How Does a Dog Learn Commands?

Watching and Listening

Dogs learn commands by watching and listening to what we do. That is why it is important to not only use a verbal command when training your dog, but also by using a hand motion and showing the dog what you want him to do. For example, when training a dog to sit, you might say the word "sit" firmly, and also hold up your hand, palm facing the dog, fingers together. You will also want to show him how to sit at first, by pushing down firmly but gently on his hindquarters. If he follows your command, praise him lavishly with a smile. The dog will be watching your facial expressions, and listening to your tone of voice. He will be able to tell what he did correctly by your smile and happy tone of praise. Conversely, if he does not follow your command, frown and use a stern, disappointed tone of voice when correcting him. Again, your dog will learn that what he did was wrong, simply by watching and listening to you.

Wanting to Please

Dogs learn commands because they want to please their owners. This innate motivation helps them learn commands quickly if properly treated by their owners. They want to make their owners happy, and they also crave the praise and rewards that come with good performance. For these reasons, dogs will try hard to learn commands.
However, if the owner of the dog treats the dog poorly, abusing or neglecting him, the dog will stop trying to learn and follow commands. This can turn into a vicious cycle, with the owner punishing the dog for not following commands, and the dog refusing to follow them due to being treated badly. Dogs will not learn commands if treated badly by their owners.

Repetition and Routine

Dogs learn commands through routine and repetition. This makes them feel secure. They like their bed in the same place, to be fed at the same time, and to take their daily walks around the same time each day. The same goes for when a dog learns commands.
A dog will not learn a command unless it is repeated and used often, and in the same manner. For example, if you have been using an open palm, facing out, for the command "stay," and suddenly you decide to switch to a different motion, such as patting the air, the dog will become very confused. He will either fail to do the command properly or ignore it completely. When first teaching a dog a command, it is very important to be consistent, and to repeat it often, even when you think the dog has learned it very well. If you fail to do this, you might be surprised and dismayed to find that, a week later, your dog has forgotten everything you've taught him.

Resources

• How to teach your dog basic commands, from Purina pet company.