Training Tip: The "Go" Command

One of my favorite commands that I often use with my own dogs and the dogs I walk is the "go" command.
Go is a great versatile command that enables you to point your dog in a direction and send them off with the word "go". This allows you to send your dog in and out of doors, cars, and rooms. Go is also useful for getting your dog out of your way, and sending them away from things you don't want the to be playing with. I love the "go" command because it can save you trouble, help your dog literally understand where you need him or her to be, and send your dog away from dangerous situations.
I stumbled upon the "go" command when teaching my own dog to run through the common tubes on playscapes (similar to agility tubes) for fun. This is still my favorite way to teach this command but a hallway or other similar one direction space will work.
To teach this command follow these steps:
1: Place the dog in front of the tube or other area you will be using(ensure that this is a place they are already used to), place a treat, toy, person, or other encouragement at the opposite end
2: Point to the opposite end so that your dog can see and say go, then allow them to run to the other side
3: Reward them with their favorite encouragement when they have reached the other side
4: Continue to repeat this process until they can reliably perform the "go" command in this environment
5: Slowly introduce the command into new environments in the same way, returning to the original environment periodically to reinforce the command
As always be patient and use your own creativity and knowledge of your dog to make training successful and enjoyable!