Dog Training Techniques – Train Your Dog to Obey Basic Commands

Dog training is best started early, as soon as your pup can recognize you. Psychologically, the one thing that most pups want is to please their owners, and all effective training works on the principle of reward for desired action.

Step 1

To train your dog to obey basic commands, begin with a routine. Set a regular time for training, when both dog and owner are fresh, preferably before the dog is fed. Have a treat ready for the dog. The treat should not be in your hand and distract the dog, but in a place that is accessible.

Step 2

Take one command at a time. Begin with something simple, like “sit”. Designate a specific “training area”, and lead him to there. Then, in a voice that is kind but firm, make eye contact with the dog, and tell him to sit. He may not understand what you want of him.

Step 3

Repeat the command over and over again, while at the same time putting your hand on his rump and pushing slightly to make him sit. If the dog sits, make it obvious that you are pleased and praise him. Repeat the command again, with slightly reduced pressure on the rump. When he sits the second or third time, it’s time to end the session. Praise him, walk over to where the treat is, and make a ceremony of giving him his reward.

Step 4

Continue the sessions till the dog understands your command, and obeys. Chances are that after the first couple of sessions, he will sit as soon as you lead him to the training area, and look expectantly at the reward counter! It’s then time to move on to other commands like “stand”, “eat”, “stop”, “stay”, and “fetch”, which you can teach in a similar manner, one at a time.

Even after the training is done and you have a well-behaved pet, it would be a good idea to periodically reinforce the basic commands by practicing them once in a while. While pups learn fastest, even older dogs are happy to learn new tricks!