If there were only one thing...

[DanL]

Originally Posted by Zoom

Down would be my #1.

Second would be STFU, especially with Aussies

That cracked me up, good one!

[adojrts]

Originally Posted by Dekka

Ado, I was going to say recall.. but thought if I had a rock solid emergency down that could fix most running off problems, as well as reactivity problems, leave it problems.

If I could train a second thing (and leaving socialization out) I would say recall.

Good point, hard choice either way.

[adojrts]

Originally Posted by Zoom

Second would be STFU, especially with Aussies

[lizzybeth727]

Obviously socialization is the most important part of a dog's life. But I'm assuming we're talking about behaviors we can teach dogs to do.....

The only time I use "down" with Luna is on the table in agility. Seriously.... never ever use it. I guess maybe with the big dogs down's more important.

What I do use with her - several times a week, at least - is "stop." I have no idea how I taught it, really, but it means to freeze and stay there until I get there. I can use it in place of "leave it," recall, don't jump; it's highly helpful in agility, etc. Usually I use it when I drop her leash (yes, that happens a lot).

My second most important thing is hand touch. If my dog has a very solid hand touch, on verbal cue, I can use it to get his attention off of anything (again, in place of "leave it"), to position him (like in loose leash walking), to teach him to target, to do recalls (dog doesn't need to know "come" if he knows "touch"!), etc.

[M&M's Mommy]

Assuming that the dog is already housebroken, then I'd want to teach them the "come" command.

[Doberluv]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zoom

Second would be STFU, especially with Aussies

What does that stand for?

[CharlieDog]

A down, most definitely.

And STFU means Shut The F*** Up.