Commands and translation

Many people like to use commands for competition that are distinctly different from the commands that they use around the house. This is one way to indicate that the dog is “working” and makes it easier for you the trainer to be consistent with the behaviour that you ask from the dog. As an example, you can use the “down” command around the house and the “platz” command on the field. Down means to “lay down” whereas the platz means to “lay down but continue to watch me for my next command”.

In addition, using German commands honors the heritage and traditions of the German Shepherd Dog and the sport of Schutzhund. The German language seems to lend itself to being yelled on an open field.

You do not need to be fluent in German but learning these handful of terms can help you in the sport.

German Pronounciation Meaning Heir Here Formal come Sitz Sits Sit Platz Plotz Down Steh Shtay Stand Steh Auf Shtay Auf Stand Up Bleib Blibe Stay Fuss Foos Heel Such Zook Seek or Track Pfui Fooey Shame or Stop it Gib Laut Geeb Laut Speak Aus Ows Drop It, Stop:Attack Voran For Ahn Go Forward, Take the Lead Voraus For Ows Go Forward, Run Out Pass Auf Pus Auf Beware, Watch Out Bringen Bringen Fetch, Bring Hopp Hup Jump Nein Nine No Achtung Ahk-toong Watch out, Heads Up Fass Fahs Take Hold, Grip The Sleeve

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