I am going to be getting a puppy soon and I am preparing by reading a lot on training and behavior. During my reading, I have noted that the dogs need a release command, however none mention how to train a dog to recognize a release command. How do I get my puppy to understand "okay" or "free" means he can now go and do whatever he wants? Help would be much appreciated!

I held him by the collar with him standing and I held a piece of food about 6inches in front of him. He would focus on the food and I would count 1-2-------OK and let him go forward for it. I was doing it to build up his anticipation for a different reason but it carried over to everything. Ok became his release. Next time though I'm going to use free instead because ok is too easy to say at any time. There's other way's to do it but I think it still just comes down to letting him move out of a fixed position.

IMO, the release command will be learned very quickly by a pup or a dog as long as you pay attention to varying your tone and body language and making those things different than when you're giving a command.

I try to remember to encorporate those things when I'm teaching a dog (especially a pup) because while they weren't born knowing our language or commands, they were born understanding tone and body signals.

For example:

The body posture and position when teaching a dog to hold a command (such as "wait") is clearly more ridged, forward and I often have a flat hand out (stop signal) in front of the dog's face. I'm focused on the dog and if nothing else, he's going to be watching me and paying attention because my body language is communicating "wait" even if my word means nothing to him yet.

The verbal tone that I have when first teaching a dog to wait is..."Waaaait" in a lower, firmer, drawn-out tone than my normal speaking voice. I know some people don't use the command word before the behavior is learned, but in this specific case, the way the word command is given actually helps to communicate the goal.

When I give a release "OKAY!", all of that snapes into a relaxed, casual body posture and the release is given in a higher pitched, fun and excited voice. A reward usually follows, whether it's from praise or a treat from me or it means they get to go and do what they wanted to do in the first place (like hop in the car) or play.

It doesn't take long for dogs to understand that the shift in body posture and vocal tones mean they're free, even if they don't recognize the word right away.

I don't think I've ever had to formally teach a dog what the release command was. If you dramatically change your voice and body when you give it, the dog will get it all by himself.

My only two cents is "OK" is not "OK" in my house. It is just a word too frequently used. I would stick with something not used in regular conversation.

 Quote: nancy jocoy

My only two cents is "OK" is not "OK" in my house. It is just a word too frequently used. I would stick with something not used in regular conversation.

I know a lot of people who feel that way, too. I guess the way I say it as a release makes it sound different than in regular conversation because my dogs have never had an issue with it.

Our only issues are anything that sounds like the word "eat."

I use "FREE DOG". Used to use "OKAY" but I had too many "unscheduled releases" with that word...hee hee

"hungry" is the word to avoid in my house...

I use the word "break" for my release word.

I don't want my dog cueing on my body language for a release, because I train my dogs in agility as well as obedience. I don't want my dog thinking that my movement means to leave his start line or contacts.

I use the clicker to teach the release initially. I put the dog in a position I know he understands (sit, down, whatever) and then say the word "break" being careful to not move my hands, body or head while I say it.

If the dog does nothing then I use a bit of luring (patting my leg softly) and as soon as the dog does ANYTHING I click and toss a treat a few feet away from the dog onto the floor. ANYTHING includes head movement, shift of weight or a single step. If you are consistent with this , it doesn't take the dog long to get the idea. Once the dog understands "break" then you can reward from your hand or toss a toy to him. I think it accelerates the learning if you toss the treat on the floor at first.

 Quote: cindy easton rhodes

I use the word "break" for my release word.

I don't want my dog cueing on my body language for a release, because I train my dogs in agility as well as obedience. I don't want my dog thinking that my movement means to leave his start line or contacts.

I use the clicker to teach the release initially. I put the dog in a position I know he understands (sit, down, whatever) and then say the word "break" being careful to not move my hands, body or head while I say it.

If the dog does nothing then I use a bit of luring (patting my leg softly) and as soon as the dog does ANYTHING I click and toss a treat a few feet away from the dog onto the floor. ANYTHING includes head movement, shift of weight or a single step. If you are consistent with this , it doesn't take the dog long to get the idea. Once the dog understands "break" then you can reward from your hand or toss a toy to him. I think it accelerates the learning if you toss the treat on the floor at first.

YES!!! I am doing something right!!! YES!!YES!!YES!!

The way I taught it makes those unscheduled releases an adventure with Andy because he explodes into it full speed ahead. Whether its to pee on a tree or setting up for a short escape. I have to be aware of saying it. Thats why next time its free or break or something else.

I use "break" for Toni and "pop" for Caterina. That way, if I have them in a sit or down together, I can release one and not the other. They know their word and respect it.

Paul is NOT allowed to use my release words since he does not enforce it.. he uses "let's go" instead