A canine companion can be an excellent addition to your crew. However, it’s vital they have the necessary skills to aid in your survival efforts. Here are 18 commands to teach your dog, plus why they’re such a valuable addition to your homestead.
The Utility of Dogs
Your pup is capable of great things and you can teach them to perform complex tasks from a young age. Even before the grid goes down or a natural disaster occurs, canines can perform helpful tasks, hunt, provide security and give emotional comfort.
Practical Commands
These commands are useful in any disaster that forces you and your household grid to shelter in place. Whether alone with your dog or in a group, they help keep your pup and family safe.
1. “Hunt”
You can train your dog the hunt game by first desensitizing them to gunshots. This works best when they’re puppies. You can do so by creating a moderate sound near them. Treat them every time they hear it to make a positive association. Once comfortable, introduce slightly louder sounds until they hear a gunshot.
If you have another person with you, you can do this method by shooting your gun further away and getting closer as your dog’s comfort improves. Have the other person treat the dog when it hears the noise.
Once gunshots aren’t an issue, train them to fetch whatever you shoot. It can take a few tries, but if your pup sees it as a game, they’re more likely to retrieve it for you. To teach them, follow your dog to the game, and praise them for picking it up or giving it to you.
2. “Seek”
Practice this command by holding a treat in your closed hand and telling them to “seek” as you throw the same goodie on the ground for them to grab. Then, transition the behavior to seeking out dead animals or edible plants. They’ll want to bring you to it after you praise them for locating the food. This skill comes in handy when resources are low.
3. “Quiet”
When you need to be discreet to hide from enemies or sneak into a new area, “quiet” is an essential command for your dog to know. Since you’ll likely need to be silent, a hand signal is the best way to go. Your finger in front of your nose can work. However, if you want to give the command behind your back, waving your finger from the front to the back can catch your dog’s attention and initiate the order.
You’ll need to catch their attention while they bark to teach them. As soon as they stop, do the motion, say “quiet,” and reward them. After doing this several times, they’ll learn that the command means to be silent.
4. “Sit”
This is often the first command dogs learn because it’s valuable and easy to comprehend. Sitting can prevent your dog from jumping up on people. It can also prevent them from wandering around when you need to move equipment, or get their attention away from potentially harmful plants or animals.
To teach it, hold a treat before your dog’s eyes before taking it up in an arc position over their head. As their eyes follow it, they will naturally sit. Praise them and offer the treat as soon as they do. Eventually, you can remove the snack from the lure motion and pair it with the word “sit.” They’ll catch on when you make that motion or say the command.
5. “Down”
The down command can be essential for hiding your dog in sketchy situations or helping them calm down if they get overstimulated. Slowly drag a treat in from their nose to the ground, pulling it forward to guide them into the position. Once they’re down, give them the treat. When they understand the motion, you can start adding the verbal command.
6. “Drop it”
“Drop it” helps your dog give you beneficial or potentially harmful items. Additionally, if they don’t automatically give you an animal you hunted, you can use this command to get it.
Give your dog a toy or leash to teach the order, and take it away as you say, “drop it.” Praise them for following the command and frequently practice it.
7. “Play”
Saying “play” and beginning the game can teach a dog the word is permission for them to let loose. Even during an apocalypse, they need to play for their physical and mental health. Whether you’re in the wilderness or a bunker, letting your dog have some fun is essential.
Gather some branches and stones to create a treat maze for them to explore when you take a break from hiking. Test their senses with a scavenger hunt by placing toys and treats along your path. If you don’t feel safe enough to play fetch, use a ball to play catch instead. You can also use a rope or old clothing to play “tug of war.”
8. “Potty”
If you’re on the run, you can’t always pause for your dog to do their business. Teaching them the “potty” command means they can relieve themselves at the most convenient times.
All animals have cues for when they’re about to use the bathroom. Observe your pup’s movements and body language when preparing to relieve themselves. The next time they begin displaying those cues, say “potty” as they start to go. Doing so each time will teach them to associate the word with the action.
Begin giving them the command when they don’t display the signs. Praise them if they relieve themself. Remember that — like humans — dogs can’t always control when they have to go. Don’t punish them for not going or going without command.
9. “Come”
“Come” is one of the most important commands to teach your dog, especially in the wilderness. Returning to your side can keep you and your pup out of harm’s way. It can aid with hunting, seeking and distractions. Doing so can also keep your dog from venturing too close to a threatening territory.
You’ll need both hands to prepare food, hold hiking poles and operate weapons. Your dog can’t always be on a leash. “Come” will become your go-to command to keep your dog with your group.
Teach your dog the command by moving a few feet away from them and holding a favorite toy or treat. In an upbeat voice, say their name and give the order. Reward them for coming to you. Gradually increase the distance between you and your pup. Eventually, you can move out of their eyesight and practice having them find you. That skill can be helpful if you fall or travel through a thick brush.
Protective Commands
These commands help your dog protect your group from any intruder.
10. “Speak”
“Speak” teaches your dog to bark on command. It’s a great option if you want someone to know you have a dog or to scare an intruder away. Get your dog’s attention and hold a toy or treat before them. Say “speak,” and once they bark, reward them with the item you have. Keep practicing with a reward until they reliably respond to your verbal cue. Then, slowly phase out the treat or toy.
11. “Guard”
The “guard” command is complex but vital for protecting the perimeter you set. Walk your dog around your property border on a long leash. If they venture outside the property, gently guide them back to it. Walk around the area multiple times daily so they get used to the task. You can also feed and play with them in different locations around the property.
Invite a trusted stranger to venture onto the land and test your pup’s skills if you can. If your dog barks on their approach, have the stranger run away. If they don’t bark, have them keep approaching until the dog does. This training teaches them that barking is their first defense against potential threats. Over time, your dog will learn to stay in your perimeter without a tight leash, and bark when an unknown human or creature approaches.
12. “Protect”
While “guard” protects your home, “protect” helps secure your family. You can train your pup to start barking or attack if a nefarious person approaches. They can scare off the enemy or buy you time to prepare your defense. Start with the “speak” and “guard” commands first.
To teach “protect,” have a family member or brave stranger approach the dog while wearing a protective, arm-length glove. They can tap the dog on the face with the glove enough to annoy but not hurt them. Eventually, it will frustrate them and they will attack the glove. Say “attack” as they do.
Ensure the target is in front of them and keep your group behind them. That way, they won’t think they’re supposed to attack one of you. When the person with the glove runs off, give the “come” command and reward them.
13. “Rescue”
When you bug out, you never know when disaster will strike. This command can be lifesaving if someone gets separated or falls into a dangerous situation. “Rescue” is an overarching command that encompasses many others, including “come,” “seek,” and “release.”
When someone needs rescuing, you can use their voice or scent to have your dog find them. Do this by having someone hide and yell out. As they yell, say “rescue” and bring your dog to the person. After a few times with you, have them practice without you staying with them.
Train them with clothing that smells like the person. Place some treats between a shirt or pair of pants and the person. Once they sniff the shirt, say “rescue.” They’ll smell the goodies, which will guide them to the person. Reward them once they approach the group member pretending to be in distress. Dogs can sometimes recognize dangerous situations and may try to drag the person out of harm’s way. You can reward for this behavior and use the “release” command if they don’t let go.
14. “ Play Dead”
At home, “playing dead” is a fun trick, but it can be helpful when you want them to seem dead from afar. Begin by giving them the “down” command. Use a treat to lure them on their back and provide a “stay” command. After a few seconds, reward them with a treat.
Slowly increase the time they stay still on their back as you practice. Once you can get them to turn over without a lure, you can add the “play dead” verbal command.
Navigational Commands
These commands are an essential part of your group’s bushcraft.
15. “Left” / “Right”
When you need to move fast, these directional commands can keep your pup on the right path. Teach this command by walking them and saying the word as you turn in one direction. Eventually, they’ll understand the word means turning right or left. When they go in the correct direction, reward them.
16. “Open” / ”Close”
These commands are particularly good for members of your crew who struggle with mobility or have their hands full. “Open” refers to opening doors, gates or other barriers. You can show them how to open different entrances and use a treat to lure them through the correct motions. Once it opens, reward them. Implement the verbal command when they get used to the action.
“Close” works almost the same way. Instead of beginning with the door or gate closed, start with an open one. Use treats to lure them to close it and introduce the verbal command. To get the most use of these commands, practice with different types of entrances and exits.
17. “Stay”
“Stay” is an essential command to keep your dog in one place. Practice this command by saying “stay” in a firm voice while they stand, sit and lay down. They might not know where to stop when moving through the wilderness, but this command can keep them from wandering further.
18. “Leave It”
“Leave it” can protect your dog from distractions and potentially dangerous items. Use a treat to teach this command by holding it in your open hand and saying the command.
They’ll likely go for the treat at first. If you see them move towards you, pull your hand away. Once they calm down, try again. When they no longer try to get the treat, you can reward them with that and a separate one. Over time, wait longer before offering the second treat, and use the command with other items in one location or on the go.
Teaching Your Canine Companion Wilderness Skills
Wilderness skills are essential for you and your dog when disaster strikes. Teaching them these skills can keep your crew safe in any scenario.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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