Teaching basic commands is an essential part of dog training, and can help your dog understand what you expect from them, and make them easier to live with. Below are some basic commands to teach your dog:
1. Sit: This is probably the most basic command to teach your dog. It is easy to teach and can be used to keep your dog still and focused. To teach your dog to sit, you can hold a treat above their head and slowly move it back over their head, which will make them naturally lower their hindquarters to the ground. Once they sit, you can give them the treat and repeat the process until they understand the command.
2. Stay: The stay command is useful when you want your dog to remain in one place, such as when you are trying to open the door or when you are crossing the street. To teach this command, you should have your dog in a sitting position and then give the stay command while stepping back slowly. Reward your dog if they stay in place, and repeat the process, gradually increasing the distance and time.
3. Come: The come command is important in case your dog runs away or if you need to call them to come to you for any reason. To teach this command, you can use a leash and call your dog by their name, followed by the command “come” while pulling on the leash. When they come to you, reward them and repeat the process.
4. Down: The down command is useful for keeping your dog calm and relaxed, or for when you need them to stay in one place. To teach this command, you can have your dog in a sitting position and then use a treat to lure them to lie down. Reward them with the treat and repeat the process until they understand the command.
5. Leave it: This command is useful for stopping your dog from chewing on something they shouldn’t or for preventing them from eating something harmful. To teach this command, place a treat or object in front of your dog and say “leave it.” Reward them with a different treat when they turn away from the object, and repeat the process until they understand the command.
6. Heel: The heel command is useful when you are walking your dog and want them to walk beside you instead of pulling on the leash. To teach this command, start by holding a treat near your dog’s nose and start walking. When your dog follows you, reward them with the treat and repeat the process until they understand the command.
Teaching these basic commands will not only make your dog easier to live with but also help to keep them safe. It is important to be patient when teaching your dog, and to use positive reinforcement techniques. Remember to keep training sessions short and frequent and to reward your dog when they behave correctly.