Mastering Hand Signals: The Importance of 'Stay' and 'Wait' Commands in Dog Training

As a dog owner, it's essential to understand the importance of hand signals in training your furry friend. Two crucial commands that every dog should know are 'stay' and 'wait.' In this article, we'll delve into the meaning behind these commands and how they can be used in various situations.

According to Kate Basedow '13, L.V.T., a seasoned dog trainer with over 20 years of experience, 'stay' means exactly that – your dog should settle in and wait for you to return. This command is often used in everyday life, such as when guests enter the house or when you need your dog to stay out of the way while you're crossing the street.

On the other hand, 'wait' is a temporary pause where your dog can expect a release or another command soon. Basedow uses 'wait' at home when her younger dog might knock over her senior companion going out the door, and in competitions, she may use it to start an agility run or leave her dog to do a recall in obedience.

To differentiate between these situations, trainers like Basedow use two different verbal cues. For example, 'stay' is used for situations where your dog needs to remain in one position until you return, whereas 'wait' is used for temporary pauses before releasing your dog.

The key to successful training lies in being specific about the criteria for every verbal cue. Dogs don't generalize as easily as humans do, so it's essential to clearly define what you expect from them.

Holding still and remaining in one place is an extremely useful skill for most dogs to master on command. By incorporating 'stay' and 'wait' commands into your training routine, you'll be able to teach your dog valuable skills that can be used in various situations.

In conclusion, mastering hand signals like 'stay' and 'wait' is crucial for effective dog training. By understanding the difference between these two commands and using them correctly, you'll be well on your way to building a stronger bond with your furry companion.

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