How to Give Dog Commands

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Formal dog training by a hired professional is generally not allowed until a puppy has been fully vaccinated, usually around four months, so if you want a trained dog, it's best to start on your own as early as possible. You can train a dog for obedience as early as nine weeks. Giving your dog commands when training him requires consistency in tone, wording and timing. Read on to learn how to give dog commands.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Decide what you'll require of your dog and the words you'll use to communicate your expectations. The most common and basic training words are "Sit," "Stay," "Down," "Come (here)" and "Drop it." Also choose positive affirmation and correction cues such as "Yes," "No," or "Good boy," "Bad girl."
Step 2

Train in a safe, quiet environment where the dog is free from distraction. Start by working with just one command.
Step 3

Give the command in an assertive (non-aggressive) tone in your normal speaking voice. Say the command once and help the dog understand what you expect to happen. For example, to teach "Sit," gently push the dog's rear to the floor while you say the command.
Step 4

Repeat the command and wait for a response. If the dog complies, immediately reward her with a treat or a higher-pitched phrase of praise. Verbal affirmation can be as rewarding to a dog as a piece of food.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid harsh correction when giving a "Come here" command. Many times the dog will run off or stray and endanger himself. The owner then says "Come here," and upon the dog's obedience, corrects him for his bad behavior. This teaches the dog not that what he did (running off) is wrong, but that "Come here" means negative consequences. This works counter-intuitively to the training and makes the command ineffective. Praise the dog for his obedience to "Come here" and forget the mistake.
Avoid repeating the command when you see no compliance. This confuses the dog. Slow down and say the command once while showing the dog what you mean. Continue showing the dog your expectation until you get an immediate response.