Basic Training Commands
- Sit: Hold a treat above the dog’s nose and slowly move it upward and backward. As the dog’s head follows the treat, its bottom will naturally lower. Say “sit” at the moment it sits and immediately give it the treat and praise.
- Stay: With the dog in a sitting position, hold your hand out in a stop gesture and say “stay”. Then take a small step back. If the dog stays put, return and give it a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay.
- Come: When the dog is at a short distance from you, squat down, pat your legs, and say “come” in a cheerful tone. When the dog comes to you, reward it with treats and affection.
- Down: With the dog sitting, hold a treat in front of its nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As the dog follows the treat and lies down, say “down” and give it the treat and praise.
Socialization Training
- Expose to Different Environments: Take the dog to various places such as parks, sidewalks, and pet stores from an early age. Let it experience different sights, sounds, and smells to help it become more adaptable.
- Interact with Other People and Pets: Arrange for the dog to interact with different people of all ages and genders, as well as other friendly dogs. This helps it learn appropriate social behaviors and reduces aggression and fear.
House Training
- Establish a Routine: Set a regular schedule for feeding, watering, and taking the dog outside to relieve itself. Most dogs need to go outside shortly after eating, waking up, and playing.
- Choose a Designated Area: Select a specific area in the yard or outside the house as the dog’s toilet area. Take the dog to this area at scheduled times and praise it when it uses the area correctly.
- Clean Up Accidents Properly: If the dog has an accident indoors, clean it up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell completely. This helps prevent the dog from returning to the same spot to urinate or defecate.
Leash Training
- Get the Right Equipment: Choose a suitable leash and collar or harness. A harness is often more comfortable and less likely to cause harm to the dog’s neck.
- Let the Dog Get Used to the Leash: Put the leash on the dog indoors and let it walk around with it for short periods to get used to the feeling.
- Walk Slowly and Steadily: When taking the dog out for a walk, start at a slow pace. If the dog pulls on the leash, stop walking until it relaxes the tension, then continue. Reward the dog when it walks calmly by your side.
Advanced Training
- Agility Training: Set up an agility course in the yard or use a professional agility training facility. Teach the dog to navigate obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. This not only improves the dog’s physical abilities but also its mental focus.
- Retrieving Training: Start with a small, soft object like a plush toy. Throw the object a short distance and encourage the dog to pick it up and bring it back to you. Use treats and praise to reinforce the behavior. Gradually increase the distance and difficulty.
Training a dog requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoid using punishment or harsh methods, as they can damage the bond with your dog and lead to behavioral problems.
