Teaching Your Dog the Basics
SIT
Get some yummy treats and cut into tiny pieces.
Stand in front of your dog and offer a treat near their nose.
As they start sniffing for the treat, gradually move your hand towards the back of their head. This will cause them to raise their head towards the treat, and their rear end should naturally lower.
Once they sit, say "yes" and give them the treat.
Initially, use the treat as a lure several times, but quickly transition to using only your hand motion to guide them into the sit. The aim is not to bribe the dog into sitting but to teach them that sitting yields rewards.
After several lured sits, stand in front of them and wait. If they learn that sitting brings rewards, they will sit without luring. When they do, say "yes" and reward them with a treat and enthusiastic praise. Your dog has learned that their actions result in rewards.
Now, introduce the verbal cue "sit." When you begin using the cue, do so as the dog performs the behavior. This helps them associate the word with the action.
Stand in front of your dog and anticipate their sit. As they start sitting, say the word "sit," and when their rear touches the floor, say "yes" and reward them with a treat. Repeat this several times to establish a strong association. Once accomplished, you can use the word "sit" to prompt the behavior.
At this point, start using a variable reward schedule, meaning they don't receive a treat for every sit. Perhaps they need to do 2 sits, 4 sits, or a sit and a down before earning a reward. Keeping them guessing will enhance their motivation to comply.
DOWN
When your dog is sitting in front of you, hold a treat near their nose and gradually lower it straight to the ground between their legs. Some dogs may lie down if you simply hold your fist there, while for others, you may need to either pull the treat slightly out in front of the dog or push it back between their legs. Do what's necessary to encourage them to lie down without applying pressure to their back. If they stand up, ask them to sit again and try once more – avoid scolding them.
Once your dog lies down, say "yes" and reward them with a treat.
Some dogs may not lie down completely at first. For these dogs, initially reward any lowering of their body towards the floor. Then, gradually require, they go lower and lower before giving the treat. This is known as "shaping the behavior."
After your dog consistently responds to the lure, follow the same process used to teach sit. Phase out the lure, use only hand motions to guide them into the down position, wait for them to offer the behavior, and introduce the verbal cue "down," initially as they begin to lie down and later as a prompt.
Maintain a variable reward schedule once the behavior is learned.
STAY
To teach a dog to stay, instruct them to sit, then say "stay," and use the hand signal of an open palm in front of their face, akin to a traffic stop signal. Count a few seconds and then say "yes" and give them a treat.
It's crucial to go slowly when teaching "stay." Add time in increments of seconds. Begin with 2 seconds, then progress to 4 seconds, and subsequently 6 seconds, and so forth. This gradual increase builds a strong stay. If your dog can sit-stay for 20 seconds, do not expect them to remain in place for 2 minutes immediately – you must build up to longer durations.
Once your dog can sit-stay for 30 seconds without you moving, begin adding distance by taking a small step back after giving the "stay" command. Repeat this, taking a small step back each time. Eventually, you'll be able to move 10 steps away, and your dog will stay in place until you return to reward them with a treat.
Use the same approach to teach a down-stay.
COME
Teaching a dog to come when called is highly important. Begin with the “recall game.” Initiate this game indoors, where there are fewer distractions. Two people should stand about 6 feet apart and take turns saying "come," prompting the dog to run back and forth between them. When the dog arrives, say "yes" and reward with a treat. Gradually increase the distance until you are at opposite ends of the house, all while using the cue "come."
Once your dog has a strong indoor recall, transition to outdoor training to ensure that "come" carries the same meaning in the yard. Begin again with a 6-foot distance since the yard introduces more distractions. Once your dog reliably responds from opposite ends of the yard, proceed to the park. Start at 6 feet apart, recognizing that the park offers even more distractions. Be patient; this is a vital lesson in your dog's education.
Strengthen the recall by summoning your dog at various times. Reward them for responding to the word "come" with a special treat. Never call your dog to come and then subject them to something unpleasant, such as nail trimming or scolding. For such tasks, go to your dog. "Come" should always be associated with positive experiences.
Training your dog should always be a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you. To achieve this, adhere to these simple principles:
Keep training sessions brief and enjoyable, lasting no more than 5 minutes at a time.
Select a reward that your dog finds motivating. For most dogs, food works best, though some may also respond well to toys or play (simple praise is often insufficient).
Reinforce the behaviors you want and disregard those you don't.
Remember the principles of learning: rewarded behaviors will be repeated, while those that aren't will diminish.
