Top 5 Dog Training Commands...
These are essential commands and with time, affection, care and commitment to your dog you will share a very rewarding learning experience. That will continue throughout your journey together.
'SIT' - This is a great place to start and generally one of the easier commands. Start by holding a favourite treat to your dogs nose and slowly move your hand upwards allowing your dogs head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower, once they are sitting say 'SIT' give them the reward and shower them with affection. Repeat this process a few times a day until your dog has mastered it. Then ask them to 'SIT' before meals, before putting a lead on and walks, or when any situation occurs where you would like them to sit.
'COME' - This command can help keep your dog out of trouble, bring them back to you, if you left a door open or lost grip on a lead. Place a collar and a lead on your dog and then get down to their level and say 'COME' whilst gently pulling on the lead, when they get over to you reward them with love, affection and a treat.
Once you and your buddy have mastered this on the lead, repeat the sequence off the lead in a safe and secure environment rewarding each progress step they make.
'DOWN' - This can be one of the hardest commands in dog obedience training to master. Why? Because this down position is a submissive posture. Reinforce by continuing to train with a relaxed and positive attitude, particularly with anxious or fearful dogs. Find a very smelly treat and place it in your hand and close your hand to a fist. Hold your hand up to your dogs snout, when they smell the treat start to move your hand down towards the floor in front of your dog, which will encourage their body to follow their head. Once they are in the down position say - 'DOWN' - give them the treat and lots of affection. Repeat this daily and if your dog tries to sit up or lunge forward towards the treat in hand say 'No' and take the hand away (out of sight) Don't push them into position - just try again from the beginning and encourage them every time and every step they do right towards the end goal. After all they are working really hard to get it right and to please you.
'STAY'' - Before you attempt this one, make sure your dog is an expert at the 'SIT' command. First ask your dog to sit, then open the palm of your hand out in front of you and say 'STAY' take a few steps back and if they stay reward them with a treat. Always reward your pup for staying still even if only for a few seconds. This is an exercise in self control for your dog - so be patient and don't be discouraged if it takes a little while to master, especially puppies or high energy dogs. I mean they love to be on the move and not just sitting and waiting - A whole new world of smells to explore.
'LEAVE IT' - When curiosity takes over this command can be very useful and can keep your dog safe. If they smell something or are curious about something and it is potentially harmful - it is good to get your dog to understand if they 'LEAVE IT' they will get something better... Place a treat in both hands, show them one hand with the treat inside and say 'LEAVE IT' let them lick, sniff, mouth, paw and even bark to try and get it. Ignore this behaviour. Once they stop trying, give them the treat in the other hand. Repeat this until your dog moves away from the first fist when you say 'LEAVE IT' Only give your dog the treat when they have moved away from the first fist and looked up at you. Once your dog consistently moves away from the first treat and gives you eye contact when you say 'LEAVE IT' you're both set to take it to the next level.
For this use two different treats, one that is good and one which is a favourite special treat. Say 'LEAVE IT' and place the less yummy treat on the floor and cover it with your hand, wait until your dog ignores that treat and looks up at you. Then remove that treat from the floor and reward with the tastier one and love and affection. Once they have mastered this step - place the less tasty treat on the floor and only partially cover it with your hand above the treat. Over time gradually move your hand further and further away from the less tasty treat until its around 6 inches away from the treat. Now they are ready for you to try this process with you stood up. Follow the same steps but if they try to grab or snatch the treat cover it with your foot.
Don't rush this one - You are asking a lot of your dog, if you take it up a notch and they struggle, take it back down again. Most importantly of all ... enjoy this learning journey together.
