Teaching Your Dog to "Get Back"
"Get Back" is one of those commands that sounds optional until you actually need it. Doorways, busy sidewalks, crosswalks, the moment you're juggling grocery bags and keys and all three of you are trying to fit through the front door at once. Once your dog has it down, you'll use it more than you'd expect.
Here's how to teach it.
What you'll need
A dog leash and a good supply of small treats. The treats are doing the heavy lifting in the early stages, so use something your dog finds genuinely motivating. This isn't the moment for the discount biscuits.
Start with the hand signal
Begin with your dog on leash, sitting at your left side in heel position. Take a few steps forward together. Then, with a treat in your left hand, show it to your dog and move your hand behind your left leg. When your dog follows the treat and ends up positioned behind you, mark the moment with a clear "Yes!" and give them the treat.
Repeat this several times until your dog is following the hand motion reliably. They're learning that moving behind you is the thing that earns the reward.
Add the verbal cue
Once the hand signal is working consistently, introduce the words "Get Back." The pattern needs to be clear and predictable for your dog to connect the words to the behavior. It should go like this:
- Say "Get Back"
- Pause briefly
- Use your hand signal
- When your dog responds, mark with "Yes!" and reward with a treat
The pause between the verbal cue and the hand signal is important. It gives your dog a chance to respond to the words before the hand motion fills in the answer for them.
Phase out the hand signal
As your dog gets more consistent, slowly reduce the hand signal. Some dogs pick this up quickly. Others need more repetitions before the verbal cue alone does the job. Go at your dog's pace, not yours. Rushing this part just creates confusion.
Real world use
This command earns its keep in everyday situations. Coming in from outside when you've got your hands full. Moving through a doorway without a foot race. Crossing a street. Any moment where you need your dog to step back and give you a beat to manage something.
The dog leash stays useful long after the training phase is done, both for practicing in new environments and for those moments when you need a little more control while the behavior is still solidifying.
Practice this one in short sessions and keep it positive. It's a practical command that makes daily life with a dog genuinely easier, and most dogs enjoy having a clear job to do.
Photo: Up Country Got Bones Dog Collar and matching Got Bones Leash