If you've got Borzoi, Black Russian Terrier, Samoyed, Russian Toy, Caucasian Shepherd, or another Russian dog, you would probably want to teach him/her some Russian dog commands. Russian commands for dogs are short and quite easy to pronounce and remember.
On our website, you have a unique opportunity to listen to how these commands are pronounced by a professional dog trainer, the famous Russian Dog Wizard Vladae Roytapel (you can read about Vladae at the end of this page, or on a special page devoted to the Russian Dog Wizard).
Photo Credit: Ferlinka Borzoi (Deb West)/Flickr CC
BASIC COMMANDS
First of all, teach your Russian puppy several basic and most important Russian dog commands like "Come!", "Sit!", "Down!", "Stand!", "Stay!", "Heel!" and "Out!".
Here is your initial list (capitals for stress):
COME! - KO MNE (ko MNE, "o" like in "poll", "e" like in "bell")! КО МНЕ!
SIT! - SIDET' (see-DET', "e" like in "bell", "t" palatalized)! СИДЕТЬ!
DOWN! - LYEZHAT' (lje-ZHAT', "a" like "u" in "sun", "t" palatalized)! ЛЕЖАТЬ!
STAND! - STOYAT' (sto-JAT', "o" like in "poll", "t" palatalized)! СТОЯТЬ!
STAY! - MYESTO (MJE-sto, "o" like in "poll", "e" like in "bell")! МЕСТО!
HEEL! - RYADOM (RJA-dom, "a" like "u" in "sun")! РЯДОМ!
OUT! / NO! (Let go! Leave it! Stop it!) - FU (FOO, "u" like "oo" in "book" but shorter)! ФУ!
After that you can learn and teach your dog some Russian dog training commands that he will definitely enjoy:
GOOD - HOROSHO (ho-ro-SHO, "o" like in "poll"), ХОРОШО.
GOOD BOY, GOOD DOG - MOLODETS (mo-lo-DETS, "o" like in "poll", "e" like in "bell"), МОЛОДЕЦ.
GO OUTSIDE - GULYAT' (gu-LJAT', "u" like in "put", "a" like "u" in "sun")! ГУЛЯТЬ!
GO HOME - DOMOY (do-MOJ, "o" like in "poll", "oy" like in "boy")! ДОМОЙ!
If you want your dog to bark or stay quiet you can use the Russian commands for that:
VOICE! / BARK! - GOLOS (GO-los, "o" like in "poll")! ГОЛОС!
QUIET! - TIHO (TEE-kho, "ho" like in "holiday")! ТИХО!
COMMANDS FOR ADVANCED OWNERS
FETCH! (Retrieve!) - APORT (a-PORT, "a" like "u" in "sun")! АПОРТ!
JUMP (over)! - BARYER (ba-RJER, "a" like "u" in "sun")! БАРЬЕР!
FORWARD! - VPERYOD (vpe-RJOD, "e" like in "bell")! ВПЕРЁД!
GUARD! - OKHRANIAY (o-khra-NYAJ, "o" like in "poll", "ay" like "uy" in "buy")! ОХРАНЯЙ!
ATTACK! - FAS (FAS, "a" like "u" in "sun")! ФАС!
RUSSIAN HERDING DOG COMMANDS
Russian herding dog commands are a bit different from commands in English-speaking countries.
1/ DRIVE! - GONI! (go-NI) ГOНИ!
To return an animal to the stock.
2/ AROUND! - KRUGOM! (kru-GOM) КРУГОМ!
To gather the stock into a group.
3/ FORWARD! - VPERYOD! (vpe-RJOD, "e" like in "bell") ВПЕРЁД! Audio above
The direction depends on the location of the shepherd.
4/ GUARD! - OKHRANIAY! (OkhraNIAY) ОХРАНЯЙ! Audio above
To keep the stock where they are.
5/ SEARCH! - ISHCHI (ish-CHI) ИЩИ!
To search for a missed animal.
6/ BARK! - GOLOS! (GO-los, "o" like in "poll")! ГОЛОС! Audio above
SEARCH AND RESCUE COMMANDS
And finally, some dog commands that are related to SAR:
SMELL! - NYUKHAI (NYU-khai) НЮХАЙ!
SEARCH! - ISHCHI (ish-CHI) ИЩИ! Audio above
To find something/someone around you.
TRACK! - SLED (SLED) СЛЕД!
To find someone by following the traces.
Russian commands for dogs sound unusual and will attract additional attention to your dog. Another reason to learn them is to make your dog more secure because he won't obey English commands from strangers.
Learn some more "dog words" in Russian!
About the Russian Dog Wizard
Known as the Russian dog training wizard, Vladae Roytapel is Chief Executive of SoCal Dog Training, Inc., which has served Newport Beach and other Orange County communities since 2008.
Vladae Roytapel’s firm provides in-home and group training for canines, focusing on common issues such as jumping up, destructive chewing, disobedience, and housebreaking problems. Vladae Roytapel is famously known in America for his incomparable knowledge on how to rehabilitate aggressive dogs. He explains that understanding how a dog feels leading up before they attack is paramount. His enterprise also offers a full range of training toys, pet supplies, nutritious canine food, and instructional books and DVDs.
For Vladae's biography please view The Russian Dog Wizard
Rick Leal says
Really appreciated your article and the voice sound for the commands. I am an EDD Handler and my K-9 is a GS originally from Holland, trained in Dutch. Gonna work the Russian commands with him.
Thanks!
RussianDog says
Thank you for your kind comment. Good luck to you and your K-9!
Ashley Benson says
KENJI AKITA INU
I think this is fantastic
Linda Marie says
Hello and Good morning
I want to say thank you for this absolutely amazing site on teaching our Kato commands in Russian. I absolutely love how you have the written as well as the audio of the commands. Thank you for taking time to make this site. I purchased two learning books for myself to better familiarize myself with the Russian language. Absolutely fascinating. Enough thanks can’t be said for your site. Have a wonderful day.
RussianDog says
Thank you so much, Linda, for your kind words. We wish you and Kato the best results in learning Russian dog commands and we are happy that you find our site useful. Have a nice weekend too!
Jim says
Our GSD is only a puppy, the main reason we’re training him in Russian is that my wife and sons are from Kyiv, Russian and Ukrainian are their native languages. I’ve been learning Russian for 12 years, I doubt I’ll ever be fluent, but in our household Russian and English are both commonly used. Besides, everyone else trains their dogs in English or German, we wanted to personalize Fritz to our family.
I have to reply to some of the people who posted here that made negative remarks about American Shepherds. Saying that American breeders are breeding for the sloped back is just as stupid as saying that all women have blonde hair. There are a LOT of breeders that breed working dogs, service dogs, and Schutzhund dogs from German, East German, and Czech bloodlines. I think there are 5 specific types of Shepherd in the US, and only 1 is Show and Confirmation. My pup is a mix of German (dam) and Czech (sire), but born in the US by an American breeder. Only the GSDs that are bred for show are bred with that sloped back.
Ashley says
Hello,
Thank you for making this website, I have a couple more commands that I was wondering if there was a similar Russian equivalent. The first is “look at me” or “pay attention” or anything that will get the dog to look at me. Second, if there is a command for “drop/drop it” and the opposite “pick it up/grab”. And lastly, “leave it/ignore”. If there are no good equivalents I will make do with other words. Thank you again for doing this for everyone.
RussianDog says
Hi Ashley, thank you for your kind words.
To get a dog to look at you they usually use the dog’s name. There’s, actually, a command “SMOTRI NA MENYA!” which is an exact translation of “look at me” but it’s probably too long for you to pronounce.
For “drop” you can use the Russian command “BROS!” with a softened “S”, and for “grab” you can use “VOZMI!” with a softened “Z”.
As for “leave it” there’s a command “NELZYA!” with a softened “L”.
Hope it helps!
Isabel says
Thank you for this! We are using Russian commands for purview new pup. He will be a working herding dog on our farm, do you have a list of the common Russian herding commands? For instance those for moving clockwise, counterclockwise, through the center, hold, slow, back, etc,?
Also, do you have a release command? Similar to “break”?
RussianDog says
Nice to hear that you use Russian dog commands for your puppy. The command similar to “Break” is “GULYAI” (gu-LYAY) – “ГУЛЯЙ”. You can listen to this word pronounced here
We have included Russian herding commands into the list (see above).
Rachael says
Hi I have kids who speak Russian and I am trying to help them work with me training our new puppy. I know most of the words you have here (because I want to be consistent with the puppy when my kids are at school, but I only know some Russian), however when I have trained dogs in English before I have trained them for not getting too close to human faces with their mouths or paws and also to not bite or chew on humans, offering instead their toys for play. Normally if a dog gets too close to my face I would use the command “No face” in the first instance, and “No bite” or “No biting” in English successfully. Can you advise on the Russian equivalent to these commands to start working with the puppy on? Thank you!
RussianDog says
There are no official commands “No face” or “No bite” neither in Russian nor in English :) Actually, you can use “NYET!” (“NO!”) or just use any Russian word as a custom command. OR you can teach your pup the universal prohibitive command “FU!” (listen to how it is pronounced above). Good luck with your training!
Bridgette Simon says
When I lived in Chisinau, Moldova I had a trainer from Siberia for my wolf-dog. I remember him using a command to tell my dog he was free to roam in Russian which sounded like “Goo-Lie”. Was he actually using the command “Gulyat”? I have an American Blue Bay Shepherd (new breed) that I am starting to train and I’ll like to interject some of the Russian commands I used in the past.
Thanks.
RussianDog says
Dear Bridgette,
So sorry to have missed your interesting question! Yes, you are absolutely right: “Goo-Lie” is a derivative of “Gulyat” but most dog owners and trainers use the word “Goo-Lie” that is more personal.
Except for the dog trainers, it’s not exactly a command. Usually, Russian dog owners say “Goo-Lie” to their dog when they came to a particular place like a park and unleash the dog. It means something like “enjoy yourself” and is being said with a hope that the dog will do all the necessary pees and poops :)
It was great to learn about the new breed – American Blue Bay Shepherds, and to visit their official website. If you feel like it, we’ll be glad to publish your story about this unusual dog.
Misty says
Would these only work on Russian dogs or would this also work for English dogs like pitbulls?
RussianDog says
You can use these commands for any dog.
tim says
no way it will work on a American dog
Jake says
Thank you so much so sharing these. We just adopted a causian sheppard from Moscow Russia that was abandoned in a dumpster as a pup. His ears have been cut off and his tail also. I hope to eventually teach him english but for now knowing a little russian and being able to speak to him in his own languange will make things much easier.
RussianDog says
It’s great there are people like you to help the abandoned dogs! Normally, Caucasian Shepherds’ tails are never cut off. Could he be a Central Asian Shepherd? Anyway, wishing you luck with your new puppy!
Jake says
It is possible he is Central Asian Sheppard. Do not know for sure. I am just guessing from looking at photos. I could send you a photo?
RussianDog says
Sure, you can send it to [email protected]
John says
My local police department has some K9s and I wondered what language they used for commands. At first I thought that it would be German, Dutch, or Czech, considering that most departments use those languages for commands. I was actually surprised when I found out that they used Russian commands instead of the aforementioned ones. Pretty smart choice considering most people in the United States don’t know Russian.
RussianDog says
Thank you for your interesting comment!
B says
With kids in the house, this makes training so much easier. Kids aren’t shouting different English terms for the same commands, and dogs aren’t confused when we tell the kids to sit at the table, or to come, or to go outside. We keep a white board list w pronunciation and Cyrillic. It’s also much nicer at the dog park! There is no downside.
RussianDog says
Thank you for your nice comment. We’ve published it on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RusDog.
Ayanna says
I have four brothers and a sister, so im training my puppy in Russian so that it only listens to me.
RussianDog says
Good luck with your training :)
Kelly says
I am looking to adopt a Russian German Shephard and need a reputable breeder. Can you recommend someone?
Женя says
Hi, is there any way to see this in cyrillic? It is easier for me to read that way. Im training my service dog in Russian, but I never learned dog commands when I learned to speak Russian.
RussianDog says
Done!
Madison says
I love thesea thank you so much. my black Russian terrier will be arriving from Moscow next Sunday and I’m so excited! she will be my 2nd BRT. My last one I trained in German, but it will be so exciting to continue her heritage here in the United States
RussianDog says
Congratulations!
Brodie Cortese says
This list is the perfect list for what I have planned for Thor my Siberian Husky German Shepherd mix. Too many people use German commands, so I wanted to go with my heritage and chose Russian. This list covers all bases for the Personal Protetion training Thor is going through.
RussianDog says
We wish success to both of you!
Alexz W. says
I want to train my husky lab mix as an anxiety/depression relief dog, could you add words like up, off, nudge, watch, lay down, or any other words that would aid him
RussianDog says
We’ll think what we can propose. You can probably use “sleDY” for “watch” but it’s not easy to find Russian analogs for uncommon commands. Try to start with generally accepted commands like “Sit”, “Down”, “Stand”, “Stay”, “Out” (above).
Alexz W. says
Thank you :)
Summer Soltis says
Thank you so much for putting these up. It has been very helpful with training my Doberman pincher, Suka (I’m aware of what it means ?). She works so much better with these than in English. We both feel more confident when we are in public places.
RussianDog says
You’re welcome. Thank you for implementing, and good luck to you both.
Susan says
What about go potty
RussianDog says
Not every dog goes potty on command. Usually dog owners have their own words and tricks for that.
Lisa says
Ive just recently started looking for protective training methods and attack command words for my 9 month old pit bill shes been fairly easy to train thus far thanks to a lot of videos and websites. Do you think. It will be harder than if she was 4-6 months .shes still wobbly with some commands like if she get exicted if sees something she is curious about. It is just like she doesn’t hear me.is this normal. Also some commands arent used daily depending one of the few things is whether my children are here I was told pitbulls need specific type of training . i try and stay consistent alot of repetition
she’s not bulky rather onthe smaller side about 50 lbs and as described as a pure bred pb I really want to know her bloodline..!!! My daughter has a black and white like picture and mine is tan.white sane litter.. very muscular but not bulky.
Thank you
Roy says
The audio ads are repetitive, annoying, overpower the audio and don’t seem to be associated with anything
RussianDog says
Thanks for your input. We didn’t mention any audio ads on our website but we’ll keep an eye on that.
Jack says
You should consider adding some for tactical obedience such as the between the legs.
Bryce says
Hey I don’t have a Russian dog, I’ve got a boxer lab mix, but I wanted to teach her commands in a different language, is Russian a good language for this?
RussianDog says
Please listen to Russian dog commands above, and decide if they sound good for you and your dog.
Angelina says
Can you add “off” to the auto?
RussianDog says
Angelina, there’s no auto. The trainer is repeating each command 3 times. You can use the ” || ” button to stop.
Emad musharbash says
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If you want more info send massage in my email
Kimberly Pearson says
He is phenomenal in his job. I only have a couple of issues….once he lays down he doesn’t care to get up (after class when he’s been sleeping), and some children tried provoking him by throwing rocks, so I have to re-socialize him since he doesn’t trust a lot of people any more.
A couple of things which makes him great at his job: his size is perfect to support my right leg, he can sense before I have pain and use his head to put pressure in the right place to relieve the pain and keep me from falling.
Watch his body language. Caucasian Ovcharkas are not the typical service animal. If they feel threatened or are scared too many times, they will protect you (over-protectiveness will disqualify them from service regardless of training).
***Since you are a vet, check out TADSAW. “Train a Dog, Save a Warrior” They can help with any training needs.
RussianDog says
Thank you for your comment. We’ve published it on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RusDog
Bagua Brian says
MY East European Shepherd is 16-17 months old. The Its hard, the kids teach her some bad habits. She whines really bad With anxiety when either myself or the kids come home form being out or even downstairs in the morning. She is very shy of new people, When she was a pup, I exposed her to different places and people. We brought her everywhere. I even took her to parks exposing her to new people and kids.
Vivek says
I have a question regarding My gsd. My gsd is very playful and active. Last year while we were walking he ran after a dog and a car hit him on the face. Now whenever I take him there for a walk he fears. What should I do so that he stop fearing to go there.
RussianDog says
You should seek the assistance of a good dog trainer. Try to address Vladae Roytapel above.
chad says
I am training a one year old pit bull
Never done this before. Got a full time job ahead of me.
RussianDog says
Good luck to you!
Kimberly Pearson says
I have just ordered Vladae’s training dvd’s and am waiting excitedly for them, but in the meantime I cannot find the proper translation for certain commands. My Caucasian Ovcharka is being used as a service dog, primarily for balance. What would be the commands for positioning the dog on the right side, settle, touch (as in pushing a handicap button), and something for bracing for when I use him to get off the ground or from a sitting position?
Jenna says
I am actually doing the same thing with my Caucasian Ovcharka! I am hoping to have him be a fully trained service dog by next year. How did your dog do with the training? Did it work out for you? Do you think it worth it for me to start training?
Alex says
I’m a disabled veteran and currently trying to have my dog trained professionall. I want to have him trained in Russian but I can find an audio on how to correctly pronounce the commands. Any help is appreciated. Thank you
admin says
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your question. It’s time to attach some audio to this article. Please give us a few days for that.
admin says
Try to take her to a professional dog trainer.
Saqib Ali says
i have a samoyed but she is too lazy to train what should i do
Anna says
What would be the correct command for “Up!” (like when you give your dog permission to jump onto the couch) and “Be gentle” or “Be nice” (like when you’re playing and they start to become a tad bit too rambunctious)? Spasibo!
admin says
In first case you would probably want to use the command FORWARD! – VPERYOD (vpe-RJOD, “e” like in “bell”)! or JUMP (up)! – PRYG (PRYG, there’s no exact match for this “y” in English, maybe the closest is “only”)!
In second case you could use QUIET! – TIHO (TI-ho, “i” like in “teach”, “o” like in “Holland”)!
Rusty Fox says
A couple of suggestions on the spelling in English, if I may. I was 7 years in Kiev teaching English, and picked up a fair bit of Russian.. Not as criticism of what is written here, but perhaps helpful for readers.
I would describe TIHO as more like ‘TEE-kho’ (a very soft ‘kh’, but there is a ‘k’ sound in there)
and similar for ‘OHRANYAI’, more of a very soft ‘kh’ sound OKH-ranyoi.
Thanks for these.
admin says
Thank you for your valuable input.
Alaya Siberian Husky says
Thanks so much for the commands! I would like to teach my puppy a few different commands as well… What is the correct word and pronunciation for “Roll Over”? “Hand Shake”? “Sneeze”?
admin says
“Hand Shake” is usually DAI LAPU (daj LA-pu, “dai” sounds like “die”, and “u” like in “book”)
“Roll Over” is PEREVERNIS’ (pe-re-ver-NIS’, “e” like in “bell”)
“Sneeze” is not obvious, it may be CHIHNI (chih-NI, “i” like in “me”)
Good luck with that!
Samuel says
Is the U in lapu not more like the ‘oo’ in ‘troop’ instead of ‘book’?
admin says
It should be short.
Lawrence says
Wow! Articles like this who teach Russian dog command are very valuable indeed, I really have to spend some times and go deep into it, thanks so much.
Daniel says
Great web site! Thanks. You listed the translation for "Good Boy," but not "good girl." So far, I've just been saying "хорошая собака." What is the female equivalent?
admin says
Thank you for your comment. You can say "Molodets!" to a girl as well. Translation for "good girl" is "ho-RO-sha-ya DE-voch-ka". Your girl will be pleased to hear that.
Daniel says
благодарю вас!
Oje says
this dog world is nice and a russian breed is the bomb !!!
admin says
You are welcome!
karli allen says
thank you very much this helped my little sister so so so so so so very much!!!!! she has horse lessons and her horse lessons teacher has a russian black terrier and the horse teacher is wanting her (but she made me do it) look up some russian dog commands in case a burglar comes into their house un-invited so this website is very halpful thank you