How To Train Your Dog

Training your dog will require some basic commands like the Sit Command, Stay Command, Sit-Stay Command, Fetch Command etc. Whatever commands you use to elicit action from your dog should be clear concise and consistent. The commands can be in the form of a verbal command, a snap of your finger followed by a hand signal or a whistle.

The rules for teaching any behavior are as follows :

• Decide on your cue (a specific word command, finger snap and signal, whistle or hand signal used every time, but only for that particular behavior)


• Decide on how to elicit the desired behavior (enforce the Sit command, for example, by pulling up on the collar and pushing downward on the dog’s rear)


• Give the cue as you elicit the desired behavior

The 12 basics for all commands :

• 1. Define your intent. What do you expect the dog to do?


• 2. Define the cue. What clear visual or auditory signal will you use to initiate the desired action?


• 3. Use the cue while you appear confident yet pleasant.


• 4. Preface verbal commands with the dog’s name. The name and the command should sound like one word (“Betsy, Heel”, rather than “Betsy….. Heel”). The only exception to this rule is when giving the Stay command, since this tells the dog not to move.


• 5. Say the command only once, so your dog learns to listen to every command.


• 6. Instill an association between the command and the conduct. While teaching, give the command as you make the dog do the action (for example, say Sit as you pull up on the collar and push down on the dog’s rear).


• 7. Give commands only when you can enforce them so you don’t risk teaching disobedience.


• 8. Decide on reinforcement. How are you going to show the dog what to do? Unlike the other 11 steps, this will change depending on your dog’s stage in training.


• 9. Show appreciation with praise. As you see your dog learning, “Good, good, good!” should become a reflex.


• 10. Release the dog from every command with the word Okay.


• 11. Test your dog’s understanding. Before progressing to the next level, make sure your dog can work around distractions.


• 12. Never take obedience for granted. Dogs forget, get lazy, become distracted and inevitably fail to respond to familiar commands. Correct your dog so that she understands that the rules haven’t changed and neither should her behavior-especially if she rarely makes a mistake.

The Release

You need two cues, one to begin an action and one to end it. Release your dog from duty with a word like Okay or Free. You may pair this word with an outward stroke under the dog’s chin. Dogs who rely on a physical release cue are less inclined to “break” their commands. For the first three weeks of training, step forward when you deliver the Chin Touch-Okay to make the dog move off the command on cue.

In the next article I will talk about the common dog commands. Meanwhile have a happy tail-waggin day... Cheers!!