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Albuquerque & Santa Fe, NM
Heeli's Five Fundamental Skills
Learning the Basics
At Heeli, we believe all dogs and their owners should master what we call the Five Fundamental Skills: name, sit, down, come and stay.
Using our advanced SAFE Training Method™, we teach dogs to respond reliably the first time, every time a command is given. Whenever possible, both verbal commands and visual (hand) signals are used, giving owners two effective ways to communicate with their dog. Once your dog consistently responds to these commands, you can be confident they’ve mastered the basics.
1. Responding to Name
All owners need a way to get their dog's attention. Teaching a dog to quickly respond to their name by turning and making eye contact is a reliable way to ensure that the dog is attentive and connected to the owner. The name skill uses only a verbal cue.
2. Sit
The "sit" command is a foundational skill for positioning your dog and managing their movement. It’s one of the first commands most owners teach and is versatile in various situations. At Heeli, we use both verbal commands and hand signals to teach this skill.
3. Down
The "down" command (or "lie down") is a stable and safe position, especially useful for longer durations or in specific scenarios like car rides. At Heeli, we teach this skill using both verbal and visual (hand) signals for consistency.
4. Come
When you ask your dog to come, they should immediately move towrard you and end in a sitting position in front of you. This is a critical skill for both safety and convenience. At Heeli, we teach dogs to respond to both verbal and visual (hand) signals for the come skill.
5. Stay
The "stay" command ensures your dog remains in position until released, providing control in various situations. At Heeli, we use both verbal and hand signals to teach this skill for maximum reliability.
Why We Teach Both Verbal and Visual (Hand) Signals
Teaching dogs to respond to hand signals in addition to voice commands offers owners two effective ways to communicate expectations. This dual approach is practical for everyday situations where one method may not be feasible. By teaching both, we ensure you can communicate with your dog clearly and consistently.
Ready to Get Started?
Is your dog ready to learn the Five Fundamental Skills and more? Check out our training programs or learn more about our discounts and packages today!
