How to Teach Your Dog Basic Commands: A Step-by-Step Guide
Teaching your dog some basic commands is not only to show off a few tricks, but also to improve communication with your pet and strengthen the bond between you both. How to teach your dog basic commands is one of the most valuable skills you can learn whether you have just gotten a dog or had one for years. Basic commands (like “sit,” ”stay,” “come,” and “heel”) are not just important for good behavior they are also important for your dog’s safety, so they are vital to your dog’s development. In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss how to teach your dog basic commands, and how to make it a fun experience for both you and your dog!
Why Teaching Your Dog Basic Commands is Important
Teaching your dog basic commands gives them a lot more than just obedience. It not only aids in your dog’s behavior and mental stimulation but strengthens your relationship as well. A dog that knows basic commands is much easier to handle in public spaces, better focused on walks, and safer in situations that may require immediate control, such as near traffic or in restaurants or crowds.
In addition, learning commands also curtails many undesirable behaviors, like jumping on people, barking incessantly or chewing on things that are not theirs. Get started early, and as with any training, consistency is key so that your dog knows the rules and has fun learning with you!
Training Your Dog to Follow These Basic Commands
Here’s a rundown of some of the most important basic commands and instructions on how to teach your dog basic commands:
Sit
Teaching the “sit” command is one of the most basic and fundamental commands. It’s the basis for many other behaviors, and is a great way to grab your dog’s attention.
- Start with a treat at your dog’s nose level.
- Gradually raise the treat up and over their head. Their rear end will automatically drop as they track the treat.
- The moment your dog’s bottom hits the ground, say “sit,” and give him the treat.
- Continue doing this process until they understand the word “sit.” They will eventually start sitting on command even if you don’t have the treat in front of them.
Stay
The easiest way to teach your dog not to move is with the “stay” command. This way, you may be able to avoid accidents and potentially dangerous situations for your furry friend.
- Begin with your dog in front of you, sitting.
- Just hold your hand up like a stop sign and say “stay.”
- Take a step back. If they stay in place, give them a treat and praise.
- As you get up slowly, start increasing distance and time, and keep rewarding them for staying put. Regular practice will help in their self-control.
Come
The “come” command is a very important type of command so your dog will be safe, especially when off-leash or in an open area.
- Go to a quiet room or backyard and have your dog on a leash.
- Get down on your dog’s level and say “come” with excitement.
- As soon as they get to you, praise them, and provide the treat.
- Start with the command from a farther distance, then gradually increase the challenge.
Leave It
The “leave it” command can save your dog’s life when he encounters something he should not eat, like food, trash, or a dangerous object.
- Hold a treat in your hand, and show it to him.
- Wrap your hand around the treat and say “leave it.”
- Let your dog stop attempting to reach the treat. When they step back, reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Once they know what to focus on, practice, introduce distractions over time, and reward your pup when they forgo the impulse to take the item.
Advice for Being Successful in Dog Training
- Be Consistent and Patient: Repetition is key for dogs, so be sure to practice frequently. You don’t want to confuse your pooch, so use the same words and hand gestures every time.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Whenever your dog carries out the command successfully, give them physical affection, praise, and treats. This will inspire them to learn more.
- Keep Training Sessions Short: Due to dogs’ short attention spans, keep your training to 15 minutes or less at a time and limit to one command at a time.
- Practice in Other Settings: Once your dog has learned a command at home, practice in multiple settings — at the park, in the presence of distractions, around other people — to make sure they can execute the command in different situations.
How to Teach Your Dog Basic Commands — FAQs
How much time does it take to train a dog to obey basic commands?
It takes time before a dog knows basic commands, and that time varies from one animal to another depending on factors such as age, breed, and temperament. It could take 3 to 5 days to a couple of weeks for your dog to reliably respond to the commands you’ve worked on.
What if my dog doesn’t respond to training?
If your dog isn’t listening, think about your environment, distractions and whether you have enough positive reinforcement going. Be patient and consistent with your training sessions.
Even Older Dogs Can Learn Basic Commands
Yes! New commands are absolutely possible to learn for older dogs. They might not learn as quickly, but with time and practice, they can still master the essentials.
Is it necessary to train my dog every single day?
Daily is best, but sessions should be short to keep your dog engaged and have fun while training.
What are the best treats for dog training?
For dog training, high-value treats, such as small bits of cooked chicken or soft training treats, are often the best. Ensure they are small enough not to lead to overfeeding.
Conclusion
How to teach your dog basic commands is a fun and rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between you and your dog and makes for a better-behaved pet. With positive reinforcement, patience, and practice, you can teach your dog to learn these basic commands: sit, stay, come, and leave it. Being trained in these commands has numerous benefits, from not only helping you to better communicate with your dog to keeping them safe as well as making your day-to-day interactions easier. No matter if you’re working with a puppy or an adult dog, every dog can learn the basics, so get started and enjoy the ride!
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Any training advice or success stories to share? Share in the comments below, and let’s continue to help one another train calm, happy, and well-mannered dogs!