Leave it - is an interesting command for a number of reasons. When we are walking freestyle, or without a leash, we will often prowl. When we are prowling, Kepler has full license to sniff as she wishes. Sometimes the target of her interest invites a nibble and I look over to see she is chowing on something. She knows what is expected when I say ‘leave it’ but the power of the command is inversely proportional to the square of the distance I am from her and the power of the enticement.
Sit - and or a diagonal forearm in front of chest will get Kepler into a sitting position. In the puppy days I was happy to see her show that self restraint and site. Now days when I give the ‘sit’ command I fully expect her to slide into a prone position.
Down - and or a horizontal palm facing down should get Kep into a prone position.
Stay - and or a vertical facing palm lets Kepler know she is OK where she is at.
Street - an instruction to wait at the curb until instructed to cross.
Cross - the instructions that the pack is going to step off the curb and cross a street.
Doggy bed - is what I say, pointing to a her living room cushion, often with the pack treat in my hand. Doggy bed also work when the room is full of people and you need to get her from under foot or you just what her to chill.
Wait - when we are walking, it lets her know to pause.
Pack treat - It is a well known fact that a pack that eats together stays together. Every time the humans eat, there is an expectation that every critter in the pack get a bite. The pack treat is offer to Kep just as the humans sit down to eat.
You go - Kep loves to be the leader but she sometimes needs encouragement. I will also position myself behind her, a little to the side and follow her. She is frequently stopping to sniff so be careful not to get ahead of her.
Come - with a pointing hand to a spot close to me, often said, "Come here".