Quick Dog Obedience Tips!
Work by calling your dog’s name and say “Look” or “Watch.” Your dog will associate this with later commands. Get your dog’s attention by holding a toy or a dog treat in or near your mouth and then give the keyword command. Each time your dog watches or looks - lots of praise. Repeat often and you’ll see the changes over time.
Dogs have a short attention span. Choose a place free of other distractions (if you can). Many articles suggest you train for at least 30 minutes. Actually, it’s best when just starting to only make your sessions 5 minutes and end with something you know your dog loves to do. You can always do two or more 5-minute sessions a day. Positive reinforcement will win you your canine’s confidence.
All these commands should be started with your dog on a leash and wearing a buckle collar - NOT a choke collar. Over time you work without a leash, but not until they are solid with their commands.
Start with SIT while on leash. Use the word SIT and relate the word with the action. Start by gently pushing his butt down to the floor and saying the word “sit.” Eventually he’ll catch on.
DOWN - meaning lie down as opposed to OFF - meaning get off something. Down is a hand command with a treat in front of the nose and arcing it down towards the floor. Most dogs catch on quickly.
STAY - Put a treat down. As he moves toward it, tell him “Stay.” Put your hand up. As he gets the idea, move a bit further away. Be prepared for a step forward. Firmly say - BAH! Start the exercise over again if he gets up and moves. When he sits back down, praise, praise, praise and praise some more.
COME - There will be some confustion until the change in the tone of your voice will register you mean it is ok you can move. Put a little excitement in your voice. And remember to praise. Hint: move backwards from your dog ONLY when teaching the come command.
HEEL - Walk on my left side. Start walking. As soon as your pup gets ahead of you, immediately turn around and walk the opposite direction. Do not stop and wait for them, just reverse directions. They get the message that they need to watch you and pay attention and follow.
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Are dog obedience classes worth the cost?
Is there anything I can do at the clsses to make them work better? The last time I took a dog to the classes it really didn’t seem to teachhim anything.
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Hi Cindy:
Yes, the classes are worth their weight in gold. Here is why. You can SEE how to do things and then practice them at home. There is much more you are able to learn in class than just basic tips. Many times seeing things done and how the dog is handled is well worth it. If the problem is that your dog isn’t that attentive, it might be that he is getting too much information and getting overloaded and is just shutting down. Try breaking up learning sessions at home into five minute periods and only do one thing at a time with him.
You don’t say how old your dog is or if he is neutered? This extra information, along with what breed he is might help me be a bit for specific for you. Some dogs just don’t do all that well in a class setting, but shine at home for their owner.
If you have time to reply to me with those extra details, I’d be happy to provide more help for you and your dog.
Kerrie
April 9th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Basic Dog Obedience Training Tips…
Commenting on blogs has never been a bad thing. It depends how you see it. Some people may like it as it shows people are reacting to the article or posts. Some sees it as spam except positive comments….
June 26th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Once again an excellent written post from you. Keep it up!
June 29th, 2009 at 6:13 am
I admire the time and effort you put into your blog. I wish I had the same drive