I've got a 'wait' then an instant down with my leo. Pup has nothing yet but if we are coming to a road then i say stand and wait which works at the mo.

we use STAY in BIG loud voice

Wait is the word I use as well although I am training Flynn to stop on the whistle.

If i want to drop them its "Down" if its a 100% Emegancy its "GET DOWNNNNNNNNN"

if i want them to stop & come back its "with Me", I dont Use come as its my novice recall Word /word for a present.

Even Though i use Down For 3 different things in Ob & In general Everyday use they dont get confused, though i chose not to use come!!!!! ****poor dogs!!!!****

I usually end up with a really panic filled down which Len responds to immediatley but if I try and recreate it when in a training situation it has no effect.. think he can tell when I really mean it!

That's been really interesting so far, it's between "Wait" and "Down"

I was told at classes (way back) to use "Down" (loudly) in an emergency. Fortunately we have not had one, and hope I never have to use it, saying that I have practised the command and have had an instant down from both boys.

I normally use "Wait" for waiting at the roadside, or when other people/dogs are approaching.

Thanks for your replies so far

Down for Jack. Milo....... we're working on it

Thats why I dont have collies.. they're way too clever . ( i got confused reading your post but they dont so that means they are way clevererererer than me !!)

i use WAIT on mine - or Here if i want a really quick recall - as right now!

As your profile states that you train your dogs to a basic level, up to 4 commands, wait and here being two of them. May I ask what the other two commands are that you feel are important enough to be the only 4 commands necessary for your dogs to learn?