How to teach your dog the "free" command
Introduction
The "free" command is a fun, motivational command that lets your dog know it's time to relax and have some fun. It's important to remember that "free" means a release from an obedience command, but your dog still must be well-behaved. You should still correct your dog in "free" if it behaves inappropriately.
Common Misconceptions
- Some people think that the "free" command means that their dog can do whatever they want. This is not true. The "free" command simply means that your dog is released from an obedience command. Your dog should still be well-behaved in "free" and should not jump, bolt, mouth, or engage in other inappropriate behaviors.
- Some people think that they should only use the "free" command when they are in a safe environment. This is not true. You can use the "free" command in any environment, as long as your dog is well-behaved. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to make sure that your dog is not in danger when you give them the "free" command.
"Free" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase
- Start by teaching your dog the basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and stay.
- Once your dog knows these commands reliably, you can begin teaching them the "free" command.
- To do this, give your dog an obedience command such as sit. Once your dog is in the sit position, say "free!" in a happy and excited voice. If your dog gets up, repeat the command and say "free!" again with more energy. Once your dog gets up, mark and reward them.
- Repeat this process several times until your dog is consistently getting up from the sit command when you say "free!".
Reinforcing Phase
- Once your dog is consistently getting up from the sit command when you say "free!", you can start reinforcing them variably. This means that you will sometimes give them a treat, and sometimes you will just praise them. This will help to keep your dog guessing and make the "free" command more exciting.
- You can also start adding distractions to your training sessions. For example, you can practice the "free" command with other people or animals around, or with toys or food present.
Proofing Phase
- Once your dog is reliably getting up from the sit command when you say "free!" in a variety of environments and with distractions present, you can start proofing the command. This means that you will start practicing the command in different environments with more distractions. You can also start adding distance gradually over time.
Maintenance Phase
- Once your dog is reliably getting up from the sit command when you say "free!" in a variety of environments with distractions present and with distance, you can start practicing the command regularly in your daily life. This will help to keep the command fresh in your dog's mind and make it more likely that they will respond to it in the future.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1: A dog owner was having trouble with her dog jumping up on people when she gave them the "free" command. She taught her dog the "place" command and then started practicing the "free" command in combination with the "place" command. This helped her dog to learn that they were not allowed to jump up on people when they were in "free".
- Case Study 2: A dog owner was having trouble with her dog bolting out the door when she gave them the "free" command. She started practicing the "free" command in a variety of environments with distractions present. This helped her dog to learn that they were not allowed to bolt out the door when they were in "free".
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be patient and consistent when teaching your dog the "free" command. It may take some time for your dog to learn what the command means and how to respond to it appropriately.
- Use a happy and excited tone of voice when you say the "free" command. This will help to make the command more fun and motivating for your dog.
- Be sure to reward your dog for responding to the "free" command correctly. This will help to reinforce the behavior and make it more likely that your dog will respond to the command in the future.
- If your dog is not responding to the "free" command, you can try using a higher-value treat or toy. You can also try saying the command in a more excited and enthusiastic voice. If your dog is still not responding to the command, you may need to seek professional help from a dog trainer.
Conclusion
The "free" command is a valuable tool for dog owners. It can help to keep your dog safe and well-behaved in a variety of situations. By following the tips in this article, you can teach your dog the "free" command and enjoy the benefits of a well-trained dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What do I do if my dog is not responding to the "free" command?
A: If your dog is not responding to the "free" command, you can try using a higher-value treat or toy. You can also try saying the command in a more excited and enthusiastic voice. If your dog is still not responding to the command, you may need to seek professional help from a dog trainer.
- Q: What do I do if my dog is jumping, bolting, mouthing, or engaging in other inappropriate behaviors in "free"?
A: You need to correct your dog immediately. This will help to teach your dog that these behaviors are not acceptable in "free". You can also try practicing the "free" command in a more controlled environment, such as your home, until your dog is more reliable.
- Q: How often should I practice the "free" command?
A: You should practice the "free" command regularly in your daily life. This will help to keep the command fresh in your dog's mind and make it more likely that they will respond to it in the future. You can practice the command in different environments and with different distractions.