One of the biggest challenges of having a dog is obedience training. Proper training is an essential part of dog ownership. Not only does it make companionship more rewarding, but it also helps the dog develop useful skills. Dog training challenges a pup’s mind. It provides a unique mental workout that also allows owners to stave off potential behavior problems.
Dogs are smart animals and can pick up even the most complex commands with continued coaching. With that being said, most dogs in the Lakewood and Golden areas don’t need complicated training. Instead, they’ll flourish with a handful of basics.
Essential Basic Commands
Sit
Often the first step in proper obedience training, the “sit” command is usually the easiest to master. It’s a simple command that tells the dog they need to calm down and provide complete attention. Essentially, sitting for a dog is a polite gesture and can be used in a variety of situations, whether at home or dog daycare.
To train the dog, simply stand in front of them with a calm, yet assertive demeanor. A treat should be held in front of their nose, slightly above their line of sight. Speaking directly to them and making eye contact, simply say, “Sit.” With the treat above their vision, they’ll have to sit down to lift their head and view the treat.
Stay
The “stay” command can be tedious to teach, but it can ultimately get the dog out of some sticky situations. It can be used to keep the dog away from danger, such as an intruder. The command is also useful for keeping the dog in a safe place, such as when they escape the yard or kennel. The objective is to get them to understand that they need to stay put until it is alright to move.
With the pup in the seated position, the trainer should lift an open hand to the dog’s face. The hand should be visible, but not touching their nose. With another hand on the collar, the verbal command should be given. Chances are, they won’t stay on the first try. After staying successfully for at least two seconds, they can receive a treat. This command requires constant training with increased “stay time” to be effective.
Lay Down
Commanding a dog to lay down is often viewed as a more serious alternative to sitting. It should tell a dog that they need to stop whatever they are doing immediately and provide complete attention. The command is great for controlling behavioral problems, as it requires them to stop an action entirely.
After they are successfully sitting, one open hand should be placed in front of their face. The other hand should be toward the floor with a treat. The dog should be focused on the empty hand in front of them. With the verbal command, slide the open hand down to the floor close to their body. With time, they will lay down. Once the dog is laying down completely, they can be praised.
Recall
One of the most useful pieces of obedience training, recall commands tell a dog that they need to come when called. This command is useful in all facets of their life and can prove to be beneficial in times of emergency or danger. It should be trained with owners and anyone the dog knows well, such as trainers at dog boarding facilities or walkers.
Once seated, dogs should be encouraged to come with a gentle tug of the collar and encouragement. It’s important to use a kind voice with this command, as the dog should want to come rather than be scared of the consequences of coming. A treat can be used as a lure if they need extra incentive. It’s a good idea to continue this training with added distances to ensure that they know to always come.
Heel
Teaching a dog to “heel” is a bit tricky, but can incredibly useful when getting exercise. If successful, dogs will know to stay by a walker’s side rather than explore and get into trouble. This will prove to be useful during dog daycare visits or routine walks through the neighborhood. It reduces stress on the walker’s body while ensuring the dog gets the exercise they need.
To start off, the dog should be seated behind the left leg with their lead on. With a verbal cue, the walker should step off with their left leg. This signals that it’s time to start moving. If the dog veers off or stays behind, simply give the lead a tug and respond verbally. It will take some time to master and requires patience and persistent.
Tips
- Use the same commands with each training session to avoid confusion.
- Dog training is all about progress and growth. Training should start with simple commands before moving on to something more complex.
- Treats and positive reinforcement should be given quickly to create a connection between the behavior and the reward.
- Training should be done by multiple people. This includes walkers, kennel personnel, and family members.
- Stay calm and positive. Yelling and hitting will only cause the dog to associate a command with a negative side effect.
- Continue training well after the dog has it mastered. Treats should only be given when a command is followed to reinforce the rules.
- Professional Help from Pet Peeves
Sometimes, professional help is the best way to train both dog and owner. Pet Peeves provides professional training to dogs of the Golden and Lakewood areas. A clicker is used to encourage a positive training environment that enhances the dog’s relationship and trust with the owner. A variety of different classes are offered, from dog boarding training sessions to group classes. Either way, professionals will work with the dog and the owner to build trust and obedience.
Whether it’s received from a loving owner or a trained professional, obedience training is important. By understanding proper commands, dogs can live happy and healthy lives away from trouble and danger. With persistence and hard work, any pooch can be a dog training success story.
