The Dumb Dog.com Blog

And that is the word "OK"

Now you need to teach your dog a release command.  That is a command to
tell your dog they have finished the command, to get unfocused to what you (or
they) are doing.  Now this is a needed command, just don’t choose the word
"OK" to do it.  

Here are the consequences:

• Dogs don’t know you are on the phone (well some do, but most don’t) 
  Say the word "OK" in a conversation and watch the dog take off.
• Same goes with talking to your neighbor.  If the dog hears you
  say  "OK" they do not know it was not directed at them, and
  off they go.
• My wife tells me it’s dinner time, so I’ll say "OK Dear". 
  Well, I just sent the dog to the house.

You see the dilemma.  Using everyday conversational words as commands
will not only confuse the dog, it can also produce unintended results.

When choosing a release command, but sure it is one that is not commonly used
in a human conversation.  Better still to come up with a dog voculably.

My favorite command is used by sheep herders. Since I own a Border Collie,
it’s a natural command:

That’ll DO!!

That’ll Do!! can mean many things, but the primary command means this: 
‘I’m telling you that you are done with what you are doing, now quit!’ That
includes herding animals, running through the house, begging, as well as usual
or unusual behavior.  The best part is that it is a dog specific
command.  You won’t confuse a dog if they hear That’ll Do!

I will introduce more commands later. All are designed to make life easier
for you and your dog.