In order to give your dog basic training, you’ll want to know the basic commands.
Name
The very first step in order for your dog to learn commands is for them to be able to recognize their name. You’ll constantly want to reinforce their name, so they know that’s what they’re called. This can be done by talking, greeting, playing, or feeding them. If you want to know if they’ve learned this command, try saying their name. If they look at you, reward them a treat.
Sit
This is a fairly easy command for your dog to learn, in fact your dog can learn this command when it’s feeding time. Before you give your dog their food, say the word ‘sit’ then gently push their rear to the ground. Say the word ‘sit’ to them again, so they know what they’re doing, then reward them with their grub. They will eventually understand what to do, and once they do you can practice the command in different settings.
Down
This command may be a bit more challenging. To start you can tell your dog to sit, then point to the ground and say the word ‘down’. Gently grab their front legs and lay them flat on the floor. Repeat the word ‘down’. Keep practicing, and make sure you give your pup a reward each time.
Heel
This command can be practiced when you guys are on your daily walk(s). The heel command is meant to tell your dog to stay close to your side, specifically on your left side. When it’s time for your walk, you can have your dog begin in the sit position. Take their leash in your right hand, and hold a treat in your left. Begin walking and say the word ‘heel’ while leading them with the treat. After a few steps, make sure to reward them with the treat and praise them. You’ll want to repeat this several times, and then when you think they’re ready, try the heel command without treat leading. If they listen, make sure to reward them.
Stay/wait
Like the sit command, this can also be practiced when it’s feeding time. When placing their bowl on the floor, place it a bit further away from them than normal. Say the word ‘wait’ or ‘stay’ when you’ve placed the bowl onto the floor. They will most likely get up and try to get their food, so quickly pick up their bowl, and try it again. Do this no more than 3-4 times, so they don’t feel discouraged.
This command can also be practiced anywhere in your home. You can tell your dog to sit, and then say ‘stay’. Take a few steps away from them, and then reward them. You can eventually increase the distance.
Come
This can be practiced along with the stay/wait command. When you tell them to stay and take a few steps away from them, say the word ‘come’ along with their name. Remember to reward them with treats and/or praise.
No/leave it
Have a treat in your hand, and make sure your dog knows it’s there. Close your hand around the treat, and let your dog smell and lick your hand. Say the word ‘no’ to them. Once your dog loses interest, you can reward them with the treat. With continuous practice your dog will eventually learn this command, as well as how to use it in different situations.
Look
By teaching your dog this command, your dog will learn to focus on you. To begin, have a treat in your hand, let your dog sniff it, and then move it next to your face. Say the word ‘look’, and reward them. After practicing that a few times, you can make it a bit more challenging. After holding the treat next to your face, put your hand down at your side. Your dog will most likely follow your hand, but when they look at you after a while say the word ‘look’, reward them.
