What is a release word in dog training?

These are questions I am asked when discussing the importance of “releasing” our dogs during training.  In this segment I am going to answer these questions and discuss how to properly use a release command to help maximize your effort and results. I will also talk about how to teach the “release” command.

A “release” can be a word, a sound, or a signal to let our dog know that a reward is imminent. Let’s use a photograph as an example.  When we release our dogs we are taking a “snapshot” of what they were doing to earn a reward.  At first our dogs may not realize exactly what they did, but quickly they learn that every time they offer a certain behavior they are rewarded!  Our dogs soon learn that it is worth it to them to offer these behaviors in the hope of earning a reward.

One of the more common verbal releases I hear when working with pet owners is the word “OK”.  While this word may be used as release, it is a word we use frequently in everyday conversation and could cause our dogs to release prematurely and be confusing to the dog. Instead, I prefer using words such as “Yes” or  “Break”.  I personally teach two release words to our clients.  “Break” or “Yes” which are release commands leading to a reward, however we are still training – it’s not playtime. The other release word is “Free” which is a release command that marks the end of training.

At this point our dogs start paying more careful attention in the hope of earning a reward and focusing on the release. This is extremely helpful for teaching our dog impulse control.  Our dogs will be more focused and excited to hold the command even if we are holding their favorite toy, treat, or even just picking up their leash as we are preparing to take them for a walk. They are now waiting for the release.  This compares to the ringing of the school bell signaling to children that class has ended or the joy of hearing the jingle of a slot machine when it stops on the right combination!

Teaching and Using the Release Command

Teaching a release starts by loading the “release” we choose to use.  “Loading the release” can be done a few ways.  I prefer food at the beginning because it allows me to reward quicker and more frequently.  At first the dog does not have to do anything specific.

Let’s start with teaching a “place” command.  Lure your dog on to the desired “place” and say, “Yes”, count to one, and give a treat. Then call your dog off the place.

Immediately bring him back onto the place and say “Yes” and reward again. Again call your dog off of the place to you and give a treat. Repeat this entire procedure 2-5 times.

Pretty soon your dog will realize that as soon as he gets on the place he is getting rewarded. He will quickly jump back onto the place.  Next, give the “release command” and have your dog come get the food from your hand and lure him back onto the place.  When he offers on his own to get onto the place, stop luring and let him do it.  Once he gets on the place, immediately release him to your hand for reward. Increase your distance by stepping back 1 or 2 feet away from the “place” and repeat the exercise.

The goal is that he runs to the place and once released runs back to you for the reward.

You are now on your way to better and much clearer communication with your dog by showing them exactly what they need to do to earn their reward.

One last thing I like to teach my dogs is to put a treat in my hand and stand still.  I wait patiently as they paw and lick and nudge, trying to get the treat.  The moment they back away from my hand I release them to the reward. I repeat this until they wait patiently for me to release them to get the treat.

I advance this exercise by offering the treat with an open hand closer to their mouth, closing my hand it if they try and take the treat. Once they sit patiently and look at me I release them to the treat.

A few final tips to be successful:

First is to use an intermittent reward. Our goal is that our dogs work when the reward is present or not.  The hope of the reward is our goal.  In order to do this we must vary reward intervals and only when our dogs are offering the wanted behavior.

Secondly, make sure the rewards are coming from the same person, and the same hand initially.

Finally, there should be a hesitation between giving the reward and the timing of the release.  A time span as short as “One Mississippi” is enough, because we don’t want to delay the reward and confuse the dog with fuzzy expectations!