Groomers Guide

The 8 Commands
digital illustration of woman speaking to dog that has its paw raised
Using Consistent Cues for a Safer Groom

by Jennifer Bishop Jenkins

Every one of us must learn the universal “rules of the road” when we first take our driver’s tests as teens and earn that all important driver’s license. We come to know that a red octagonal sign means to STOP, a yellow triangular sign means to YIELD and a traffic light that is green means GO.

Similarly, this is true for our relationship with dogs. There are eight commands that are universally taught in every basic obedience class, everywhere, to all dogs fortunate enough to go through those classes with caring owners. These are the universal rules of the road for dogs. The commands are: Heel, Sit, Stay, Stand, Down, Come, Off, Leave It.

It is important that dogs and humans all learn these universally known basics of communication. Dogs can become confused when there is no consistency with these words and these expectations. Having to learn different signals and language with each human is not a fair or helpful expectation that we should impose on our relationship with these extraordinary creatures.
Safety First
As pet professionals, we have an ethical obligation above all else to keep dogs safe. Communication between species is not automatic or easy, so being consistent with what is universally used to communicate with dogs is foundational to being safe with them.

There is a lot more to grooming safely than just knowing basic training commands, but communicating with our beloved dog clients is a foundationally important aspect. And it starts with clear communication done in ways that we can quickly, correctly, and easily engage with this whole other species in an effective and consistent way.

Educating Yourself
We groomers take money from people to be knowledgeable about dogs, so it is a fair expectation that all groomers know the universal basic obedience commands. All of us really should get a basic obedience training class, preferably from a local kennel club.

Individual, private professional trainers can be good, but they can also be all over the map, and even be problematic. Some pride themselves on developing their own individual or uniquely branded commands and techniques.

Another added benefit to taking an obedience class with your local kennel club is that you will meet lots of local dog people who will be thrilled to see a local professional groomer there learning about obedience training, and could even gain you some new clients. Of course, you will have to have a dog that you can take through these classes and practice with for a few minutes daily for the typically eight weeks of classes.

The 8 Commands
  1. HEEL: This is where the dog is walking on your left side, with their neck area aligned approximately to your left leg.
  2. SIT: This is the easiest command in the world for all dogs, and such a natural behavior.
  3. STAY: Usually given when the dog it sitting or lying down, this means don’t move from that spot until a release word is given.
  4. STAND: Meaning to stand on all four legs, preferably still, this is a very useful command for dogs on a grooming table.
  5. DOWN: This command means lie down, not get down if they are jumping up—that is the OFF command.
  6. COME: While not often used in a salon setting, where dogs are either crated or on a leash, it should still be practiced for reinforcement since responding to this command is paramount to a dog’s safety.
  7. OFF: This means do not jump up on me or can be used any time a dog is getting up on something they should not.
  8. LEAVE IT: This means drop something that’s in your mouth or don’t touch that thing that you’re showing interest in that we do not want them to.
Be Consistent
These obedience commands are consistently effective because they are natural behaviors, are important to our relationship with dogs and are universally used by all people who know even the least little bit about dogs. I have used them with dogs who are total strangers to me and even included some hand signals that are taught at more advance levels of obedience training, and the dogs almost always nail it at first request.

Use these commands all the time with every dog, every time. Say their name and the command clearly, simply and authoritatively in a firm but friendly tone. And with each successful completion of the command, praise them!

If they don’t get it right, say “no,” and go back to the beginning and repeat it all until they get it right. Or, if they are still in basic training, you may have to show them, teach it to them or physically help them to do it. You cannot let them get away with not doing it if you have given the command. Every time you say their name and the command, you must enforce compliance, lovingly but firmly and consistently.

There may be some exceptions such as very senior or disabled dogs that physically cannot accomplish the skill. You can allow physical adaptations that approximate what you want in these cases.

Puppies will not yet have the brain power for perfect compliance until after they are at least six months of age. While you still want to use the same verbal and consistent communications, you will likely be training and repeating while they are growing up so that they learn it consistently.

Every aspect of grooming will be aided by your using these commands repeatedly throughout the groom. Dogs love communicating clearly and they do really derive enjoyment from knowing what we are saying to them and responding properly to it.

Get Everyone On Board
Get the owners in on this process and urge them to practice the same commands. Start the conversation with your clients by letting them know that you are dedicated to safety in the salon and to your relationship with their dog, and that using these universally practiced training and communication methods will keep their dog safer and happier while they are with you and when they are out and about in the world.

If there are staff or other co-workers in a salon, make sure everyone is on the same page. If you are not the owner or manager, talk to them about the importance of using consistent obedience commands to ensure a safe foundation for a successful, happy and healthy business. When they understand that chaotic grooming areas are a danger to their businesses and bottom lines, as well as to the dogs, they should want all their staff to have this basic training knowledge.

Getting into the habit of communicating with dogs verbally in a way that is universally consistent with the rest of their lives is going to make our jobs easier and our relationships with our clients much happier and more successful. Basic training and universally used obedience language is just part of being a pet care professional, and it truly is a joy to be in real communication with a whole other species.

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