Basic dog training course without a trainer.

The GTC, or general training course, is necessary for the owner to be able to control the dog without risking a negative reaction from others.

Household pets, regardless of gender, age, or breed, should be well-behaved and manageable. Obedience training, or the General Training Course (GTC), serves this purpose. It consists of a set of fundamental commands that every dog should know. The course is called “general” because all the skills acquired by the pet during its completion are basic and necessary for training any dog.

The set of commands in the General Training Course (GTC) is mandatory for the preparation of working dogs and serves as a foundation for subsequent specialized skills training. The same list of commands is also practiced with regular household pets. In this case, it is necessary for the owner to be able to control the dog without risking negative reactions from others, as a true owner is someone who can have complete control over their pet’s behavior.

Novice dog owners don’t always know how to properly train their pets and achieve successful results from training sessions when doing it themselves. In this case, the most optimal option is to enroll in a general training course.

The General Training Course (GTC) includes a set of norms for a dog’s obedience to humans and its performance of specific commands. It was developed in the 1920s by the Russian scientist and cynologist Vsevolod Vasilyevich Yazykov.

The training methods developed by V.V. Yazykov later became the foundation of working dog training. They were used to train service dogs during the Great Patriotic War and have remained relevant to this day. The set of skills acquired by a dog during the General Training Course (GTC) is necessary not only for working and sport dogs in the early stages of training but also for ordinary household pets.

All major canine organizations hold competitions in General Training Course (GTC). Special training grounds equipped with the following equipment are used for this purpose:

• For the command “Forward!” – a jump (height – 1 m, board width – 0.2 m).
• For the command “Barrier!” – a solid fence (1.5 m), a slope (height – 1.6 m), and an athletic hurdle (height – 0.75 m).
• For the command “Forward!” – a trench (1.5 m) and a ladder (height – 3 m).

Adult dogs (12 months old) of any breed are allowed to participate in the trials. Training of dogs in heat and unhealthy pets is not permitted. The skills of the animals are evaluated by qualified judges with extensive experience who are capable of observing the slightest mistakes made by the dogs while executing the trainer’s commands.

The list of skills that a dog should acquire after completing GTC includes the following ten:

• Executing the command “Heel!” both on and off the leash.
• Executing the commands “Come here!” and “Go for a walk!”.
• Executing the command “Place!” – returning to the designated spot indicated by the owner.
• Executing the commands “Stay!”, “Sit!”, “Lie down!” using voice or gesture cues. Tested at a distance of 25 meters.
• Retrieving. The weight of the object depends on the size of the breed, while the shape remains standard for all.
• Appropriate response to a muzzle.
• Ignoring scattered food (in a 3×4 meter square). Executing the command “Leave it!” with the retrieval item and with food offered by a person.
• Appropriate response to a gunshot.
• Demonstration of bite to an unfamiliar person (judge).
• Completion of an obstacle course.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the skills acquired by dogs during the completion of GTC, it is necessary to familiarize oneself with the rules and regulations in more detail.

“Close!”.

The skill is assessed on a route determined by the competition organizers. The handler should change the trajectory, turn in different directions, make circles, and stop – the dog should move parallel, on the left side, without straying more than 2 meters away. When the handler stops, the dog should also stop, and it is allowed to sit at the handler’s feet. The command is only given at the beginning of the movement or when changing direction.

“Come to me!”.

This skill is tested when the command is given verbally and with a gesture. The command should not be repeated more than twice, and the pet’s name can be used to get their attention. The response time should not exceed 15 seconds; otherwise, the command is considered not performed. After the command is given or the gesture is made, the dog should approach the person and sit on the left side. If the dog sits in front of the handler, it is not considered a violation – an additional command of “Close!” should be given to make the pet move to the left side and sit at the handler’s feet. Upon hearing the command “Walk!”, the dog should not wander far away.

“Place!”.

First, the handler should indicate a spot to the dog. For this, the command “Lie down” is given at a specific location. When the dog takes the correct position, a signal object is placed nearby. Then the handler moves away to the required distance, 15 meters if the dog’s height is less than 42 centimeters, and 25 meters if it is larger. After that, the handler commands “Come to me!” while duplicating the vocal signal with a gesture. Once the dog approaches, after half a minute, the command “Place!” is given. The command should not be repeated more than twice. Changing the designated spot is prohibited. While executing the command, the dog should assume a lying position at the indicated spot, not moving away from the signal object further than 1 meter. The dog should remain in a lying position until the owner approaches and commands “Sit!”. If the dog performs the command at a distance from the signal object exceeding 2 meters, the task is considered not performed.

“Lie Down!”, “Stand!”, “Sit!”.

The dog’s demonstration of these command combinations is tested at a distance determined by the dog’s height. For dogs whose height is 42 centimeters or less, the distance is 15 meters, while for others, it is 25 meters. The handler must take the dog to the designated spot indicated by the judge and step away. Vocal and gesture commands are executed separately. When using gestures to control the dog, the use of its name is not allowed.

The trainer, while being at a distance, gives the corresponding commands, and the dog must execute them. All commands need to be performed twice from different positions. While demonstrating the skills, the dog must not “yawn” and should obey the commands immediately. Approaching the trainer is not allowed. However, if the handler makes a mistake and gives the command late, for example, when the dog has turned away, it is not considered the dog’s error. Resetting is not permitted if the dog goes out of the training zone by more than 3 meters. Only two repetitions of a command are allowed.

To demonstrate the skill of retrieving, the commands “Sit!”, “Fetch!”, and “Give!” are required. A standard retrieving object is used for all competition participants, with the only difference being its weight. For dogs measuring less than 42 cm, objects weighing no more than 150 g are used, while for others, it is 500 g.

First, the trainer commands “Sit!” to ensure that the dog is in the correct position by their side. Then the dog is shown the corresponding object, which the owner throws at a minimum distance of 10 m after showing it. After 5 seconds, the command “Fetch!” is given, accompanied by a reinforcing gesture. Demonstrating their abilities, the dog must bring the object no further than 1 m from the handler and assume a sitting position either at the owner’s feet or in front of them. If the dog is positioned in front of the trainer, they need to be directed to the correct position with the command “Close!”. Then the command “Give!” is given, and the dog must willingly hand over the object without any objections.

The following are considered errors: failure to retrieve, bringing the object further than 1 m from the handler, and refusal to give it up.

Muzzle.

The dog should demonstrate a calm and appropriate reaction to the muzzle. To achieve this, the handler puts the muzzle on the dog and commands it to move freely with the command “Gulay!” After a certain period of time, the owner calls the dog and removes the muzzle. During these manipulations, the dog should not display negative reactions such as dissatisfaction, aggression, or refusal to wear the muzzle.

Reaction to scattered food. Command “Leave it!”

The dog should demonstrate an appropriate attitude towards food scattered on the ground, which means not picking anything up from the ground. This ensures its future safety. The skill is tested on a 3×4 meter area where tasty food pieces are scattered in advance. The handler commands the dog to “Gulay!” (Walk!) and sends it to freely move within the designated area using a gesture. The handler also moves along with the dog. If the dog attempts to pick up the food during the passage, the command “Leave it!” is applied. The dog is penalized if it refuses to drop the food or eats it upon the “Leave it!” command. In response to the “Leave it!” command, the dog should cease any actions. The execution of this prohibiting command is tested in two ways: from the handler’s hand and from the ground. In the first case, the owner offers the dog the food several times from their hand, and when the dog attempts to take it, the command “Leave it!” is given. The dog should stop and if it has already taken the piece, it should spit it out. In the second case, the handler throws an object, accompanying the action with the command “Fetch!” but when the dog attempts to pick up the object, the command “Leave it!” is given. As a result, the dog should immediately stop or drop the object if it is already in its mouth. The test is considered unsuccessful if the dog, upon hearing the command twice, does not cease its actions.

Reaction to external stimuli.

In GTC competitions, a common external stimulus is typically a gunshot. The dog should react calmly to loud sounds. This reflex is tested while the dog is performing a specific exercise (such as fetching, “Come!”, “Heel!”, etc.). While the dog is engaged in an exercise, at a distance of approximately 15 meters, an unexpected gunshot is fired. The dog’s task is to not stop and continue performing the exercise. If the dog stops or becomes frightened, it is penalized.

Bite Assessment.

The dog should react calmly to the assessment of its bite by an unfamiliar person (judge). If the dog shows dissatisfaction, aggression, or turns away, it is penalized.

Obstacle Course.

The trainer gives commands during the obstacle course using their voice and reinforces them with corresponding hand signals. All obstacles are divided into three types: for supported jumps, unsupported jumps, and movement across the obstacle.

• Solid Wall Jump. Upon receiving the judge’s signal, the trainer approaches the obstacle with the dog and instructs the dog to jump over the solid wall using a combination of hand signals and verbal commands. Once the dog has successfully completed the command, the handler circumvents the obstacle from the right side, but not before the dog is on the ground. Three attempts are allowed to clear the obstacle.
• Athletic Hurdle, Trench. The execution of this obstacle should be contactless.
• Staircase, Boom. The dog should independently climb up and descend. The trainer is positioned to the side or behind the obstacle.

Assisting the dog is prohibited. If the dog fails to complete the exercise within three attempts or receives assistance from the handler, the exercise is considered incomplete.

Self-training.

The success of training a dog in general obedience without a trainer depends on many factors. These include the abilities of the pet, its intelligence, activity level, and temperament. It also depends on the abilities of the owner-handler, their patience, self-control, and wisdom. Some dog owners find that their dog learns excellently and successfully acquires all the necessary skills, bringing joy to their loving owner. Others struggle to achieve even the slightest progress, no matter how much time is spent on training. It is difficult to make predictions without knowing the dog’s abilities and its owner. Everything is learned through practice, so one must try. Training a dog in basic skills without a trainer is entirely possible; the crucial thing is to conduct it skillfully, with the necessary composure and patience.

Required equipment.

To participate in general obedience training, whether conducted with a trainer or without, the following equipment is necessary:

• A collar that fits the dog comfortably and is of the appropriate size is necessary.
• A long (5-8 m) and a short (1.5-2 m) leash (avoid using a retractable leash).
• A comfortable muzzle of any type, except for a loop muzzle.
• An object for marking the spot, typically a mat.
• Treat pouch on a long strap for hands-free access.

By working with your pet and teaching them basic skills, you will not only learn to control the animal but also develop a closer bond and better understanding with them. Dogs, for the most part, enjoy learning as it involves play and treat rewards. The key is to cultivate patience and diligence.