Which commands are essential for a service dog to master?

The selected answer highlights commands that are foundational for service dogs, concentrating on obedience and control, which are crucial for their role in assisting individuals with disabilities.

Commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," "heel," and "down" are integral to ensuring a service dog can respond appropriately in various situations. For instance, "sit" and "down" help the dog to settle in public settings or when the handler needs them to remain stationary. "Stay" prevents the dog from moving until given further instructions, which is vital for safety. "Come" is important for recall, ensuring the dog can be summoned when needed. Meanwhile, "heel" ensures the dog walks closely and attentively beside the handler, facilitating smoother navigation in different environments.

In contrast, the other choices focus on tricks or less practical commands. For example, commands like "roll over," "play dead," and "fetch" (as mentioned in the first option) do not contribute to the essential functioning of a service dog, nor do commands like "shake hands" or "spin" (from the last choice). These activities may be entertaining but do not enhance the dog's ability to perform the critical tasks needed for assistance in real-life scenarios. Thus, mastering the