Having a trained dog is not quite the same as having a balanced dog. Having a dog that has an understanding of basic commands comes in handy when handling problem behaviours, both in the present and in the future.
So, where should you start training your dog for obedience? You could take a dog obedience training class. However, if you are like many people, you do not have enough time for this. The best alternative is to take the DIY approach. In fact, the process and journey might be good fun not only for the dog but also for you. Get everything you need to train your dog from Dog Product Picker.
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The sit command is among the easiest obedience commands to teach. As such, it is a good starting point.
Dangle a treat close to the dog’s nose. Move your hand up in a motion that causes the dog’s head to move with the treat. The intention is to make his or her bottom to lower. Once he is seated, say “sit” and thereafter give the dog the treat and share affection.
Repeat this training sequence several times and on a daily basis until your dog has mastered the command. The next step is to ask your dog to sit before mealtimes, when preparing for a walk, and any situation when you want your dog to stay and in a seated position.
Come
This a helpful command when it comes to reining in your dog. It can come in handy when you want to keep your dog out of trouble, in case your dog sneaks out of the front door or when you lose grip on his/her leash.
Put a collar and leash on his/her. Go down to his/her level and say, “Come” Gently pull the leash while calling him/her. When his/her gets to you, reward give him/her a reward and some affection to positively reinforce the action.
After mastering the command while on a leash, remove the leash and practice in a safe environment/area.
Down
This can be a daunting command to teach your dog. The command essentially requires the dog to go into a submissive posture. However, it is not impossible to teach. You can hasten the learning process by keeping the training relaxed and positive, especially when dealing with an anxious dog or fearful dog.
To train your dog for the “down” command, find a treat your dog find good smelling and clench in your closed fist. Take your hand to your dog’s snout. After he/she sniffs it, move your closed hand to the floor, ensuring he/she follows along. Slide the hands along the ground in an effort to encourage the dog to lie on the ground completely. Once the dog is lying on the ground, say, “Down” and give him/her the treat while sharing affection.
Repeat this training every day. If the dog tries to lunge or sit up, say, “No” and take the hand with the treat away. Avoid pushing him/her to the down position at all cost. Just encourage your dog to assume this position. Do not get frustrated either. Your dog is just trying as hard to figure things out.
Stay
To be able to teach your dog this command effectively, ensure they first have a full grasp of the “sit” command.
Ask him/her to sit. Open your palm in front of the dog and say “Stay” Take two or three steps back and then call the dog for a treat. Show affections as well. Gradually, increase the distance you take before giving him/her the treat. Whenever your dog stays put, reward him/her with a treat, even it is only for a few seconds.
This is a self-control exercise for your dog. As such, do not be discouraged or impatient if he or she takes a longer time to master this command. Patience is especially important when you have high-energy dogs or puppies. Such dogs always want to move around to explore or play.
Leave It
This command comes in handy in helping your dog stay safe, especially when curiosity gets the better of him/her. For instance, if he/she smells something intriguing but potentially dangerous you can use this command to the dog leave it alone. The idea is to teach your dog that there is something better when you command them to ignore something.
Hold a treat in both hands. Show him the enclosed fist hiding the treat inside, and say, “Leave it” Naturally, he/she will sniff, lick, mouth, bark, and even mouth in an effort to get the treat. Just ignore their reaction. When they stop trying, give them the treat on the other open hand. Repeat this sequence until the dog leaves the closed fist when you say, “Leave it”.
The next stage of progression is to only give the treat from the second hand when they leave the first fist, moves away, and looks up at you. Again, repeat this sequence until the dog consistently leaves the first treat and gives you eye contact.
The next step is to start using two different treats. One treat should be just okay. The other treat should be particularly tantalizing to your pup. Command your dog to leave it, place the less attractive treat on the ground, and cover the treat with your hand. Wait until he/she moves away from the treat and give you eye contact. After looking at you, take away the treat on the floor and give him/her the nicer treat on the other hand. You should also give your dog affection.
To progress, when he/she gets the gist of the command, place the treat on the floor without covering it completely. You can place your hand a little bit above the floor area above the treat. As the training progress, keep moving your hand farther away from the treat until you hand is over 6-inches from the treat.
The next stage of this training is to practice the command while standing up. Just use the same template. If he/she tries to snatch the training treat, cover the less treat with your foot.
It is important to be patient and have fun. Remember your dog is trying to figure things out as the training progresses. To this end, if your dog struggles quite a lot, consider going back to the previous step and taking it slowly.
These 5 simple commands will go a long way in helping you keep your beloved dog safe and control. They improve communications for a better overall experience. While the process will take time, it is worth the effort and time. Importantly, be calm, assertive, and assertive.
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