Basic Dog Training Commands
from Good Dog Training Books

Teaching Basic Dog Training Commands

There are basic dog training commands that every dog seems to know. One would assume with how popular these phrases are that dogs just know them.

The truth is that each dog must be taught even such simply phrases such as sit, stay, and lay down.

You will have an easy or difficult time depending on the nature of each dog. Some dogs are very receptive to being taught fast, while others are bit more stubborn.

Many experts say that it is not the dog at all, but the method of training that makes the difference.

How To Sit

Sit is one of the basic dog training commands that every dog needs to know. This can be used not only as a means of showing obedience, but also to help you control your dog around food and people. The best way to teach your dog how to sit is to use cookies. With your puppy in front of you, hold the treat directly above his head while stating the command sit. Move the treat further towards the back of the head. This will force his hind end down.

When your dog’s hind end is in the sitting position give him the cookie and praise him. If your dog tries to go for the cookie instead of sitting, remove the cookie from his view and start again. Sometimes you will have to gently push his hind end into the sitting position to get him familiar with it. Remember to praise him each time and give him the cookie.

Laying Down

Another one of the most popular and common basic dog training commands for dogs is lay down. This can be taught much in the same way as lying down, except you will place your hand with the treat on the ground. With your dog in front of you, you will get the dog in a sitting position first, and then proceed with them lying down.

Place the cookie in your hand and place your hand on the ground in front of your dog. Tell the dog to lay down while moving the cookie closer to you still on the ground to get the dog to put his body into a low lying position. Once on the ground give him the cooking and praise him.

Getting Your Dog To Stay

There is an easy way to teach your dog to stay. The best way to start is by him already knowing or learning the other basic dog training commands of sit and lay down. The reason it makes learning to stay easier is you have already mastered a command training session or two, and the dog is in a familiar command pose.

Once you have your puppy lay or sit down hold your hand up in a stop motion holding the cookie to your palm with your thumb. Tell your dog to stay while holding your hand out and backing slowly away. Take five steps and if your dog stays reward him with the cookie and praise. If your dog follows you, put him back in the sitting or lying down position and try again. Once he has mastered five steps you will want to go further.

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