The one thing that should
be understood about dog training is that you can only train
a dog successfully with love, care and discipline. At the
very outset you should always show a dog your affection. Of
course, there is another important ingredient that should
never be overlooked. Bribery! Without the use of treats as
rewards for obeying a command correctly, the training
outcome would be long and difficult. Another weapon in the
dog training arsenal is praise, which should be used
constantly. Somewhere down the track, praise will most
probably replace treats to a great extent as too many treats
can sometimes be a health hazard. .
There are many methods of dog training to choose from. Each
method of dog training has its own adherents. Some dog
training experts prefer the use of some sort of equipment
such as the clicker, or a dog training collar, while others
would rather use nothing but the spoken word. For the
beginner, this is probably the most preferable and certainly
simplest method of basic dog training.
The
Basic Commands to Teach a Dog
No matter which method is preferred, the basic commands that
must be taught remain the same. These are four basic
commands, sit, stay and come and heel. Some dog trainers
believe it is advisable to teach the heel command first, but
others disagree and advise the sit command be taught first
as it is the easiest command to learn.
Fundamentally these commands must be taught in the same
order, beginning with the command sit while gently but
firmly pushing the dog’s rear end into the sitting position.
It is always a good idea to hold a treat just above a dog’s
head while holding his rear end down on the floor as an
added persuasion. Always try to keep your dog in constant
eye contact as this will give an added edge to the dog’s
understanding of your relationship and his need to obey your
commands.
This initial maneuver should be repeated a good number of
times until the act of sitting is firmly associated with the
sit command. A dog should always be given the promised treat
along with plenty of praise delivered in an excited, happy
tone. This will please your pet and a happy dog is more
receptive to acquiring new abilities.
In the beginning, if a dog doesn’t obey your command or
appear not to understand what you mean, he should not be
punished in any way, only gently admonished. It is not
particularly wise to extend a dog training session beyond
twenty minutes. In the initial stages, too long a training
session can become boring to a dog, especially if it has
been a difficult or frustrating session. Dog training should
always be looked on as a fun time for both a dog and his
owner. Remember, tomorrow is another day.
Once the sit command has been mastered and not before, the
next stage in the dog training program should be started.
The two commands stay and come can often be taught together,
as you will find one logically follows the other. Once a dog
understands the stay command, the come command falls easily
into place.
Start the session with the sit command, which your dog now
fully understands and once your dog obediently sits down,
give the stay command while slowly backing away continually
repeating the stay command. Emphasize the command with your
body language by outstretching you arm with the palm facing
your dog in a halt gesture repeating the command in a firm
voice. Always try to keep the dog in eye contact to
reinforce the message. It will probably take a good number
of attempts and possibly a good number of sessions before a
dog readily understands and obeys the directions without
hesitation. Dog training is often a matter of patience.
Once your dog understands the stay command, the come command
becomes an easy one to teach. Again start with the sit
command which he should be obeying without hesitation, and
then follow with the stay command, walking away as before
holding a treat in your hand. Show him the treat but insists
that he stay. When you consider he has stayed put long
enough give him the come command also using body language by
waving your hands toward yourself and indicating the treat
as a final inducement.
The more adept your dog becomes at obeying your commands the
easier the heel command, is to learn. To teach this command
you will need to put your dog on a short leash and place you
dog close to your left leg and on the heel command slowly
walk keeping your dog close to your left leg using the short
leash to prevent him from running ahead or falling behind.
Once again, if your dog obeys you command be lavish with
your praise. In the course of time, your dog will learn to
walk close to your heel at whatever pace you require of him.
Of course, it takes a considerable amount of time, not to
mention a lot of effort to train a dog properly. But at the
end of the day, you will discover that a well trained dog is
a happy dog and just as important has a happy and proud
owner.
