Establishing a solid bond with your canine companion is built by training them in basic commands. Basic command training will lay the groundwork for your new puppy or a seasoned adult dog.
Training your puppy or dog to perform basic commands will simplify how you interact with your dog on a day-to-day basis; whether you are walking your dog or socialising with them.
Importance of Early Training
Professionals with major organisations such as the American Kennel Club believe that beginning basic command instruction at a young age is critical to building long-term obedience in your dog.
Dogs have a desire to please their human family members and they are more likely to follow commands if they are trained using positive and consistent methods.
Sit Command As First Training Step
The “sit” command is typically the first command that dogs learn to follow. There are many reasons why trainers use “sit” as the initial basic command, including ease of understanding by most dogs.
Starting with the “sit” command is a great foundation for teaching other commands.
How to Teach Sit
To begin, take a treat and bring it near your dog’s nose and then up over his head. When he follows the treat his rear will automatically go down, say “sit” clearly and reward him immediately.
Common Mistakes
- Repeating the command can confuse a dog
- Not rewarding immediately after the behaviour is completed
Stay Command
The “STAY” command can be one of the most beneficial commands you can teach your dog. Teaching this command will help you keep your dog safe.
As stated by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the “stay” command will take longer to teach than the “sit” command.
Steps for Teaching Stay
- The first step is to teach your dog to sit
- Extend your arm outward and present your palm while saying “stay”
- Take a few steps away and allow your dog to understand the command
Tips to Achieve More
- Use a release word such as “okay”
- Begin by practicing in a quiet area
- Gradually introduce distractions
- Keep training sessions brief
Come Command
The come command is one of the most important commands that you can teach your dog for their safety. This command indicates to your dog that they must return to you when you call them.
Companies like Royal Canin have recommended developing and teaching the recall command as part of responsible ownership.
How to Teach Recall
Call your dog’s name and tell him to “come” in a happy voice; when your dog comes to you, immediately reward them.
Do this on a regular basis and introduce distractions gradually.
Important Rule
- Do not say “come” when your dog has done something wrong
Down Command
The “down” command helps your dog understand how to lay down calmly. This is important to help your dog relax in your home or to stay still when out in public.
The “down” command may take a little longer for your dog to learn than some other commands.
How to Teach Down
As your dog follows the treat or toy, his her body will lower down naturally. While your dog is laying down, say the command to “down”, then give them the treat or toy.
Continue to practice this command regularly in small steps.
Benefits of the Down Command
- Helps your dog stay calm
- Encourages self-control
- Helps behave well around others
Leave It Command
Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command is very important for keeping them from picking up items off of the ground or being in dangerous situations.
The RSPCA supports the training of the “Leave It” command from an early age.
Training Steps
- Begin by holding a dog treat in your closed hand
- Allow your dog to sniff it
When to Use
- Stops dogs from accessing dangerous objects
- Avoids dogs chasing unsafe items
- Increases impulse control
Heel Command
The command “Heel” helps and teaches the dog how to walk beside you while not pulling on the leash. A well-behaved dog that has learned the command will walk calmly.
The Blue Buffalo supported training programs focus on teaching leash manners.
Training Your Dog To Heel
You begin by keeping your dog’s leash short while holding it in one hand, and holding a treat with the other.
Key Corrections
- Stop walking until your dog returns to your side
- Ensure pulling does not result in forward movement
No Command
This single word means don’t do that to your dog and will continue to change your dog’s behaviour.
Experts with the Humane Society of the United States recommend using the command in a calm and firm voice.
How to Use No Command
State the command clearly when your dog performs an undesirable action, then redirect your dog to a more suitable alternative.
Always be consistent in your response.
Best Practices
- Use the command sparingly
- Redirect to positive behaviour
- Reward immediately when good behaviour is shown
