How to Train Your Dog (Basic Commands)

How to Train Your Dog It may be as simple as learning that they should sit, stand or stay at the sound of a particular command, but at the heart of it is the development of a good working relationship between man and his dog. Regardless of the dog’s age – from a brand new puppy to an older dog, each command can help your pet to stay safe and protect him from possible harm and, at the same time, strengthen the bond between you and your dog and make some everyday tasks easier for both of you. Here’s a detailed guide on how to train your dog with some fundamental commands: The five basic commands are known to be ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, ‘down’, and ‘Leave It’. Understanding the Basics of Dog Training Before diving into the commands, it’s important to understand a few key principles of dog training: Consistency is vital here: Always master the same words as well as the same signs when teaching your dog. Dogs love routine and using a particular sign assists them more when it comes to memorizing the discipline. Positive Reinforcement: If attempted or done correctly, the said dog should be given a treat, verbal encouragement or physical touch. This is far much better than punishment not because punishment makes some people develop fear or anxiety. Short and Fun Training Sessions: Some of the most important facts that need to be understood is that dogs, especially puppies, do not have a long attention span. It’s good to practice for only 5-10 minutes at a time so your dog stays interested and the training is effective. Practice Patience: Dogs sometimes can outsmart you, and they may need some time to understand a novel command. Have a lot of tolerance with them and allow them a good time to understand what you want them to do. Command 1: "Sit" This command is easy to reinforce and lays the groundwork for other commands; ‘Sit’ Steps to Train: Take & Touch: Put a treat in your hand and bring it to your dog’s snout. Ensure they can olfactory it up but cannot swallow it immediately. Move Your Hand Up: Slowly move your hand upward, which should make your dog’s head move in that direction per your wish to get to the treat. To that effect, their head will lift up and, consequently, their bottom will drop. Say “Sit”: If their behind is on the floor immediately tell them “sit” and in a context of encouragement also give them the treat. Repeat and Practice: This command should be repeated many times within a day with the dog until it obeys without the promise of a titbit each time. Tips: If your dog jumps instead of sitting, it will help to hold the treat nearer the dog’s snout just in case he loses his balance. Command 2: “Stay” “Stay” is very important if you’re in a hurry or at a danger zone and you want your dog not to move around e.g. when the car is approaching or when guests have arrived. Steps to Train: Let’s start with “Sit”: The first thing you need to do is make sure your dog is positioned ready to sit well. Give the “Stay” Command: Stand in front of your dog with your palm open towards your dog and as you utter the word ‘stay’ make sure to look directly into your dog’s eyes. Step Back: Take one step backward. This is perhaps the most important aspect if your dog stays then they must be given a treat and some form of encouragement. If they move, use the word ‘no’ kindly and ensure the child sits and continues again. Increase Distance Gradually: Well, it takes little effort to teach the signal, but remember after your dog stays reliably for a short distance, you should gradually introduce the increased distance as well as time interval. End with a Release Word: As you tell your dog that they can now move, always use a release word such as ‘okay’ or ‘free’. Encourage them when they stay when you use the release cue. Tips: Make sure to have positive body language all through, and remember to offer positive reinforcement by having a cheerful tone. Command 3: “Sit” Guiding your dog to sit means training them to sit whenever you command; this must especially apply in cases of emergencies when the dog is off the lead. Steps to Train: Leash control: You should start your practice in a securely fenced compound with your dog securely chained. Crouch and Call: Kneel, or sit, extend your arms and embrace him with a lot of vigor. say, “come!” Use a happy, inviting tone. Reward Generously: Whenever your dog approaches you, make sure to respond by giving them pet food, positive speech and touch. Practice Off-Leash: When your dog responds and follows you on the leash, you can then test the command off the leash, but in a controlled area that is your compound or yard. Tips: Never call your dog to punish them: it is a sure way of leading your dog astray. Praise must always follow the “come” command so that the dog never has a negative association with the word. Command 4: “Down” The next command with the dog that we should teach our dog is down; this is very useful in making your dog sit down and can be used in different places. Steps to Train: The first way is to have a treat in your hand which your dog smells. Guide Them Down: Swing your hand slowly across the ground at the front of their paws. Your dog’s body should follow the treat downwards. Say “Down”: If your dog’s elbows and belly are touching the floor say ‘down’ then give them the reward and praise them. Practice and Reward: To enhance retention, repeat the command many times until the dog forgets that it ever learnt it. Tips: Specifically, don’t try to get your dog to lay down when they are overstimulated, and speak to them in soothing, positive commands. In other words it describes how one should never force their dog into position, since this often results in the dog using its legs to push the handler away. Command 5: “Leave It” “Leave it” is about training your dog to leave something lying on the ground whether food, a detectable item or poison. Steps to Train: Toss a Treat in the Air: Hold a treat on a set of fingers facing the dog and shut your fist before the dog takes it. Say “Leave It”: Once your dog attempts to approach the treat, you should command them saying, “leave it” in a hostile tone. If they sit or stay away from the toy, offer them a different reward with the hand you have kept hidden. Increase the Challenge: Put the treat on the leash laying on the floor, put your hand over the treat and then say the word “leave it.” Do not give the reward to your dog when he continues trying to get the treat in his mouth. Practice with Real-World Scenarios: It has to be made practical during walks or where there are enticing sights to bring out the command. Tips: Expect the behavior since this is your preferred command and ensure you are consistent when training your dog to develop their impulse control. General Training Tips Use Hand Signals: Dogs, for instance, can be easily trained to cause an action or to prevent one by use of signals. Each command should preferably be given together with a hand signal for easy understanding. Be Patient and Consistent: These commands may take time before dogs figure out so they need to be consistent. It’s important to be consistent when it comes to training, and the cues we use. Set Realistic Expectations: Every breed, and even individual animals within the same group, will possess different rates of learning. It is important that whatever type of exercise you introduce, you have to base it on your dog’s personality and activity level. Obtaining basic obedience with your dog is an enriching and informative procedure promoting safety of both the dog and the owner. As much as possible, try not to make it look like a training session – the goal is to have fun and teach your dog at the same time. Daily practice, praise and a little patience will ensure that your dog behaves properly and is keen to follow your commands when you’re together. Happy training!