Dog Obedience Basics: Release Me!
Always use a release after you have given your dog a command. A release word is the equivalent of giving your dog permission to be ‘at ease’.
By using a release, you are teaching your dog that she should stay in a position, such as sit or drop, until she is released or given another command. If you use a release word correctly, you will never have to teach your dog ‘stay’ because your dog will stay in any position until you release her.
The release word can be anything, as long as you use that word consistently. I use the word ‘free.’ Some people use ‘okay’, but many professional dog trainers say ‘okay’ may cause the dog confusion because it is used commonly in general conversation.
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, start using a release immediately. All you need to do is get your dog to sit or drop, wait a few seconds and then say ‘free’. You can encourage your dog to move when you say ‘free’ by coaxing the dog out of her position. You can then gradually increase the time the dog stays in a particular position. Eventually your dog will understand what ‘free’ means.
A reward should only be given after you have released your dog (and your dog has performed the task as expected).
Do you usde a release? If so, what word do you use?
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