“Enough” is one of the most unusual yet necessary commands you will ever teach your pet. It is a command that will stop an activity when it is time to do so, which is after it was “Ok” and before it gets to be too much.

To teach your dog the “Enough” command, wait until he is about to go too far with something. A perfect example would be a noise at the door. He runs to the door, listens, maybe sniffs, and then begins to bark. After a good minute or so, you notice that your loyal watchdog is still barking. This is the perfect time for him to learn the word enough!

With a deep, resonant but not overly loud tone, say his name followed by “Enough.” What happens next? He will turn and look at you while waiting for a response. You will then praise him immediately for stopping and looking at you. If he resumes barking, repeat the command “Enough!” with a more assertive tone and again praise him if he stops.

However, if your dog is an incessant barker, you will have to get up, go to the door, grab his collar and give him one good gentle shake followed by saying “Enough.” Praise him when he stops.

If your dog has not gotten the message at this time and starts yapping again, turn quickly back to him. Give him three shakes this time and then repeat the command “Enough!” Take him away from the door and do an occasional check to make sure he has not sneaked away.

You can use the command “Enough” in a variety of situations. A good example is when you are playing with your dog and you do not feel like playing anymore or when he gets too excited during play and gets too rough and starts mouthing. Say “Enough” and stop the play. If necessary, grab him and hold him until he looks at you then say the command. Do this repeatedly until he gets the message.

Other types of situations when it is appropriate to give this command are the following: when giving treats; when playing fetch, when on an outing. Your dog will quickly learn that “Enough” means that whatever he is doing was ok but it is going to stop for the time being.

It is important to keep in mind that “Enough” and “No” are two different commands and should be used carefully so as not to confused your dog. “Enough” means that what was happening was ok but has to stop for now. On the other hand, “No” means that whatever he is doing is forbidden now and at all times.

Puppies and dogs that jump up on you are only looking for attention, and it is your duty to give it to them. If, when you enter a room, your puppy dashes over to greet you, bend over to pet him. If you simply stand where you are, he will probably want more of a greeting from you and speaking to him is not enough. Remember that this display of affection is one of the ways your puppy will show that he loves you, and your affectionate response will assure him of your devotion. 

If your puppy jumps on your friends or strangers when they come to visit you, another method must be employed. Have the puppy on a leash when a caller comes to the door and as the puppy starts to jump up, pull him back. Ask your friend to reach down and pet him.

Any time you pull your puppy back off balance, say “No, easy,” to him. It is best to have a collar on your puppy at this time. The collar should not be heavy and it should fit properly. If you wish to teach your dog later on to stand up against you, try this. Encourage him to stand against you by saying, “Up,” and patting your chest. If the dog jumps and leans on you too heavily, gently tap him in the chest. Encourage him to try again, and when he leans against you lightly, praise him with your voice and pet him.

Obedience Trials are held in conjunction with most all-breed shows. There are also Obedience Trials held separately and sponsored by training clubs. The latter cater to the Obedience exhibitors and feature such niceties as large rings, close-cropped grass at outdoor shows, efficient stewarding, and an impressive trophy list.

There are three regular classes at an Obedience Trial: Novice, Open, and Utility. The degrees that correspond with these classes are CD (Companion Dog), CDX (Companion Dog Excellent), and UD (Utility Dog). A perfect score in each of these classes is 200 points, and in order to gain a qualifying score your dog must earn 170 or more points and more than 50% of each exercise.

When you have received three qualifying scores in the Novice Class under three different judges, the American Kennel Club will send you a Companion Dog Certificate with the name of your dog and the title CD after his name. This makes it official, and you may now compete in the Open Class whenever you are ready. (A dog may continue to compete in Novice B until he receives a qualifying score in an Open class or until he has won one High in Trial.) You need the same number of qualifying scores to earn a Companion Dog Excellent and a Utility Dog certificate.

Once you have the CDX title you may compete in the Open B Class as often as you wish, and you may go ahead and try your dog in the Utility Class. Later when he has his UD title you may wish to compete in both the Open B and Utility classes just for the fun of it. You can earn the title UDX (Utility Dog Excellent) by competing and qualifying in both Open B and Utility B, in ten trials.

Use the titles CD, CDX, and UD after your dog’s name as soon as he earns them. They

represent a great deal of work and are a badge of distinction. A very small percentage of the dogs in this country have earned the right to use them. Once a dog has earned his Utility title, he may continue to compete in Open B and Utility B (if divided) to earn points toward his Obedience Trial Championship. He must accumulate 100 points by winning First or Second Place in these classes, and a total of three Firsts under three different judges, including a Utility First, an Open B First, and another First.

In order to accumulate these points, a dog must compete against other dogs who have already acquired their OT Championships and who are making a career of competing for points. This is unfortunate as it gives them an unfair advantage, and it discourages competition.