Dog training guide: 9 commands to teach your dog
Training a dog may feel like a nerve-racking task but it isn’t difficult as you think. Though it takes time but with proper understanding, patience, and consistent efforts, you and your canine can master dog training. Here are a few common training challenges dog owners face, and some suggestions for working with them.
Rajas Kulkarni
A zoologist by qualification, she studied veterinary nursing at the Bicton College of Agriculture, UK. She is in-charge of liaising with vets/ breeders/ clients regarding their queries about nutritional supplements marketed by Venttura.
Why dog training is important?
Dog training is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to establish a strong bond between the dog and its owner, as training allows for clear communication and mutual understanding. Training also helps to ensure the safety of both the dog and those around it, as a well-trained dog is less likely to exhibit dangerous or aggressive behavior. Additionally, training can help to prevent problem behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing, making the dog a more enjoyable companion. It can also increase the overall well-being of the dog as it is able to perform certain tasks and understand certain cues that can make their daily lives more comfortable and safe. Further more, training can also provide mental and physical stimulation for the dog, which can help to prevent boredom and associated problems. Overall, regular training can greatly enhance the relationship between a dog and its owner and make for a happier, healthier pet.
How Training Works
- Dogs feel comfortable and happy when they know their place in their pack. This means they understand their role and what is expected of them. When they have a clear role, they can predict what others in their pack will do, and they know when they will be rewarded or corrected. But, when their role is not clear, they may feel anxious and worried because they don’t know what to expect. Training your dog will give them a clear role and help them understand what is expected of them, which will make them feel more comfortable and happy.
- Teaching your dog basic obedience is important for you as the pet parent because it helps you to be the leader of the pack. When you are the leader, you can set clear rules and guidelines for your dog to follow. If you don't take this role, your dog may try to take charge, which can be confusing and stressful for both of you. When you are the leader, you can decide where to go, when to eat, and how to behave. This helps your dog to relax because they know what is expected of them and what kind of attention they will get for different behaviors. Basic obedience training is crucial for a happy and relaxed dog.
- When training your dog, it's important to follow the 3-second rule. This means that when you give your dog praise or correction, it should be within 3 seconds of the behavior you want to reinforce or change. It's important to be consistent and only give attention to your dog when they are doing something good. For example, if your dog is growling at strangers, don't try to calm them down. This can actually reinforce the behavior and make them think there is something to be scared of. Instead, say "No" calmly and act friendly towards the stranger to show your dog it's ok. This will help your dog to relax and understand what is expected of them.
How to train your dog?
Supervise dogs closely during the first few weeks. It may help to let your dog drag a leash around in the house so you can stop him before he misbehaves.
As you work with your dog, he learns the rules of your house and will look to you as his pack leader. It will be easier to correct or change bad habits in a new environment. Once the newness has worn off, if you try to change his already established habits, he can't figure out why all the rules have changed ("Why can't I sit on the couch?").
Puppies can learn too, but keep training sessions short and fun, no more than 5 minutes at a time. Don't be too hard on your puppy when he makes a mistake. Remember he wants to please you.
Crate training is a big favor you can do for your dog. It's his safe haven from the world. From his crate, he gets used to new sights, sounds, and people without feeling pressured to react. A crate relieves him of all that responsibility, and the opportunity to destroy the house. That's effective management!
If he will be left alone for several hours every day, start crate training now, even if you're just in the next room. He needs to learn he has to spend time without you. A dog that gets constant attention and then is suddenly left alone for eight hours may bark, chew, or develop other behavior problems due to separation anxiety.
Make training time play time too. Talk, laugh, and have fun with your dog as he learns to sit, down and other basic commands. Be over exuberant with praise at first, so he knows he got it right. "Good off!," "Good sit!," and "Good potty!" when said with happy enthusiasm, all signal to your dog that he has made the right choice and has pleased you. "No" tells him he made a wrong choice, and he will learn the difference very quickly.
Basic Commands to teach your dog
Heel
Most pet owners really want a dog that walks nicely without leash pulling. You can start this command by holding the dog leash with your right hand and letting your dog stay on the left side. Give the “heel” command and guide your dog to walk beside you. Praise your dog or give a treat when your dog follows the command.
Sit
Sit is the basic and must teach command to your dog. Offer the treat by positioning it towards your dog’s know and when your dog sits, give the “sit” command. This command is great for putting your dog on the leash, greeting people, giving medication, brushing and in other situations.
Stay
The main purpose of stay is to calm your dog down and keep them self-controlled. Don't move from a specific position, such as ”Sit”.
Down
A submissive position that is also more comfortable for the dog, especially if you want him to stay for more than a minute. Although this is quite challenging but it can be achieved. Execute this command by offering treats to your dog.
Off
Dogs have high energy levels. They usually get excited and jump on you. The “off” command indicates not to jump. 'Off' and 'Down' should mean two different things
Leave it
Put his attention back on you and away from something else that he is interested in.
Come
"Come here!" sounds friendlier to the dog. Probably the most critical command to teach. This command will take several months to teach completely
Go to your bed
A good place to be out of the way but still with you while you have company or eat dinner
Wait
Don't cross this line – such as a doorway. The dog doesn't have to sit or lie down, just not move forward