The 3 Most Important Lifesaving Commands Every Dog Should Know-
Provided by VetStreet.com I love it when people ask me about the
most important commands a dog should know. Although there are
many behaviors that promote safety, there are three basic
commands that are especially critical: "down stay," "drop it"
and "come." Not only should every dog be familiar with these
behaviors, but dogs should be trained to perform them anywhere,
anytime. A dog who immediately drops his body into a down,
regardless of distance from his owner, will be better able to
avoid danger. I work as an evaluator for the National Disaster
Search Dog Foundation, which teaches search-and-rescue dogs to
respond to this command even if they are running at top speed
toward a victim or are on top of a pile of rubble. A search dog
needs to respond to this command promptly and stay in place
until the potential hazard passes or the handler can safely
reach the dog. Pet dogs see similar safety benefits from this
training. There are occasions whe