are done training, even for a few minutes.

· Much like the Watch Me command is used as an “attention” command, the RELEASE is used as an “at ease” command.

· It is used during a training session to give your dog a break. Little play breaks during a training session help to keep the dog’s energy level up and keep him from getting bored with training.

How:

Stage One - Introduction to command.

· Beginning Position - Usually your dog has just finished a sequence of exercises and is sitting at your left side.

· What to Say - You may use any word you like as long as you are consistent. Popular words to use for this command are; FREE , PLAYTIME and OKAY.

· What to Do - Make sure you have your dog’s attention, then give the command and at the same time pat your dog on the front of his chest. Then play with your dog.

· Tone of Voice - Your tone of voice should be full of excitement.

· Timing of Command - Give the command when you have your dog’s attention and you think he is ready for a break. Remember to pat your dog’s chest at the same time you give the command.

· You should combine your verbal command with the chest pat so that your dog doesn’t mistakenly think you are releasing him at other times you happen to use the same word as your release command.

· What Not To Do - Do not use a firm tone of voice and stiff body posture. Remember, this command is more like a cue to let your dog know that it’s time to play and be happy.

Stage Two - Fine tuning the command.

· Your dog will soon pick up on the fact that when you pat his chest and say something that a good time is about to happen. My dog now even goes into a play bow when I pat her chest as an answer to the command.

Reinforcement:

· Don’t forget to use this command! Especially if your dog is young and/or has a short attention span.

· The more you utilize this command in your training sessions, the more you dog will enjoy training. (This is how to avoid dull and boring training sessions.)

· DO make your dog work for you for at least 5 minutes before using the release command.

· As your dog progresses through training over the months ahead, you can make him work for longer periods of time before using the release command. The key is to be in tune with your dog so that you can tell when he needs a break. This intuitiveness will come as you work more and more with your dog.