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The most useful command my dog know is one that I hadn’t heard of until I started working with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, but it’s been a life changer.
Back in 2015, I got certified as a sitter for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a non-profit that trains labs and German shepherds to become guides for visually impaired people. They’re the ones I have to thank for all of Chloe’s training and her amazing socialization as a puppy. They’re also the ones I have to thank for the one command I will teach all of my dogs from here on out.
Now that I’ve hyped it up a lot, here’s the command. “Touch.” It’s also called “here” or a variety of other things for different service programs.
Your dog doesn’t need to be trained for service work to learn this one, but it’s a good foundation for a lot of other behaviors.
So what is this magic command?
Well, most of the time I describe it as a doggy fist bump. The dog touches your hand or fist, and checks in with you. It’s that simple.
But it’s the simplicity of the command that makes it useful in so many situations.
I use it as a replacement for “come” since Chloe responds better to “touch.” I also use it to get her attention if I’m on trail or to start a chain of other commands. The purpose of touch (in my day to day life) is to get my dog checked in and ready to listen. I can’t tell you how many times “touch” has saved me when another dog on trail isn’t as friendly as their owner thinks they are.
SO how do you teach this command? That’s pretty simple too.
Step 1: Place a treat in your hand. Preferably small enough for you to close your hand around it.
Step 2: Ask your dog to “touch” (or whatever other word you give the command).
Step 3: When they touch their nose to your hand, mark it (with a “yes” or other verbal praise) and give them the treat.
Step 4: Repeat without a treat/with distractions/distance/whatever obstacles you want to challenge your dog with
I’ve found this command is generally pretty easy to teach with most dogs. (Let me know if you’re having trouble in the comments)
So there you go, a command you can use for a variety of situations, that’s so simple it seems a little too obvious.
Let me know in the comments your favorite command, or the one you and your pup find the most useful.
Oh I love this!! I really could use an alternative to come besides yelling “treat!” Haha. My kids love working on new tricks with our dog, I’m going to start this one today!
We have a willful GWP. Beautiful 3 year old but has a few bad habits along with the many good ones. Thanks for sharing your post. I’m looking forward to learning more. She already bumps our hand when she wants something. Haven’t been able to get her to let us know specific needs, like when she needs outside or needs her food filled yet, though. Or how to get her to not bark at everyone! LOL!
Oh I love this idea! My yorkie gets distracted easily, I bet it would help. Chloe is so sweet, too! Tks for the tip!
Interesting… I’ve never thought to teach this trick instead of “come” (or recall), which my dog often ignores when he is outside. I have a Shiba Inu that is notorious for being very willful and selective in listening. I’ll have to read your tips on recall next!