How to train a dog: The Basic Commands

How to train a dog: The Basic Commands 

1. Train your dog to heel. Getting your dog to walk right by your side is important for your dog’s safety. Most people try to use a leash, pulling the dog forward to get him to heel. However, using a treat is a more effective technique. Stand next to your dog, holding a treat in your hand at hip level on the same side as the dog. Take three steps, saying “heel” one time as you do so. If your dog has noticed the treat, he will most likely automatically follow your command. Repeat for 5-10 minutes each day, making sure that your dog is aware of the treat. Give your dog the treat, and offer a huge amount of praise for successful training sessions. 

2. Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command. This is probably one of most important things that you will ever teach your dog, because it is a command that can protect his safety. Issuing this command should divert the dog’s attention from whatever has caught his eye, be it furniture or rotted food on the road. The best way to teach your dog the leave it command is to simply use it to get his attention, and then to offer a distraction. You will need to work on this command for some time in different circumstances until your dog realizes that this command means to stop whatever he is doing and to look to you for what he should do next. 

3. Teaching a dog to come to you. First-time dog owners often become frustrated when they say COME and their new dog stands there looking at them. Unfortunately, dogs do not understand commands instinctively. A good way to start teaching the come command is to say COME any time you see your dog moving in your direction. Then heavily praise him for coming to you, even though he was doing this anyway and not necessarily in response to your command. Teaching your dog to come to you in this manner makes training less intense and is very rewarding for both you and your dog. 

4. Teach your dog to sit. Sit is usually the first command that people want to teach their new dog. However, you might want to consider getting your dog to come to you first, and then teaching them the sit command before issuing the reward. Instead of simply pushing down on the dog’s rear end, consider placing one hand on his lower back and one hand under his chest. Then, say “sit” while simultaneously applying downward pressure on the back and upward pressure on the chest. Reward your dog with treats and plenty of praise for sitting on command. 

5. Train your dog to take a walk with you. Many people seem to believe that it is natural for a dog to walk on a leash with its owner. However, walking a dog requires training first! You must teach your dog to heel, or stay by your side. And, you must teach him that it is never ok to pull the leash and try to break away from you. It is important to walk your dog, so that he gets plenty of exercise and socialization. However, unless you take the time to train him properly first you will end up frustrated and will definitely not enjoy your time spent together. 

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6. Train your dog to lie down. The “down” command is one of the first things that a professional trainer attempts with dogs. The most effective method of coaxing a dog into the down position (where the dog is lying on its belly) is to lure him to the ground with a treat, or piece of food. While guiding the dog into position, issue the command DOWN. After several practice sessions, your dog will be a pro at this simple command.

7. Teach your dog to stay. Once you have taught your dog to sit, he will be ready to learn to stay. Place your dog in the sit position, and reward him with a treat. Now, place your hand in front of the dog’s nose and say “stay”. Begin to back away with your hand still out. Say “good” when your dog stays in place, and release the dog to come to you for a reward in a few seconds. Each time you repeat this successfully, make the time interval of staying longer until your dog will stay on command for up to a minute. Always offer treats and plenty of praise as a reward for a job well done. It is best to teach your dog to stay in a quiet place, however you should alternate practicing at home and in a dog park or other public area to reinforce that stay means stay regardless of the surroundings. 

8. Teach your dog to settle down. Younger dogs especially tend to get wound up very easily - sometimes with no external stimulation. Therefore, you are wise to teach your dog how to go to “time out”. Do this by issuing the command PLACE or RELAX and your dog’s response should be to go to the designated spot and to lie down until you call him back. To teach this command, catch your dog when he is wound up or pacing around incessantly. Put on his leash and allow him to continue for a few moments. Then, issue the command and gently guide him to the designated place, where you will place your foot over the leash in order to keep him in place while he lies down. At first, you may need to stay in position with your foot on the leash for 5 minutes or more until he has calmed himself. Do not relent – you may need to devote more time. After a few sessions of training this technique, your dog will probably be more than willing to retreat to his time out space for a few minutes upon your command.

9. Train your dog to let you wipe his paws before entering the house. Dogs are different from people – they are rarely bothered by dirt or mud on their paws. They also do not realize why you would prefer they not leave mud streaks all over your new carpeting. Avoid problems by getting your dog into the habit of sitting near the entrance door on a mat or towel until you have issued a command of INSIDE. But, before you issue that command take the time to wipe each of his paws of all dirt and mud. 

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