Teaching Your Dog Basic Commands – A Beginner’s Guide
As a dog owner, you know that effective communication and obedience are key to a harmonious relationship with your furry companion. In this guide, we’ll take you through the fundamental commands that will help you establish control, ensure safety, and foster a well-behaved pet.
From the essential “sit” command that sets the foundation for so many others to the crucial “stay,” “down,” “wait,” “off,” “drop it,” and “leave it” commands, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques to teach and reinforce these vital skills.
Sit
Probably the most basic command is “sit.” It’s the center of so many other commands and will help you control your dog. You’ll use it before tossing them a toy and before walks and other daily activities.
Once they’re comfortable sitting, teach them “stay.” This is a great control command to have when company comes over or you’re on a walk and don’t want your dog barreling into people. Teach it by holding a toy in their reach and gradually backing up from it while saying “stay.” Practice until they can hold the stay without the hand gesture.
Stay
Many people teach their dogs “stay” as a built-in part of commands like “down,” or “sit.” However, it’s important to also teach your dog a separate command to prevent them from jumping up and breaking their stay when they hear a different word.
To teach your dog “stay,” put them in a sit or down, then hold a toy a few feet away from them and say their name. If they don’t grab the toy, slowly back up from them and tell them to stay. Build up the amount of time you ask them to stay over training sessions.
Down
There is an almost infinite number of things you can teach your dog, but these basic commands are essential. They allow them to participate in family dinners without jumping, accompany you to outside eateries without stealing anything and can keep them calm on their own bed.
To teach the “down” command, hold a toy in front of your dog and move it slowly downwards until they lie down. Capture the behaviour with a clicker or lure, but only use the verbal command once they have begun to lie down on their own (ideally after 7 seconds). Train in different locations and scenarios to proof the command.
Wait
Like humans, dogs can get overly excited. This is why impulse control exercises are important. It’s important that your dog calm down before entering a room, and it’s a good idea to train them to do this before opening the door to visitors.
“No” is an essential command that tells your dog when something is off-limits. It’s an important training tool that can be used for a variety of situations and it helps keep both you and your pup safe on walks. It can also be used for teaching loose leash walking and it’s an excellent way to teach your dog how to wait before jumping into a vehicle.
Off
Expert dog trainers say a well-behaved pet requires seven basic commands: sit, down, stay, heel, look, off and quiet. These are often used in conjunction with other training commands to develop more sophisticated skills.
For example, if your dog is jumping on visitors or furniture, you can use the “off” command to discourage their behaviour. You can also lure them into their crate or bed and once they’re there, give them lots of praise and attention.
Toys, vocal praise and petting are much better rewards for your pup!
Drop It
If your dog has something in his mouth, ask him to drop it. He should naturally want to please you, and most dogs will happily obey if they’re told to do so.
This is especially important if your dog chews on things that are not his, such as shoes, furniture or carpeting. If he does so, tell him “no” with a stern voice and take the item away from him.
You can also train him to leave an object by putting the item near him and saying, “leave it.” This will help him learn to not grab something with his mouth when it’s within his reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the basic commands outlined in this beginner’s guide is crucial for effective communication and obedience, fostering a harmonious relationship with your beloved dog. From the foundational “sit” command to the essential “stay,” “down,” “wait,” “off,” “drop it,” and “leave it” commands, you have learned step-by-step techniques to teach and reinforce these vital skills.
By implementing these commands, you can establish control, ensure safety, and cultivate a well-behaved pet who can participate in family activities, accompany you to public places, and exhibit calmness in various situations. Remember to practice patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement in your training sessions, and embrace the joy of witnessing your dog’s progress and transformation as they become a well-trained and obedient companion.
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