Safety in public: teaching the "under" command

Does your dog get nervous in public places—or maybe attract too much attention from strangers? The “under” command is a fantastic tool to help your dog tuck safely out of the way in busy environments. It’s practical, confidence-building, and keeps both you and your dog comfortable.

Take Zoey, for example. Her owner loves bringing her along to outings, but Zoey gets overwhelmed when strangers try to pet her. By teaching her the under command, Zoey now has a safe, predictable spot under a chair or table, and her owner can protect her space more easily.

Why Teach the Under Command?

• Keeps your dog out of foot traffic in restaurants, cafes, or waiting rooms.

• Provides a safe, cozy spot for nervous or easily distracted dogs.

• Helps discourage unwanted interactions from strangers.

• Builds off skills your dog may already know, like down and place.

Step-by-Step Training Plan

Before starting, your dog should already understand:

• Food lures

• Leash pressure

• Down command

• Marker words (“Good” / “Yes”)

Introduce Under

• Lead or lure your dog under a chair.

• Cue a down in position.

• Reward while your dog stays tucked under.

• Release and repeat.

Add the Cue

Once your dog is consistently moving into position, begin naming the command:

• Say “Under” as you guide them into place.

• Reward when they complete it successfully.

Build Reliability

Start testing with challenges:

• Sit in the chair yourself.

• Move your feet.

• Stand up, then sit back down. Each time your dog holds the position, reward. If they break, calmly say “No,” guide them back under, and retry until they succeed.

Generalize the Skill

• Practice in different chairs, benches, and tables around your home.

• Try during family dinner or movie night.

• Once your dog is consistent at home, take the skill into public spaces.

From Home to Public Access

The under command is essentially a portable place command with an implied down-stay. With practice, your dog learns that “under” means “tuck in, settle, and wait.”

Not only does this help your dog feel safe, but it also shows the world that your pup is well-trained, polite, and ready for public life.

Want to see it in action?

Check out this video and follow Beyond Behavior K9 training for more tips!