In this series, we will be looking at the basics of training. Although we have spoken about these topics before, it is excellent to review the basics for the new year. So let’s get started and review basic commands.
The three basic commands–sit, lay down, and stay–are an excellent place to begin training with a puppy or newly-adopted dog. But there is much more to these basic commands than simply sitting, lying down, and staying! Though they may seem rudimentary, your pup develops important skills as they master these commands. They learn impulse control, trust, and that paying attention to you earns them yummy rewards, which makes teaching harder skills like recall easier.
Sit: To teach your pup to sit, stand in front of them with a treat in hand (if you want to incorporate clicker training, have that in hand as well or be ready to make your “correct” sound). Tell them “sit”, and hold the treat above their head. Move the treat back so that they are eventually forced to sit if they want to keep their eye on it. As soon as their rump hits the ground, click and reward them with the treat. After they get the hang of it, incorporate your hand signal for “sit”. Practice using only the hand signal without the vocal command–this will teach Fido that it’s important to have his eyes on you at all times, because he never knows when there will be an opportunity to earn a treat!
Lay down: From a sitting position, tell your dog “lay down” (or just “down”). Hold a treat on the floor in front of them and drag it toward you until they’re fully laying down. Click, then reward. Begin lengthening the time slightly between when you click and when they get the treat–this forces them to hold the lay down position instead of immediately popping up out of it, and helps them learn a bit of impulse control. Like with sitting, incorporate a hand signal and use it without a vocal command sometimes.
Stay: Have your pup sit or lay down, and click without providing a treat. Tell them “stay” or “wait”, use a hand signal, and try taking a step backward. This may be difficult for them to understand at first–just be patient and consistent. The first times you attempt this command, reward them after you take just one small step away. You’ll gradually add more and more steps, then can try turning away for a few seconds before turning back and rewarding them. This is an excellent way to teach impulse control and to trust that if they listen to you, they’ll be rewarded. Want an extra challenge? While your dog is laying down, place a treat between their paws. Give your “stay” or “wait” command, and keep their attention focused on you. This will be hard, but is an even better way to improve their impulse control. Release and reward them after holding off for just a few seconds at first, then slowly increase the time and distance between you before they can get the treat. Friends and guests will be very impressed, and your dog will learn to overcome their instincts and listen to you instead–a great skill for when you’re on walks with lots of tempting distractions!
When you and Fido work together, you’re deepening the trust, understanding, and familiarity between you two. Regardless of how old your dog is or how long you’ve had them, it’s a good idea to consistently review basic commands.
Need help? Call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training to learn more about our puppy training and obedience classes.
