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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.

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

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

Note: The information in this article is not a substitute for training. If you need additional information, please contact your K-9 trainer.