If you have a dog, you need to know the stop command. It’s the command you choose to get your dog to stop doing whatever they are doing…right now. It can save your dog’s life and possibly your own.
Obedience schools or online dog training may teach you basic commands like Sit, Stay, Down, Here, Come. But often they overlook the importance of why you use the command.
Out in the world, you need commands to help your dog be a good canine citizen. At home, a well-trained dog makes life easier.
What Is the Stop Command?
![stop command: dog running with ball](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ballrun-1024x576.jpeg)
The Stop is a word command that brings your dog to a halt right then and there. It’s your choice what command you use. It should be simple and easy for your dog to understand.
Among the essential commands you can impart to your canine companion, Stop stands out as a crucial one. When your dog stops at an exact spot, it can make the difference in doing a chore the right way, winning or losing in a trial, or even saving the dog’s life.
You want a command like Sit or Down that your dog knows. All that repetitive training will help you when you and your dog arrive at a critical situation.
Why Use The Stop Command?
![stop command: Dutch shepherd lying down](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dutchsehpherdnoel-wangler-kTcZz7kV4wU-unsplash-1024x683.jpeg)
If you and your pup have been to obedience training, you know that the recall, usually the word Come, is one of the most challenging commands for your dog. You want a stop command your dog responds to without hesitation.
Dogs do one thing at a time. That’s why in a critical situation, following the recall command may not get instant results. The Stop command gets your dog to stop doing the activity you don’t want and gets them to focus on you.
Your dog’s brain focuses on the here and now. The Stop command gets them focused on stopping what they are doing and paying attention to you. Your dog comes to a complete stop. Using the examples above, they are either sitting or lying down.
Once you get your dog to stop, you can use the next command. It may be as challenging as recall. Now their attention is off the behavior you wanted to stop and focused on your new direction.
When To Use The Stop Command
![stop command: dog looking back](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/lookbackpexels-michalrobak-18880160-1024x576.jpeg)
Go to any sheepherding trials and the command you hear the most often, is Lie Down. It’s the Stop command when the dog gets too close to the sheep. The dog lies down until they receive the next command.
Your Stop command is probably Sit or Down from basic dog obedience training.. They are simple commands that the dog learns easily. Whatever your stop command you can use it in many situations to get your dog’s attention and then lead them to the next thing to do.
- About to walk into mud
- Chasing a rabbit toward the street
- Chasing another dog
- Leaping on a guest
- Chasing a motorcycle
- Chasing a car
- Pulling you by the leash
- Incessant barking
- Proudly tossing the raccoon carcass and prancing around with their treasured discovery
You get the idea. The command gets your dog to Stop.
It’s up to you to decide which command comes next. For the moment, you’ve stopped the unwanted behavior.
You Are The Pack Leader
No, no, no! Is not a Stop command. Think about all the different times in the day you say “no” or “know.” You need a word that is specific to your dog’s repertoire of commands. One that is simple, clear, and specific.
Telling your dog what to do, like Sit or Down, is specific, simple, and clear. These are clear commands that establish you as the one in control, the pack leader. Once you understand how your dog’s brain works, one task at a time, and use the Stop command, life with your dog will be even more enjoyable.
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About The Author
Zara Altair is a writer and author of historical mysteries set in 6th Century Italy. She is passionate about books, film, film history, and sharing her knowledge with others. Engage with Zara, her educational insights, and her tips for fellow writers by following her on X(Twitter) and Threads.
Zara is a seasoned journalist and accomplished writer with deep expertise spanning entertainment, literature, film writing, neuroscience, and health. Zara blends critical analysis with a profound passion for storytelling.