When you get a new dog, whether an adult or a puppy, it will require some training. You can train the dog yourself or find experienced professionals for k9 training in the Bay Area. Training your pet to respond to specific commands will teach it life skills and provide mental and physical stimulation.
While this may test your patience, it can be fun as well. There are several commands your dog should know, but the most common and critical five commands are given below:
Sit
“Sit” is one of the first commands your dog should learn. The foundation of any good dog training program, the “sit” command, can control bad behaviors like jumping or running around the house and maintain control. There are different ways of teaching your dog the “sit” command:
You can give your dog a treat when it is sitting by itself, followed by a verbal yes. Eventually, you can use this command as your dog starts sitting and gives it a treat. After doing this several times, your dog will start associating the word “sit” with actually sitting down.
Another way to teach the “sit” command is by starting with your dog on its four legs in front of you. You can apply pressure with the dog’s leash until its bottom touches the floor and reward it. You must continue maintaining the leash’s pressure till the command is fully followed. Otherwise, your dog may sit for the reward only and get up immediately.
Down
“Down” is the second vital command you must teach your dog. It can help keep your dog in a place for short periods. The command “down” can be taught using hand, pully, or footstep methods. Hold your dog’s leash with your foot for the footstep and pulley method. Apply downward pressure on the leash till your dog lies down. Then, remove the pressure and treat it generously. When using the hand method, put the leash down at an angle of 45 degrees and push your dog’s shoulders down with your hand. Give it a treat once it is down.
Come
“Come” is an extremely useful command for any dog parent. You won’t have to chase your dog around to come to you when you teach it this command. When teaching your dog the “come” command, you must remember two important things. First, give it a special treat, something it rarely gets. Next is never to associate the command with anything negative. Punishing your dog for not coming to you after this command can create a negative association that can be difficult for your dog to forget. Practice this command inside the house first. Get someone to hold your dog some distance from you. Then, shout the command “come” loudly and excitedly. The other person should leave your dog as soon as you scream the command. Treat the dog with something special when it comes to you. Once you practice this a few times, you may not need another person to help. You can call your pet anytime.
Teaching your dog to respond to the “come” command outside can be difficult. There are several distractions outside that could take your dog’s attention away. Keep your dog on a longer leash to help you if it gets distracted. Ensure your dog understands the command and responds to it before trying it outdoors.
Stay
The natural command to teach your dog after it masters “sit,” “down,” and “come” is “stay.” This command will prevent your dog from bolting out of the front door when it sees something. It will also help it stay still or lie down in a vet’s office. First, get your dog to sit down. Put your hand flat in front of its face and say, “stay.” Wait for two seconds once you say the command, and give your dog a treat. Build the time from two seconds to ten, and then thirty gradually. Continue working on the command till your dog stays for at least two minutes. You must focus on preventing distraction, building duration, and maintaining distance when you teach your dog this command. Your dog should get up from stay only when you signal it too.
Heel
Teaching your dog the “heel” command will ensure your dog walks calmly beside you. The dog is usually by your left side when you teach this command. Hold the leash in your hand, say “heel,” pause for a moment, and move in whichever direction you want.
Since you are in charge, your dog will start walking with you in the direction and speed you set after it learns this command. You can snap the leash and get its attention if it doesn’t follow your lead. Once your dog learns to walk beside you, you can change direction, add zig-zags, or include stopping. Your dog will eventually stay by your side. Remember to praise your dog generously and shower it with treats once it learns this command.
Tips to Successfully Train Your Dog
While dog training can be beneficial in different situations, it is not easy to train your dog. Below are some useful tips:
- Conduct short training sessions. Short sessions between five and ten minutes will teach them more than a long training session.
- Practice the commands with different distraction levels. For instance, hold a toy or have a family member or dog present.
- Have patience. Take a break if either your dog or you get frustrated and revisit the training again.
Training your dog requires time and patience. It is not something that you can finish in a few days. While you may want to train your dog yourself, busy schedules and, sometimes, just lack of experience may not allow you to do so. https://spectrum-canine.com/ is a professional dog training service that can help you in such situations. We have over ten years of dog training experience and offer puppy training, behavior modification, private training, personal protection training, and board and train services.
Name, Address, and Phone
Spectrum Canine Dog Training,
34060 Rowland Dr. Fremont CA 94555,
(510) 629-9498
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