4 Basic Commands for Dog and Pup Obedience Training

by Robert Fox

Training your puppy can feel like a daunting task, but it can make your life with your special family member easier and more gratifying.

The benefits of obedience training outweigh the work it takes, and the experience will be rewarding for the both of you!

Benefits of Obedience Training for Your Dog or Pup

 Benefits of Obedience Training for Your Dog or Pup
Benefits of Obedience Training for Your Dog or Pup
Benefits of Obedience Training for Your Dog or Pup

According to numerous studies done, obedience training can prevent future development and behavioural problems in dogs.

They are less likely to create bad behaviours from stress and confusion due to their inability to communicate with you. Obedience training will also create a unique bond between you and your dog.

You will learn how to read your dog and their quirks while they are learning your expectations. You will be creating a positive and loving relationship between the two of you.

Basic Commands For Puppy Training
Basic Commands For Puppy Training

Training while your dog is still a pup is the easiest route but not necessary.

We are going to show how to master four basic commands and from there you can eventually lead into more challenging commands. Here are the commands that we will cover today:

Ok, let's start by explaining how to teach your dog to sit.

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How to teach your dog to sit

Train Dog
Train Dog

Sit is the first command you will want to teach your pup. It's not only the easiest, but it lays the groundwork for down and lay.

The 'sit' command helps for you to get your pup's attention so he can focus on you. Keep in mind; his final sitting pose should be with his bottom completely on the ground.

Once you teach your dog to sit on your command you will have his full attention, which will make future training much easier.

Some dogs will try to linger so don't think you've taught your dog properly until he learns the finally sitting pose.

Before you move on with the training, you have to establish a relaxed training environment. Try to find a location that your dog is comfortable with and that is relatively free from distractions.

You should avoid training your dog outdoors as outdoor training sessions can limit your ability to confine your dog and thus maintain his focus.

Outdoor Dog Training
Outdoor Dog Training

A room in your home can be a perfect location to do the training. There you will have much more control over your dog's activity level than outdoors.

Once you've found a perfect location, you can start start with the training. Here are some tips that will help you train your dog to sit on your command:

  • Hold a treat above your pup's nose. Most dogs will instantly sit but if your pup doesn't, try slowly moving the treat towards his ears. Never physically force him to sit! As soon as his bottom thoroughly touches the ground, give him the treat and most importantly, give him positive feedback.
  • If you had to start with the treat by his ears, repeat this step while slowly moving the treat closer to his nose.
  • Once he has accomplished sitting with the treat in front of his nose, start using your command word. Gradually phase out the treat until he sits on the command. Practice by your front door, so when visitors come over, he will sit patiently instead of excitedly jumping on guests.
  • If you are having trouble with this technique, you can try giving your pup positive feedback whenever he usually sits.

Next, we explain how to teach your dog to come on your command.

How to teach your dog to come on your command

How to teach your dog to come on your command
How to teach your dog to come on your command

The most important thing you should remember with the 'come' command is never to use it negatively! If you are angry at your dog, do not use it.

If you are about to bath him, do not use the command! He will start to associate the word with severe consequences and will stop responding.

Make sure to teach your dog that coming to you is always about something great and fun.

Teaching Your Dog To Come
Teaching Your Dog To Come

• Leash your pup and get down on your hands and knees. It is so you are at eye level and connecting one on one. Gently tug his lease and use your command word with a treat in hand. When he comes to you, give him positive feedback no matter how long the process.

• Once your pup has mastered that, start the training without a leash and slowly phase out the treat.

Once your dog has learned to come to you on your command, it doesn't meant the training is over. You should continue practice this command with him/her throughout his/her life.

Moving on to the next command…

How to teach your dog to master "down" command

"Down" is the toughest command for your puppy to learn because dogs regard this as a submissive position. Don't give up! It will just take a bit longer than the rest of the training.

Down is an excellent command if your pup likes to jump on you in excitement.

Dog-down-stay-command
Dog-down-stay-command
  • Grab your puppy's favourite treat and hold it in a fist gesture. Hold that same hand in front of his nose. Once he smells the treat and realizes what it is, move your hand down to the ground in front of him. He will follow. As soon as his elbows touch the floor, reward him with the treat as well as with positive feedback. Repeat this step until a few times before you include your command word.
  • If he tries to jump up right away, take your hand away and encourage him every step he takes to get to the precise position.
  • You can also gently put your hand on his/her shoulder in order to deter him/her from jumping back up and walking toward the treat.

Next, we explain how to teach your dog to lie down.

How to teach your dog to lie down

Lay is a great command to teach your dog. When your pup gets a bit too excited, it will calm him down. Since it is a form of submission, it will be difficult in the beginning as well.

Before you start training your dog to lie down, you will first need to train him to sit on your command.

Sitting is the first step toward lying down, so it is very important that your dog knows how to sit on command.

Dog Lay Command Training
Dog Lay Command Training

• Place your pup's favourite toy between his legs to help encourage him to lie down. When his stomach touches the floor, give him positive feedback and a treat.

• Move the toy a little bit further away each time you practice this command while implementing the command word. You can also increase the time between him laying down and receiving the treat.

• If he jumps up on you, give him the okay to get up, don't give him the treat. Being consistent is the key.

• If your pup has already learned the down command, you can try incorporating it into your training. It might be easier if he isn't responding to the toy.

Conclusion for Dog and Pup Obedience Training

Benefits of Obedience Training for Your Dog or Pup
Benefits of Obedience Training for Your Dog or Pup

Don't forget that positive feedback is the best feedback. Your pup will only become fearful of you if you use negativity. Some commands may take longer than others for your puppy to master but don't lose your motivation!

Your pup will not only become obedient in hectic situations, but you two will be able to communicate on a new level.

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About Robert Fox

Rob Fox is a former hydro worker who used to teach self defence in Miami for 10 years. He's currently enjoying his retirement, playing cribbage and golf with his buddies, locksmithing and home security in his spare time. Rob is an avid reader, and has even written a few books on the subject of self defence.

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