Things You'll Need:
- Harness for dog and 4' or shorter leash.
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Step 1
Begin obedience training your dog when he/she is a puppy (if possible). Usually a puppy is capable of learning obedience commands at three months of age. Some may need to wait until they are six months old. Older dogs may also be taught, but it is much more difficult. They have probably developed some bad habits.
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Step 2
If possible enroll your puppy or dog in an obedience class as soon as you adopt him/her. The sooner you begin learning together the easier it will be on both of you. The Beginner Classes are very basic obedience. It is your responsibility to practice at home at least three times a day what the obedience instructor has taught you and your dog for each lesson. Most classes are eight week classes. Each class frequency varies but is usually for 2-3 hours per week.
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Step 3
Most Obedience classes have Puppy Classes, Beginning Obedience, Advanced Obedience. Many will have special classes for large dogs. It is best to not take a small dog where there will be larger dogs in the class, if possible.
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Step 4
You may teach your puppy or dog obedience at home but it takes a lot of practice and patience. It requires time and effort on the handlers part. Have a soft cloth collar for your dog and a harness and leash.
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Step 5
Most dogs are eager to please their handler. If you show love and kindness toward your dog they will usually learn much quicker.
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Step 6
If your puppy or dog likes treats then use them to reward the dog when they do an obedience command correctly. Use a small piece of a soft or hard treat. Do not give the puppy or dog a large piece. He/she is working to earn the reward.
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Step 7
The easiest obedience command to teach a dog or puppy is SIT. Hold the dogs leash in your left hand. Have the treat in your right hand. Stand closely in front of your dog. If the dog is standing, hold the treat above his/her head and give the command to sit. Most dogs will automatically sit when the look to see what you are holding above their head. This may take quite some time to teach. But, often a dog will learn it the first time you try it. When the dog obeys your command and Sits -immediately give him/her the treat and pet them while praising them saying: Good boy, girl or whatever your dog's name is! Praise reinforces obedience. If the dog does not obey the first time you give the command wait a few minutes before repeating the command. NEVER keep saying - Sit, over and over. Your dog should learn to obey the command when given once!
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Step 8
The next Basic Command is Down. Which instructs the dog to lie down! Stand in front of your dog with the leash in your left hand and treat in our right hand. Give the command: Down and move your hand with the treat toward the floor. Touch the floor with your hand if necessary still holding the treat. The dog will smell the treat and most dogs will lie down. If the dog doesn't the first time, wait a few minutes and try again. Always, be patient and gentle with your dog. They are learning a new language and it may take awhile! If your dog jumps on you or other people tell them OFF! not Down (this is the command to lay down)!
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Step 9
Always practice your obedience commands in a quiet area. There should be NO distractions for your puppy or dog while you are teaching them.
