Nobody likes a dog that runs wild and doesn’t know how to behave around people and other animals. As the dog’s owner, and leader of the pack, it’s your responsibility to teach your dog some basic good manners. An obedient dog just makes life easier for everyone.
Sit is often the first command people try to teach a dog.
- An easy way is to use a treat. Close your hand so that the dog can smell it but can’t get to it. Lift your hand over the dog’s shoulders, so that it has to lift its head. To keep its eyes on the treat, he’ll have to sit (you can also help it by gently pushing down on its behind).
- Praise the dog when it sits down and give the treat.
- Once it sits down consistently for a treat, add the ‘sit’ command. Then practice until the dog sits down when you say ‘sit’ and lift your hand even without a treat. Always praise the dog when it obeys.
Stay s a very necessary command to teach the dog to remain still when you want it to.
- Let the dog sit, facing you.
- Hold up your hand like a stop signal, saying ‘stay’.
- Wait a few seconds, praise the dog and give it a treat.
- Gradually increase the waiting period, until the dog will remain in one place even if you move away from it.
No jumping! This is a command that can be taught from a young age.
- Ignore the puppy when it jumps and only give attention once its paws are back on the ground. Dogs usually jump for attention, and they hate it when you ignore them.
- It’s harder to change behavior in an older dog, but the best is still to turn your back on it until the dog stops jumping. Then praise it, but stop the moment it tries to jump again.
- If you’re a family, it’s important that everyone ignore the dog when it jumps. It will eventually get the message!
- Give the dog attention and praise it once it has calmed down. So you decide when to give attention to it; not when the dog demands it.
The down command is used when you want the dog to lie down and remain in one place.
- Start by having the dog sit in front of you. Take a treat and move your hand down to the floor.
- Put the treat just in front of its legs. The dog will move down to the floor as its nose follows the treat.
- Once it’s in the down position, give the treat and praise the dog.
Most dogs will retrieve, but often wouldn’t bring the ball or Frisbee back to you.
- Don’t chase the dog! He’ll think it’s a game.
- Try walking in the opposite direction, call it and give a treat and praise when it comes and gives you the ball.
- He’ll get the idea that when he leaves the ball, he gets a treat and you will continue play with him. In time he’ll be happy to play without getting a treat every time.
Teaching your dog to be obedient is worth the time and effort. Make it a game and don’t lose your temper – remember you’re dealing with an animal that doesn’t think the way you do. The basic rule is to ignore bad behavior and praise good behavior. Good luck!
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