How to Train Your Dog

Training a dog whether it is a puppy or an older dog takes time. The first commands that a dog needs to know are sit, stay, no, lie down and come. Start with sit, then move onto stay, come and then lie down. The no command may need reinforcement, but most dog learn this command with housebreaking. It is important to be consistent and train the dog daily for about 30 minutes a day. After training, there should be a little playtime.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Six-foot lead
• Dog treats

How to Train Your Dog

1. Training a dog to sit, you will need a six-foot lead and some small dog treats. Gently pat the dog's rear as you are saying sit. As the dog sits, reward him or her with a treat. Walk the dog a few feet and repeat the command while gently pressing down on the rear. Then reward. This training should be done every day for about a week until the dog knows and performs the command

2. After the dog has learned to sit, the next command to teach is stay. Using the lead, tell the dog to sit. After the dog sits, say good boy or girl and reward with a small treat. While putting your hand the stop position like a crossing guard does, tell the dog to stay and gradually walk back four feet while holding the lead. Wait two minutes, then walk back to the dog and praise with a reward. Repeat this step gradually walking a full six feet and returning. After a week, drop the lead and command the dog to stay while you walk thirty feet away. Then practice walking out of sight

3. Training the dog to come is going to come right after they learn to stay. To teach a dog to come, use the lead, tell the dog to sit and stay. Walk the full six feet away and tell the dog to come while gently pulling on the lead. When the dog comes to your side, reward with a treat. Repeat this step and gradually work the distance until you reach forty feet. After this success, leave the dogs sight and when you reappear, ask the dog to come and reward.

4. Teaching the dog the no command should be easy to do. When the dog is doing something wrong, say no and point your finger at the dog. The no command is probably already being learned since you had the dog, but some dogs do not understand what is meant by no. The understanding of no is usually understood with housebreaking.

5. Training the dog to lie down is done by telling the dog to sit, then telling them to lie down while placing your hand down to the ground in front of them. Reward as the dog learns and does what is commanded. This command is usually learned quickly and can be used with the stay command.

Tips & Warnings

• Never yell at a dog during training.

• Always be consistent with your wording of the commands.

• Keep telling the dog the commands as they age, they can forget or choose to disobey.

• Some breeds will take longer than others to train.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish