The Basics of Dog Training
How to Teach Your Dog Basic Obedience Commands
Teaching your dog basic obedience commands is a great way to build a strong bond with them and make life easier as a pet parent. Here are some tips on how to teach your dog the commands "yes", "name recognition", "sit", "down", and "touch":
1. Use a marker: creating clear communication for training
A marker is a word or sound that you use to signal to your dog that they have done something correctly. A common marker is the word "yes". When your dog does something that you want them to do, immediately say "yes" and give them a treat. This will help them to associate the marker with good behavior.
2. Teach name recognition: starting a conversation with your pup to get their attention
Your dog should know their name before you can start teaching them other commands. To teach them their name, start by saying their name in a happy voice and then giving them a treat. Repeat this several times until they start to look at you when you say their name.
3. Teach the "sit" command: will help with impulse control and keeping paws on the ground
To teach the "sit" command, start by holding a treat in front of your dog's nose. Slowly move the treat up over their head. As they follow the treat with their nose, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say "yes" and give them the treat. Repeat this several times until they are sitting reliably.
4. Teach the "down" command: will help with settling, relaxing, and impulse control
To teach the "down" command, start by getting your dog to sit. Then, take the treat and go straight to the ground from their nose. If your dog gets up into a stand start by asking for a sit and trying again. As they lower their body to the ground hold the treat on the floor until they are fully down. Now say "yes" and give them a treat. Repeat this several times until they are lying down reliably.
5. Teach the "touch" command: teaches orientation to owner, focusing on a single point, great for starting recall and as a disengagement tool
To teach the "touch" command, hold a treat in your hand. Wave it in front of your dog's nose a couple of inches away. As they touch their nose to your hand to get the treat, say "yes" and give them the treat. Repeat this several times until they are reliably touching your hand.
These are just a few basic obedience commands that you can teach your dog. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog many other commands as well.
If you need help teaching your dog basic obedience commands, or if you have any other dog training questions, contact Morgan's Pawsitive Pup Training. We offer a variety of training services, including private training, and group training.