How to Teach Your Dog Simple Commands?
To teach your dog basic commands, you will need a collar, a leash, and plenty of patience. One training manual recommends the following: (1) Give a simple, one-word command, (2) demonstrate the desired action, and (3) immediately give praise when the action is performed. Your tone of voice is more important than the words you use. A command should be given in an affirmative tone, and praise should be given in a happy, affectionate tone.
Physical punishment, such as hitting or kicking, is not necessary. “I simply say ‘No’ in a sharp tone, prolonging the vowel, so that the dog will know that I am displeased with its performance,” says Marcos, the trainer quoted earlier. He adds, “A dog is intelligent enough to know when you are rewarding and when you are reprimanding.”
If anything more drastic is needed, you might grasp the dog by the scruff of its neck and shake it lightly while saying “No.” Reprimands should be given during or immediately following the undesirable behavior. Remember, a dog cannot discern why it is being scolded if the scolding occurs minutes or hours after the act. Neither does it understand why a certain action is acceptable on one occasion but objectionable on another. So be consistent.
The foundation for all obedience is the command “Sit!” If your dog knows this command, you can control it when it becomes overly active. For example, you can tell your dog to sit when it begins to jump on visitors. To teach your dog to sit, put the leash on it, and give the command while pushing down on its hindquarters and gently pulling its head up with the leash. Give praise immediately. Repeat these steps until the dog obeys the command on its own.
To teach your dog to remain in the sitting position, use the command “Stay!” while standing in front and putting your hand out with the palm facing flat toward the dog. If the dog moves, say “No” and place it back into position. Repeat the command, and praise your dog when it stays sitting for a short period. Gradually increase the time it sits and then the distance between you and your dog as it responds to the command.
The best way to teach a dog to come to you is to use a long leash and give a gentle tug while calling your dog’s name and giving the command “Come!” Back up as the dog moves toward you, and continue giving it praise. Soon it will respond to your call without being prompted by the leash. If your dog gets loose and will not respond to the command “Come!” call it and run in the opposite direction. Often, a dog will instinctively give chase.
A word of caution: Never use the word “come” for a negative reason, such as to give a reprimand. Your dog must learn that responding to “Come” will bring pleasurable results, whether praise or a food treat. If you lose your patience while teaching this command, your dog will learn that coming is unpleasant and is to be avoided.
You can also teach your dog to walk by your side without pushing ahead or lagging behind. To do this, use a link-chain training collar and a short leash. With the dog on your left, give the command “Heel!” and step out with the left foot. If your dog attempts to push ahead or lag back, give a quick, sharp jerk on the leash and repeat the command. Give praise for compliance.
How can you keep your dog from jumping up on you? One method is to back away while using the command “Off!” followed by “Sit!” Another is to catch a forepaw in each hand and step toward the dog, repeating the “Off!” command. Give praise when it obeys.
