Essential dog training tips
Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.
Don't get a dog until you know about the top 5 essential dog training tips.
Knowing a few of the basic commands can help with tackling some of the more complex behavioral issues you might encounter.
Knowing where to start with dog obedience training is the first test.
Do I take dog obedience classes, or can I do it myself?
Classes are great but if you take the right approach, doing it yourself can be a fun and rewarding
bonding experience for both you and your dog.
Here are 5 essential dog training tips.
Essential tip 1:Sit
This is a great one to start with. It’s easy and will give quick results.
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
Move your hand up. This encourages his head to follow the treat and which in turn causes his bottom to move lower.
Once in sitting position, say “Sit,” and give him the treat.
Finally, show him how happy you are with him.
Once he has it mastered this basic task, ask your dog to sit before showing the treat. After a while you can do it before meals, when leaving for walks, before crossing roads and any other times you’d like him seated.
Come
This is a great command to keep your dog safe from trouble.
There will be times when you lose your grip on the leash, something frightens him, or you leave the front door open. This simple command will help keep him out of danger.
Use a collar leash to start with and step back a few paces.
Lower yourself to his level and while gently pulling on the leash say ‘Come’.
Give him a reward and show him your affection when he comes to you.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, find a safe place then remove it and practice until it becomes second nature.
Down
This is a submissive position and you might find this command a bit more difficult.
To make it a little easier ensure your instructions are positive and relaxed.
Find his favorite treat and hold it in your closed fist.
Place your hand to your dog’s nose. As he sniffs it, move your hand towards the floor.
As he follows your hand slide it along the ground. This encourages his body to follow his head.
Once he’s in the fully down position, say “Down,” and give him his treat.
Then show him your appreciation.
Do this a few times a day and you will soon have him lying down with ease.
Be careful though, don’t push him into a down position. If he tries to sit up, or lunges toward your hand, say ‘no’ and move your hand away.
Be positive and encouraging. Remember, he’s trying to learn too!
Stay
Ensure you dog has mastered the ‘sit’ command before you try this one.
Start by asking your dog to ‘sit’.
Face your open palm to him and say ‘stay’ and take a few steps back.
If he stays, reward him with his favorite treat and affection.
Over time, increase the distance you move back before giving the command.
Always reward him for staying put, even if it’s only a few seconds.
Dogs are naturally active animals so it’s difficult for them to sit and wait.
Don’t be discouraged if this command takes a bit longer to master.
Leave it
Dogs are also naturally curious creatures, and this can potentially get them into trouble. They will sniff just about anything, including dangerous items.
You need to teach him that by ignoring the other item he will get a better treat!
This is a two step process
Place the same treat both hands.
Show him one enclosed fist and say ‘Leave it’
Let him sniff it and lick it. He’ll probably bark as well but ignore it.
When he stops trying, give him the treat you have in your other hand.
Repeat these steps until he moves away from the first hand when you say ‘leave it’
The next step is to only give your dog the treat when he moves from the first fist and looks up at you.
Getting eye contact is a very important part of this process.
Once you have success with this first step you can progress further.
In this step you will use two different treats. One will be his favorite treat and the other will be a less ‘desirable’ one.
Place the less desirable treat on the floor and cover it with your hand.
Say ‘leave it’
Wait until your dog ignores the treat and looks up at you. Remove the less desirable treat and reward him with his favorite treat.
Do this a few times then place the less desirable treat on the floor without covering it. You may need to hold your hand over it a few times before eventually removing your hand completely.
Then repeat the process while you are standing up. If he tries to take the treat, cover it with your foot.
It’s a slow and often difficult process so be patient and encouraging.
Your dog is learning a valuable lesson and it’s a great bonding activity.
Obedience training is a very important and rewarding part of dog ownership.
It’s a worthy investment of your time and effort.
It will take time but with persistence and patience both you and your adorable pooch will benefit enormously.
I hope you enjoyed these essential dog training tips.
