K9 Training Terms Glossary

Command instructing the dog to lower its hindquarters to the ground and hold a stationary seated position until released.

Command directing the dog to lie fully on the ground with its belly touching the floor — a foundational control position used in both obedience and protection work.

Command that holds the dog in its current position (sit, down, or stand) until given a release cue, regardless of distractions.

Precise position beside the handler's leg where the dog walks in sync with the handler's pace and turns, used in everyday walking and formal trials.

The command that calls the dog back to the handler immediately and reliably from any distance or distraction — one of the most safety-critical commands a dog can learn.

Command directing the dog to go to and remain on a designated spot, mat, or raised platform until released; builds impulse control and settling behavior.

The specific cue (e.g., "Free" or "Okay") that tells the dog a command has ended and it may move freely again.

Walking beside the handler without pulling on the leash — distinct from formal heel position but essential for everyday manners.

Structured training exercises in which a dog is taught to grip a padded sleeve or suit on command, then release cleanly on command.

The trained person who wears protective equipment and works the dog during bite work, simulating a threat under controlled conditions.

Controlled stimulation of a dog's drive by a decoy to build focus, confidence, and grip intensity before a bite is given.

The command instructing a dog to immediately release its bite grip — one of the most heavily trained and tested commands in protection work.

Phase of protection training where the dog watches and barks at a decoy who has stopped moving, without biting unless the decoy moves again.

Behavior where the dog barks continuously at a located decoy without biting, signaling the handler that a threat has been found.

A trial exercise where a decoy delivers a full-speed frontal attack to test the dog's confidence, fighting drive, and willingness to engage.

Training method that rewards desired behavior with food, play, or praise to increase the likelihood it will be repeated.

Method using a distinct sound at the exact moment of correct behavior, followed by a reward, to communicate precisely with the dog.

Structured play and motivational exercises used to increase a dog's prey or food drive before channeling it into obedience or protection work.

Deliberate, positive exposure to new people, animals, environments, and sounds — especially critical during a puppy's early developmental window.

Gradual, controlled exposure to a stimulus that causes fear or reactivity, reducing the dog's sensitivity to it over time.

Early-stage training, often with puppies, that introduces foundational behaviors and drives before formal obedience begins.

A training tool with blunted prongs that applies even pressure around the neck for correction and communication when used correctly by a trained handler.

A remote training collar delivering a stimulation, vibration, or tone cue; used in advanced off-leash reliability training under professional guidance.

Training equipment used to channel prey drive into a controlled grip-and-release exercise, foundational to both play-based obedience and protection work.