There are three very important basic commands that your dog should be taught from the start. They are “sit” and “stay” and “come”. Rather than continually referring to “him or her”, let us simply use the term “him” for convenience.
1 “Sit”
When teaching your dog to “sit”, you should be close to your dog so that he can both hear and see you clearly. Most trainers like to have the dog by their side and close to their legs. As with all training, have some treats ready as rewards for success. Hold a treat close to your dog’s head and slowly move this hand backwards, gently press downwards on your dog’s hind quarters with your other hand, and at the same time say “sit”. When he sits, and stays in the sitting position for a short time, then praise him and give him a reward treat as you normally would upon the successful completion of any command. This exercise should be repeated a number of times a day for a week or two. Most dogs learn this command quickly, but if your dog seems to be having trouble then simply keep repeating the exercise, and perhaps do it more often each day until success comes.
2 “Stay”
When teaching a dog to “stay”, most trainers will use the command word on its own and not use the dog’s name at the same time. Start with your dog at your side and facing the same way you are. Your intention is to move forward and at the same time turn, so that you will end up in front of and facing him. Begin by taking a short step to the side and forward, while saying “stay”. Wait a moment and then return to your starting position. Repeat this a few times, gradually increasing your steps and turns until you are able to finish standing in front of him while he stays in position. After each execution of the task return to your original position and, as always on the successful completion of a command, give him a reward treat and praise him for a job well done. Once again, repeat this exercise a number of times each day over the course of a week or two to fix the action in place.
3 “Come”
In the final lesson your dog will start some distance from you, so it is very important that your command is given in an excited manner. Most trainers like to teach this command while using a leash. Start with your dog in the “sit” position, tell him to “stay”, and then step back a metre or so to a position in front of and facing him. Tell him in an excited voice to “come”, and at the same time take a step or two backwards. Once again, when he carries out the command successfully reward and praise him. As you repeat the lessons during a session, move back a little further each time. The aim is to be able to do this exercise while you are two or three metres from him. Complete this lesson a number of times each day for a week or two. If he does not understand the command at first then, at the same time you issue the command “come”, pull gently on his leash. This usually leads to quick success.
We wish you every training success and years of enjoyment for both you and your dog.
