How to Teach Your Dog to Stand Using The ‘Stand Command’.

Now that you can get your dog’s attention by calling his/her name, your dog can come to you, sit and lay down on command and stay until released, we’ll now look at training your dog to stand up in front of you.
Having control of your dog is important for all dog owners, it’s how a strong bond is formed between you and your fur baby. Owners of larger breed dogs need to be particularly focused on how their dog behaves when off their leash, especially with young children present. There are also some commands that are useful outside of being socially responsible. Having your pooch standing is often required when being checked out by your local Vet, putting their harness on, cleaning their back paws so they don’t track mud inside the house and is a good overall position when giving them a good brush or bath.

This basic command, part of the series on training commands for dogs will teach you how to train your dog to stand up on all paws using the ‘Stand Command‘ by applying positive reinforcement training techniques.

The following list is what we recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tempting
• Clicker
• Small quiet space with no distractions

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the ‘Stand Command’

When teaching this basic dog training command, I will assume you’ve already taught your dog to come and sit. If not, these can be found by visiting ‘List of Dog Commands‘.
The reason for this is, we’re going to train your dog to stand starting from when your dog is sitting in front of you.

1/ In a quiet place, without distractions, start with your dog sitting in front of you, about 2 metres away. Hold a treat to your dog’s nose, then pull it straight back away from your dog towards you. As your dog follows the treat, they will naturally stand up.
Mark the moment your dog stands with the clicker, or by saying ‘Yes’, followed by praise, and offering of the treat while they’re standing.

2/ Repeat this 5 times.

3/ Next, without holding a treat in that hand (it’s in the other), pull your closed hand, fingers up parallel to the ground towards you. Again, mark the good behaviour with the clicker or with a happy verbal ‘Yes’ followed by praise and the treat given from the other hand.

4/ Repeat this, again 5 times.

What we’ve done here is to teach your dog to stand, from a sitting position using a hand signal.

5/ Now we’re going to add the ‘Stand Command’ by saying ‘Stand’ in a happy voice as soon as you start the hand signal and once again ‘mark and reward when your dog performs the task.

6/ Keep practicing this command, with the hand signal, then try the verbal command, without the hand signal.

The reason we’d like your dog to respond to just the verbal command is so it can be used when your pooch is by your side for example.

7/ Finally, once your dog is proficient at standing on command, add the ‘Stay Command’ to keep him/her standing until released.

Summary of Teaching Your Dog The ‘Stand Command’

Remember consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. To start with, the treat is used to ‘lure’ your dog into the standing position, then as you progress through the steps, you’ll get to the stage of your fur baby obeying your verbal command, without the treat or hand control.
Lapses are normal, so if you have to take a step back and use the hand signal as well as the voice command, or even if you have to reintroduce the treat to move forward again, do it! Every day, in every situation, at home or out on a walk is a training opportunity for you and your four-legged companion.

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge. There are many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

Most pet shops, which you’ll find near you, listed on Pet Directory will have a selection of these in stock.

The ‘Stand Command’ is ideal to use when grooming your dog yourself, so you have access to all parts of his/her body. It’s also great to get your dog used to being groomed while standing so they will happily assume the position when being pampered by professional dog groomers in a salon. It’s also an ideal position to hold your dog in when other people and dogs are approaching, and the ground is wet and/or muddy. Having them sit in water is just not a nice thing to ask of your fur baby.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to stand up when commanded?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many local dog training businesses listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Training Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.