Training your dog using Dutch commands brings clarity, consistency, and a touch of international flair to obedience training. Dutch words are often short, distinct, and carried sharply, making them ideal for clear communication—even in noisy or distracting environments. In this comprehensive guide (over 1,200 words), you’ll discover essential Dutch commands, corresponding hand signals, step‑by‑step teaching methods, breed‑specific adjustments, troubleshooting strategies, real‑world training examples, and tips to integrate these commands seamlessly into daily life.
Why Use Dutch Commands?
- Distinct Sound Patterns: Dutch commands are often diphthong‑rich and punchy—’Zit’, ‘Blijf’, ‘Kom’—which helps dogs distinguish them clearly from casual conversation.
- Language Consistency: Training exclusively in one language prevents confusion between English and Dutch words, allowing more reliable cue recognition over time.
- Cultural Connection: Whether you’re Dutch‑speaking or simply interested in the linguistic heritage of Schutzhund and European working dog traditions, using Dutch commands reinforces that bond.
- Global Versatility: Dutch is used in IPO, agility, obedience, tracking sports, and is common among European handlers—learning it helps if you ever attend classes or events abroad.
Core Dutch Commands and Hand Signals
Begin with these fundamental commands—clear meaning, precise hand signals, and structured training tips help establish strong obedience foundations:
| English | Dutch | Hand Signal | Description & Training Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit | Zit | Palm down, move from shoulder to hip level | Teach by luring hips back with a treat or by gently guiding. Reward immediate compliance. Fade treats when reliable, but keep praise strong. |
| Down | Af | Flat hand pushed downward to the floor | Train from a sit. Slowly lower the hand to encourage a flat down. Ask quietly—Dutch dogs often respond dramatically to calm cues. |
| Stay | Blijf | Flat palm toward dog at chest height | Start standing close, then gradually increase distance. Reward while dog holds. Clear release afterwards is essential. |
| Come | Kom / Hier | Arm extended, palm in, sweeping to yourself | Teach early. Use upbeat tone and treat lure to encourage recall. Dutch dogs can be independent — build excitement in cue delivery. |
| Heel | Voet | Hand taps thigh or lifts slightly at pocket height | Useful for tight walking. Short bursts backward, with treats for position, help shape consistent heel behavior. |
| Stand | Sta | Palm up pushed forward | Transition from sit/down. Reward all four paws down with even weight distribution—perfect for vet or groom prep. |
| Down From Furniture | Af (same as down) | Flat hand away from furniture | Use consistently to signal “get down”. Reinforce with treat alternative like “Zit” to keep behavior polite. |
| Leave It | Laat | Hand moves away sharply from nose level | Start with low‑value items, progressively increase challenge. Reward when dog shifts attention—even to handler eye contact. |
| Drop It | Los | Palm open, push down | Use toy exchange technique: withhold treat until drop, then reward. Build reliability to impulse control and safety. |
| No/Stop | Nee | Index finger wag or firm hand palm down | Use sparingly for unwanted behavior. Better to redirect to an appropriate command rather than constant negative feedback. |
| Wait | Wacht | Flat palm or raised index finger | Perfect for doorway, curb, or harness waits. Train release word—this builds consistency in obedience transitions. |
Intermediate & Enrichment Commands
These commands help develop focus, mental flexibility, and fun routine:
| English | Dutch | Hand Signal | Use Case & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speak/Bark | Blaff / Praat | Hand near mouth, open/close fingers | Use for alert training, but direct to single-bark response. Immediately reinforce silence afterward. |
| Quiet | Stil | Finger over lips | Works in tandem with “Blaff.” Reward pause after barking. Use short sequences to train proprioception. |
| Fetch | Apport | Point to object | Satisfies natural retrieval drive. Add “Los” at the end to build strong exchange habits. |
| Paw / Shake | Geef poot | Extend hand flat | Friendly trick useful in therapy or greeting contexts. Builds handler-dog engagement and trust. |
| Roll Over | Rollen | Arm sweeps belly in a curve | Fun agility cue. Shape step-by-step—ask for one quarter turn at a time until dog learns full roll. |
| Spin | Draai | Finger draws circle in air | Build coordination and focus. Lure with treat, then fade out cue and reinforce promise of reward. |
| Find/Search | Zoek | Index finger pointing outward | Introduce scent work or toy find games. Gradually increase search area indoors and outside. |
| Touch | Tik | Hand out, palm toward target | Teach dog to touch your hand or target—useful for triggering devices, therapy tasks, or trust games. |
| Place | Plek | Point toward mat | Sends dog to a designated spot. Helps structure downtime and builds calm independence. |
Advanced & Working Commands
Perfect for dogs in sport, service, or advanced obedience:
| English | Dutch | Hand Signal | Context & Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search | Speur / Bear | Arm extends outward with palm up | Used for tracking or scent work. Start in safe environment, add scent traces, build clear indication behavior. |
| Guard/Alert | Waak | Hand shading eyes, palm down | Used to focus attention on area or person. Great for therapy or watch roles—reward for calm vigilance. |
| Backoff/Release | Af (retreat context) | Flat hand pushing away from body | Part of distance control. Use in working dog scenarios to retreat from a scent or obstacle. |
| Heel Through | Voet door | Hand taps thigh in circular motion | Teaches your dog to walk through restricted spaces in heel position. Excellent for crowded areas or agility tunnels. |
| Retrieve Specific | Breng | Point to target object then back to handler | Useful in service or police work—targeted retrieval of items like keys or evidence. Build trust through sequence drills. |
Training Methodology & Best Practices
Effectively using Dutch commands requires structure, consistency, and a positive approach—below are core strategies used by European trainers:
1. One Command at a Time
Begin with foundational cues (Zit, Af, Blijf). Reinforce 8–10 correct repetitions before introducing a second command. This avoids rushing and confusion.
2. Pair Word & Gesture
Always deliver both cue and hand signal. Vocal alone may work at home, but under noise or distance, the gesture ensures clarity.
3. Reinforce Early, Fade Later
Start with treats or toy for motivation. As proficiency develops, replace with praise or play to build sustained response without constant food reward.
4. Gradually Add Distractions
Once a command is reliable indoors, use the garden, then parks, sidewalks, and busy streets. Use random sequences during walks to keep dog alert.
5. Use Clear Release Cues
Always define end-of-stay or down with a release word like “OK” or “Vrij.” Teach your dog to wait until release, reducing anticipation and bolting risks.
6. Train Daily, Short Bursts
Five minutes, three to five times per day keeps your dog engaged without fatigue. Consistency is more effective than length.
7. Use Real-Life Integration
Ask “Zit” before feeding, “Blijf” at doors, “Voet” during walks. This embeds training into daily routine, boosting reliability.
8. Monitor Progress & Adjust
If a command weakens, simplify context and rebuild. Track sessions in a journal—note distractions, duration, response—and plan next steps accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pulling on Leash During “Voet”
Solution: Stop moving if the dog pulls, ask for “Zit” or a 3‑step heel, then proceed. Praise calm position; repeat until leash slack becomes automatic.
Inconsistent Recall (“Kom” fails outside)
Solution: Go back to basics—short distance, high‑value treats or toy before increasing challenge. Never call to punish.
Refusal to Lie Down (“Af” failure)
Solution: Break command down: ask for “Zit,” lure lower with treat to nose-to-ground, praise small steps. Gradually build to full down.
Over‑Excited Barking on Cue (“Blaff” misuse)
Solution: Use short sequences—one bark for “Blaff,” then prompt “Stil” and reward silence. Increase calm hold over time.
Breaking “Blijf” Too Quickly
Solution: Reduce reward after every 3 seconds hold; increase gradually. Increase distance slowly and never advance before mastery.
Real‑World Case Studies
- Agility Practice: Dutch Shepherd in the Netherlands uses “Draai” and “Voet door” for tight obstacle navigation. Precise signals add speed and structure.
- Tracking Exercise: A German Shepherd working police K9 uses “Speur” in scent trails, with clear visual signals from unseen handler. Reliable indications led to suspect location.
- Therapy Dog Context: A Labrador trained with “Geef poot” and “Plek” responds calmly in hospitals—hand signals ensure silent control during sensitive visits.
Daily Integration of Dutch Commands
- Morni ng routine: “Zit” before feeding, “Wacht” at sliding door.
- Walk exercises: Ask “Voet” during crossing, reward calm position before continuing.
- Play time: Use “Apport” and “Los” during fetch; transition to “Draai” at end of session for a fun cooldown.
- Mealtime: Extend “Blijf” before letting the dog eat—start short and build longer holds over days.
- Calm down: Afternoon rest sessions use “Plek” to reinforce self‑control and downtime behaviors.
Conclusion
Training your dog with Dutch commands offers clarity, cultural enrichment, and strong obedience foundations. With crisp verbal cues, matching gestures, structured teaching methods, troubleshooting frameworks, and real‑world application strategies, you’re equipped to develop a reliable, responsive canine companion. Stick to short, consistent sessions; reward positivity; end each training moment on a high note. Soon your dog will respond instinctively to “Zit,” “Blijf,” “Kom,” and more—creating a partnership built on trust and communication.
Begin today: pick one command—“Zit” or “Af”—practice for five focused minutes, and celebrate every improvement. Share your progress and insights—it helps others and strengthens your bond!