Commands Not To Use With Your Dogs Name
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There aren’t many of them, but there are a couple commands not to use with your dogs name.
It was not long ago that I was reading my guide dog puppy manual for the first time. Our group leader Tammy came to visit Linus and I at my townhouse for both a home inspection and an interview to make sure I and my home would be suitable to raise a guide dog puppy.
One of the lessons that I learned early on was when to use your puppy’s name and when not to use it. This is one thing that has been hammered in to me throughout Stetson’s training. In a matter of fact just last Tuesday at Stetson’s guide dog training class we were asked “When should we not use our puppy’s name?”
When Should I Use My Dogs Name?
We are taught to use our dogs name every time we issue a command. A few examples are:
- Stetson Sit
- Stetson Down
- Stetson Stand
Before guide dogs I would only issue the command and not use the name. However, I quickly became accustomed to using my puppy’s name then give a command. This led to a small problem. It became difficult not to use Stetson’s name when I was giving a command that I was not supposed to use with his name.
Commands Not To Use With Your Dogs Name
The two commands not to use with your dogs name are “Stay” and “No“. It’s also important not to use your puppies name negatively. When your puppy hears his name it should always be in a positive manner. You’ve probably done it before (I know I have)…your puppy does something wrong and you say: “Stttteetttttsssooon!” in a negative tone. That’s a big no, no.
Why is this not a good thing? Well, you always want your puppy to associate happy things with his name. That way when you say his name he will not get worried or upset. Instead he will be happy and pleased to hear his name.
Why can’t we use his name with the command “stay”? Your puppies name is pretty much synonymous with the command “Come“. When you say your puppies name they should come to you. That’s the opposite of stay. So, if your puppy thinks his name also means come then if you issue the command “Stetson, Stay” he will get confused and not know whether he should stay or come.
Are there any commands you don’t use with your dogs name?
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Yes, this is what I was taught when I took various dogs to obedience classes. Of course, I haven’t actually followed through with it. It makes perfect sense though. I tend to use my dog’s name before every command, even “no.” I’m terrible. I am going to try to make a conscious effort not to say his name before “no” and “stay.”
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