When I got my first dog, Taffy, I wanted to understand how to be the best pet parent I could be. But since she was my first dog and I was just a kid, I decided I needed to learn as much about how she thinks as I could. From there I thought I would be able to better communicate with her. So, my journey with learning basic dog-training commands or ques began.
One thing I did learn is that both energy/spirit and instinct play a very vital role in communicating with any dog. I needed to understand how to speak to her in dog language. My goal was for her to be emotionally balanced and for our relationship to be in harmony.
Since humans rely on words to communicate, talking to her with energy and body language like dogs do didn't come naturally. Your dog may be hearing your words, but she’s reading your energy and intention, and if the two don’t match up, what you’re really “saying” won’t make any sense to her. For example, if your goal is to stop your dog from barking but YOUR energy is one of excitement, your intention will be lost, and your dog will just get more excited and probably bark louder. To your dog, you’re saying two different things at once!
Another way of saying it is that “humans tell a story while dogs tell the truth. We humans try to explain why a dog is acting a certain way. We can be missing the point completely. We wrap up the reality in words that hide the truth. . .if that makes sense.
As an example, a dog that is barking constantly is trying to tell you something – there’s danger; I need to eat; I want attention; I’m scared, etc. A dog, through its instincts, will tell you immediately what’s going on, but you just have to learn how to listen. You CAN learn what the different barks mean and what she is trying to communicate by paying attention. Once you take the time to observe your dog’s behavior and body language, you’ll be better able to understand what she is saying and how you can best communicate with her.
Remember, the goal is an emotionally balanced dog. An emotionally balanced dog is not only a happy dog but a much healthier one.
Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future.
So, where do you start with dog obedience training? What are those few basic commands your dog should learn if she learns nothing else? The purpose in teaching these commands is for her to feel secure as well as for her safety. You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude and emotional energy on your part, it can be fun for both you and your dog.
Here are the basic commands I’ve always used and taught every dog I’ve ever had or was tasked with training:
1. SIT - This is one of the easiest dog commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
Here’s how to teach the “Sit” command:
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose. Move your hand up, allowing her head to follow the treat and causing her bottom to lower. Once she’s in a sitting position, say “sit”, give her the treat, and share affection. I like to add a high-pitched word like, “good” as a type of marker so she knows she pleased me.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like her calm and seated.
2. COME - This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing her back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
Here’s how to teach the “Come” command:
Put a collar and leash on your dog. Next, go down to her level and say, “come”, while gently tugging on the leash. When she gets to you, reward her with affection, a treat, and my favorite – the high-pitched “good”.
Once she’s mastered the “come” command with the leash on, remove it and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
3. DOWN - This can be a little more difficult to train because it requires the dog to agree to a submissive position. You can help her by keeping positive, calm, and relaxed.
Here’s how to teach the “Down” command:
Find a good smelling treat and hold it in a closed fist. Hold your hand up to your dog’s nose.
When she sniffs it, move your hand down to the floor so she follows. You may need to start off slowly just so she understands what you are doing. Next, slide your hand along the ground in front of her to encourage her body to follow his nose. Again, do this slowly. Once she’s in the down position, say the word “down” and give her the treat, affection, and the word “good”. By saying the word “down” when she is in the down position, this helps her to associate the word with the body position.
Like the other commands, repeat this every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “no” and take your hand away. Remember, she’s trying to figure out what you want her to do so encourage her all along the way by being calm and unemotional. Be patient – she will get it.
4. STAY – Before you teach this command, make sure your dog understands and obeys the “Sit” command first. The "Stay" command builds off of that.
Here’s how to teach the “Stay” command:
First, ask her to “Sit”. Then open the palm of your hand in front of you, palm facing her, and say “Stay”. Take a few steps back keeping eye contact with her. After just a few seconds, (if she stays) move back toward her and reward her with a treat, affection, and a “good”. Gradually increase the number of steps backwards and the length of time you stay there before you move back to her and reward her.
5. LEAVE IT - This is an important command to teach particularly if your dog is attempting to get or curious about something that is dangerous for her.
Here’s how to teach the “Leave it” command:
Place a treat in both hands. Show her one enclosed fist with the treat inside and say, “Leave it”. Let her lick, sniff, mouth, paw, and bark to try to get it – ignore the behaviors. Once she stops trying, give her the treat from the OTHER hand. Repeat until she moves away from that first fist when you say, “leave it”. Next, only give her the treat when she moves away from that first fist and looks up at you.
6. WAIT – This has been a very important command particularly if you have your dog off leash out in public. I use this command when I open a door so she knows she can’t just rush through without permission. I’ve also used the “Wait” command when I need her to stop suddenly from a distance for any reason.
Here’s how to teach the “Wait” command:
The wait command is probably the easiest to teach. When you open a door give a firm command of “wait”. It’s important to use the command so that it becomes a transferrable skill to other areas of her life. As an example, when your out for a walk and she’s on a leash, stop and give the command “wait”. She will stop with you. Give her a treat, affection and a “good”. She’ll get the picture very quickly and know exactly what you want.
Our dogs love to know we're in charge and looking out for them. This makes them feel safe, secure and also builds trust. This trust between your and your furry friend results in a lifetime of harmony and love that is unexplainable. Enjoy!
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