If you've ever seen a military dog you might have noticed how incredible they are from their listening skills to hunting skills.

One of the key factors behind their success is the long training they receive. In this article, we will explore 14 essential military dog training commands.

Let's dive in!

1. Attention

First on the list is the command "Attention" which is the first step in training a military dog. It teaches the dog to focus on the handler and await further instructions. To start, stand in front of your dog and give the verbal command "Attention" while maintaining eye contact. Reward your dog with praise or treats when they respond correctly by looking directly at you. Consistency is key, so practice this command in various environments to reinforce the behavior.

2. Sit

The "Sit" command is a fundamental skill that every military dog must master. It helps maintain control and allows the handler to assess the situation. Begin by holding a treat close to your dog's nose and slowly raise it above their head. As their nose follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sitting position. Once they are seated, praise them and give the verbal command "Sit." Repeat this exercise regularly until your dog responds promptly to the command, even without the treat incentive.

3. Stay

The "Stay" command is crucial for keeping a military dog in place until given further instructions. Start with your dog in the sitting position and place your open palm in front of their face, as if signaling them to stop. Give the verbal command "Stay" while taking a step back. If your dog remains still, return to them, praise them, and reward them with a treat. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay, ensuring your dog stays in place until released.

4. Down

The "Down" command is useful for keeping a military dog low to the ground, reducing their visibility in certain situations. Begin by commanding your dog to sit. Then, hold a treat close to their nose and lower it to the ground between their paws. As they follow the treat, their body will naturally lower into a lying position. Once they are down, give the verbal command "Down" and reward them with praise or a treat. Practice this command in different environments to ensure your dog can respond reliably.

5. Attack

The "Attack" command is perhaps the most critical command for military dogs involved in combat situations. However, it requires specialized training and should only be taught by professional trainers. The process involves teaching the dog to apprehend or immobilize a target on command. The safety of both the dog and handler is of utmost importance, so proper training and supervision are essential.

6. Come

The command "come" is one of the fundamental commands in military dog training. It is essential for ensuring that the dog returns to the handler promptly and reliably. This command is critical in situations where the dog needs to quickly respond to instructions or be recalled for safety reasons. Teaching the "come" command starts with a leash and collar. Begin by placing the dog on a leash and gently pulling them towards you while saying "come" in a firm and clear voice. As the dog moves towards you, reward them with praise and a treat. Repeat this exercise multiple times, gradually increasing the distance between you and the dog. Eventually, the dog will associate the command "come" with returning to the handler and will respond even without the use of a leash.

7. Jump

The "jump" command is essential for military dogs that need to overcome obstacles or access elevated areas during operations. This command is particularly useful in scenarios such as search and rescue missions, where the dog may need to navigate through debris or climb onto structures. Teaching a dog to jump starts with basic obedience training. Begin by commanding the dog to sit, then hold a treat above their head and say "jump" in a clear and assertive tone. As the dog reaches for the treat, raise it slightly higher to encourage them to jump. Reward the dog with praise and treats when they successfully jump. Gradually increase the height of the obstacle to challenge the dog and reinforce the command.

8. Bite

The "bite" command is a crucial aspect of training military dogs for protection and apprehension work. This command enables the dog to apprehend suspects or engage in defensive actions when necessary. Teaching a dog to bite requires professional guidance and should only be performed by experienced trainers. The process typically involves the use of a bite sleeve or a specialized training apparatus. The dog is trained to respond to a specific command, such as "bite" or "engage," and directed towards the target. It is crucial that this command is used responsibly and in compliance with legal and ethical guidelines.

9. Release

The "release" command is as important as the "bite" command in military dog training. It ensures that the dog can let go of an object or a person upon instruction. This command is crucial to maintaining control over the dog during apprehension scenarios or when retrieving items. Teaching a dog to release starts with basic obedience training. Begin by commanding the dog to hold an object, such as a toy or a bite sleeve. As the dog firmly holds the object, use a distinct command, such as "release" or "let go," while gently prying their mouth open. Reward the dog with praise and treats when they release the object willingly. Consistent repetition and positive reinforcement are key to mastering this command.

10. Guard

The "guard" command teaches military dogs to protect and defend an area or a person. This command is crucial for tasks such as patrol work or guarding military installations. Teaching a dog to guard requires professional guidance and should only be performed by experienced trainers. The process involves teaching the dog to bark and growl on command while displaying controlled aggression. It is important to note that the "guard" command should only be used in appropriate situations and under the supervision of trained handlers. The safety of the dog, the handler, and others should always be the top priority.

11. Quiet

The "quiet"command is an important command for military dogs, especially when they are engaged in operations that require stealth and silence. Dogs are trained to stop barking or making any noise when given this command. This command is particularly useful in situations where the element of surprise is crucial, such as during covert missions or ambushes. Training dogs to respond quickly and reliably to the "quiet" command is essential for maintaining the element of surprise and ensuring the safety of the entire team.

12. Track

The "track" command is a fundamental skill for military dogs, as it allows them to locate individuals or objects based on scent. The "track" command is used to instruct dogs to follow a specific scent trail and locate the target. This command is particularly useful in search and rescue operations, where time is of the essence.

13. Stand

The "stand" command is an important command for military dogs, especially during situations that require them to remain still and alert. Dogs are trained to stand on command and maintain their position until instructed otherwise. This command is particularly useful in scenarios where dogs need to provide a visual presence or act as a deterrent.

By training dogs to stand on command, military personnel can ensure that their dogs remain focused and alert, ready to respond to any potential threats.

14. Fetch

The "fetch" command is an essential command that allows military dogs to retrieve objects or bring them back to their handlers. This command is particularly useful in situations where there is a need to recover items, such as weapons, tools, or even important documents. By training dogs to respond to the "fetch" command, military personnel can rely on their canine companions to retrieve objects quickly and efficiently.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, 14 real military training dog commands. Training dogs especially in the military is complex and requires time, dedication, and expertise.

The 14 commands covered in this article form the foundation of a well-trained military dog. From attention to attack, each command plays a crucial role in shaping these dogs into disciplined and reliable assets for the military.

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