How to Train Your Dog to Make an Emergency Stop
Introduction
Have you taught your dog how to stop dead in his tracks in the event of an emergency? What would you do if your dog was just about to run into a busy street? Maybe he has seen a deer or another dog and has started to chase after him. In all of these situations, your dog is at risk of serious injury or worse if you can't get him under control – and do so very quickly. The idea is for you to be able to make your dog stop and drop instantly, using a single verbal command or hand signal at any time, no matter what he is doing.
Defining Tasks
The command is basically the same as drop on recall, you could use "Drop" or "Stop" and a single down sweeping motion of your hand. It really doesn't matter as long as you teach your dog that he must drop instantly the moment he sees or hears the command. He doesn't even need to know why, just that he must obey immediately. This is a very important command as it could very easily save him from being badly injured, dying, or getting lost.
Training your dog to emergency stop is no more difficult than teaching him to drop on recall. But it will take time and patience, and a large supply of his favorite treats. You can teach a dog of any age this very important command, but it may take longer with younger pups as they are a little more wound up. But if you have already taught your dog to drop on recall, it will go much easier. Remember to give your dog plenty of praise and treats when he gets it right and never punish him when he gets it wrong.
Getting Started
The Assistant Method
The Treats Method
The Long Lead Method
Written by Amy Caldwell
Published: 09/26/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
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Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Ella
When we meet other dogs she becomes aggressive and pulls violently
780 Dog owners recommended
Hello Pat, You need to hire a professional dog trainer with a great reputation working with aggressive dogs to help you. Also, look for a G.R.O.W.L. class in your area. This is a class where all of the dogs wear a comfortable muzzle and are socialized together in an intensive class, where the aggression can be dealt with in real time. These classes are for dogs that are aggressive or leash reactive, meaning they are fine when off leash, but who have never done serious damage to another dog yet. There could be a number of things going on causing the aggression and a professional trainer needs to evaluate what is going on in person to help you deal with the aggression. Fear aggression, leash reactivity, dominance based aggression, and genetic aggression are often dealt with differently than one another. Some of the training is the same across the board but there are very specific things that need to be done for each. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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My challenge is getting my dog to give his full attention to me. My problem is that I can't teach him simple obedience commands because I can't get his 100% attention. Now sometimes when I do get his attention its not for very long and he will not listen to the commands even if I have his favorite toy or treat? Please help me out!
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Hello Anthony, I would work on building his respect, trust for you and impulse control in general. Expect it to feel a bit chaotic at first while his attention span is still short. Impulse control and respect: Working method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-doberman-to-listen-to-you Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omg5DVPWIWo Crate manners: https://thegooddog.net/training-videos/free-how-to-training-videos/learn-to-train-the-good-dog-way-the-crate/ Thresholds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-w28C2g68M Heel article - The turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Heel Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTiKVc4ZZWo The above commands use an approach that depends more on your body language, leash pressure, working for life rewards, and spacial awareness - opposed to luring him into positions with treats. when he starts to do better with the above commands and overall focus and listening to you, you can add in lure reward training like the following commands and other things you desire to teach: Sit: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-sit Down https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-to-lay-down Come - Reel In method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall Leave It: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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