As any pet parent may know, it’s important to teach your fur baby some basic commands so that you can better communicate with them. What you may not know is that training can also be good for a dog’s overall well-being.
A recent study published in Behavioural Processes found that training experiences improve dogs’ problem-solving skills and make them more proactive. Spending time on training your dog can also develop a better bond between you two which, in turn, can make pet ownership all the more fulfilling.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try dog training but don’t know where to start. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place. Get your pet’s limited-slip dog collar and leash ready, and read on for five practical commands you can start teaching your pup.
Sit
Teaching your dog how to sit can help you control undesirable behaviors, such as jumping onto visitors or furniture they aren’t allowed to be on. The sit command can also be used to help your dog calm down and relax in case they get too excited or rowdy.
Begin by holding a tasty treat near your dog’s nose. Once you get their attention and their eyes are fixed on the treat, move your hand behind your dog’s head and say “sit.” Praise and give them the reward when their bottom hits the floor. Practice this command a few times a day until your dog associates the word with the action.
Stay
Stay is another valuable command for managing dog behavior. If your furry friend knows how to stay in place on cue, you can prevent them from running toward strangers, racing across the street, or doing other similarly risky actions.
To teach your dog how to stay put on command, first get them into a sitting position. Afterward, stand in front of your pet, flash your palm, and say “stay” in a steady tone. Maintain eye contact and walk backward slowly. If your dog manages to stay in position for a few seconds, step forward and give them a treat. As you and your pup practice this command, gradually increase the distance between yourself and your pet and the duration of the stay each time.
Come
In case your fur baby accidentally runs off while you’re both out in public, you can use the “come” command to call them back to you. For this exercise, it’s best to ask for assistance from a friend your dog is comfortable with.
First, ask your friend to sit on the floor while keeping your dog close to them. Then, stand a few steps away from them. With your arms wide open, call your pet’s name and say the word “come” enthusiastically. If your fur baby runs toward you after being called, rub your pet’s belly or give them a treat while lavishing them with praise. Each time you practice this command, gradually increase the distance between you and your pet.
Heel
Walking your furry friend should be stress-relieving and relaxing. It’s hard to enjoy a walk with your furry friend, though, if they tend to drag you forward or backward whenever they get distracted by their surroundings. By training your dog to heel, your four-legged friend will learn to walk beside you and match your pace.
To teach the heel command, position your dog on your left side. Then, walk while holding the leash in your right hand. Keep a treat in your left hand and use it to entice your furry friend to keep walking beside you. Say “heel” as you perform this action. Give your dog the treat and shower them with praise if they keep walking right next to you as intended.
Lie Down
Like the sit command, teaching your dog to lie down on cue can help manage unpleasant behavior. You can use this command to stop your furry family member from jumping onto the bed or kitchen counters, running around the house, or getting too excited.
First, hold a treat in your hand and use it to get your dog’s attention. Then, place the treat on the floor and lay your hand flat over it to cover it. When your dog lies down, give them the reward. Repeat this process a few more times. Eventually, they should start lying down each time you place your hand on the floor. Once they do, say “lie down” as you do the hand gesture. This will help them associate the act of lying down with the verbal command.
The commands mentioned above are just a few of the more practical tricks you can teach your dogs. Once your dog masters these basic commands, be sure to continually teach them new ones to keep them mentally stimulated and well-behaved. Most importantly, remember to be patient and loving as you train your furry friend. Lavish them with praises, hugs, and treats whenever they perform well, and refrain from using verbal and physical aggression whenever they make mistakes. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to make the training process healthy and beneficial for the both of you.