“Close”, or sometimes known as “Finish”, is a command that brings your dog from any position to a sit directly on your left side. We like to teach “Close” as a stationary heel. We feel it’s more specific for the dog to understand that heel is when in motion and close is when the handler is in a stationary position.
The “Close” command can be useful in many different ways. First, you could be in high pedestrian traffic and you want your dog out of the way and tight to your side. Second, you could be at a crosswalk and you want your dog to be next to you and waiting to cross. Third, you could be talking to someone while out on a walk and you don’t want your dog to be pulling or potentially jumping on the other person. Fourth, you could be greeting another dog and you want your dog to be in a controlled state prior to the greeting.
To teach close, start with your dog facing you, on leash. Begin by pivoting your left leg back while saying the command “close” and gently guiding your pup to a point 4 feet diagonally back to the left of your right foot, or a couple feet away from your left foot which is now located behind your body. Continue to gently guide your dog to that point and then when he reaches it, guide him into a U-turn toward your left foot. Once your dog reaches an area near your left foot, pivot your left foot back to its starting point while guiding your dog toward your repositioned left foot. As your pup approaches your repositioned left foot, pull back on the leash and tell your dog to sit. Once he sits, use the marker word “yes!” followed by the command “close” and give your pup a treat. Follow it up with another “yes! Close!” and another treat – then do it one more time. So, in total, you will be giving your dog 3 treats.
After a second or two in this position, say “OK” (the release word) and move a few steps forward, signaling to your dog that he can now move with you. Your dog should learn through repetition that he is to stay in the close position until released with the “OK”. After a few more seconds, reset your pup to face you and start the close procedure again. Remember to say the command “close” two times during the process. You should say “close” when you commence, and another “close” when your pup reaches your pivoted left foot.
After about 5 to 7 iterations, your dog should sit without issuing the command. Test this after 5 iterations by not saying sit and see if he does. If he doesn’t, obviously issue the sit command and then do so for 3 or 4 more iterations and then test him again. Normally, it takes about 50-80 iterations to get your dog to perform the close command without any physical input on your part. When this happens, your dog, from any position relative to you, will move into position and if necessary, swing his butt around so that he is sitting and facing the same direction as you.
You should practice this command in 10-minute intervals, taking at least 15 minute breaks in-between. Have fun!
