Training Exercises

THE RELEASE. (OK)

It is very important to teach your dog to recognise a release word, such as OK. This will indicate to him that he is no longer required to carry out the last command that you gave him and that he is free to please himself what he does (within reason!!)

If you fail to teach him this and he is in the habit of releasing himself, then you are unlikely to ever have control for more than a few seconds at a time.

Each command that you give your dog should be followed, in addition to the praise, by either another command or your release word.

Remember OK means that you can move if you want to but it is not compulsory. Giving praise after a release will devalue it.

With every command that you are teaching your dog you will need to ensure that he understands that he is to do it until he hears the OK.

Start off by delivering several small rewards in quick succession whilst he maintains his position and give the OK immediately following the last reward. You must resist the temptation to praise and reward after you have given the release or your dog will see no benefit in waiting for the release.