Why train "stand"?

Stand is a helpful command during vet examinations. Also, learning this command will compel your dog to distinguish between sit and down, as in, learn the words. Adding another command into the mix forces dogs to pay better attention and stop guessing. Most never do—they offer one or the other willy-nilly, to the eternal frustration of their owner.

How to train it

Step 1. Say it. Start with your dog in a sit or down. Then tell your dog, “Stand” in a cheerful tone of voice.

Step 2. Show it. Pause a second (one-one thousand), then lure your dog into a stand by putting the treat up to his nose and slowly moving the treat toward yourself, keeping it level with your dog’s nose. Keep the treat lure close to your dog’s nose—if you move your hand too quickly or too far away from his mouth, he may give up and lose interest.

Step 3. Pay it. As soon as your dog’s hindquarters are parallel to the ground, mark and treat. Repeat as many times as you can, so long as you and your dog are still enjoying yourselves. Mark and treat every stand.

Step 4. Repeat it. Repeat the exercise several times over a few days. When your dog reliably gets into the stand position, it is time to take the treat out of your hand and just use the verbal cue. If your dog makes a mistake, first try luring without the treat. Only put the treat back in your hand if all else fails.

Training Tip: Only say the command once. Say it, pause, then lure.

TROUBLESHOOTING: You may find stand harder to train than sit or down. This is because, unlike a sit or down, your dog is never rewarded for just standing around. If you have trouble, try marking and treating a little earlier—as soon as your dog begins to stand up. Then work from there, asking a little more each time.

When to practice

• When you need to wipe your dog’s paws. When brushing your dog.

• When putting on a harness.

• When your dog needs to stand still on the vet’s scales.