Dog Article: Training Your Dog to Obey Your Commands

by Lee Dobbins

Training a dog or a puppy using positive reinforcement and gentle techniques is the most effective way to train a dog or a puppy.

A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can be a danger to himself and others. A properly trained dog, on the other had, is a wonderful and pleasant companion. In addition to helping you bond, it can even protect your dog from harm if you are able to call him away from a dangerous situation.

You should always use a positive approach to training your dog. Rewarding him with a treat and praise will go a lot further than hitting and yelling. Dogs and puppies want your approval and will try to please you to get your praise.

Training Your Dog To Sit
1. Start the training by saying “Sit” every time your dog sits. Eventually your pup will start to associate the command with the action.

2. Get down on the floor with your pup so that you can present the reward as fast as possible. Have a bunch of his favorite treats handy.

3. Slowly move the treat over your dog's head. The intention is to get him to smell the treat (he will) and follow it with his nose. He has two options. Either back still standing or sit down. It's easier to sit down.

4. Immediately as he sits you say "sit" and give him the treat. This is the key factor to all training. The reward has to be given at the exact moment the dog does the right thing.

5. Praise your dog for his efforts. Show joy in your voice as well as in your body language.

6. Repeat this process about 3 to 5 times per session. Avoid lengthening the session more than this amount though, more that 5 times and it may seem like work to your dog rather than a fun and sociable play session with his or her owner. You may however repeat the process several times a day, just ensure you take breaks in between sessions.

Training Your Dog To Lay Down
1. Give your dog the command to sit (assuming that he already knows this command) and wait til he is in the sitting position.

2. Say “down” while gently forcing his fore legs out in front – this will cause him to lay down.

3. Praise the pup. Let him know how good of a job he did with your voice and body language.

4. Gradually lengthen the time he remains in the down position.

5. Repeat. While repetition is key to teaching your dog, you can overdo it. You should only repeat each sequence 3 to 5 times at one sitting. You can come back and try again later in the day.

Training Your Dog To Stay
1. Get the dog to sit or lay down.

2. Put your hand up and give the “stay” command.

3. Give him praise even if he only stays for a second.

4. Release him by calling him to you and reward him with praise and a treat.

5. In the beginning, the dog will probably only stay for a second, but as time goes on you can lengthen the amount of time he is expected to stay in this position.

6. Repetition is key to training your dog, but don’t bore him with it! Go over the steps only 3 to 5 times at one sitting.

There is a higher reward to training then just some cute tricks. Your dog loves to hang out with you. He learns to listen when you say his name. Your dog or puppy will get used to doing things on your command. All in all, training strengthens your positions – you as leader and helps the dog feel secure. You should plan to spend a couple of minutes every day on practicing his “tricks”. This type of repetitive reinforcement will help him to remember and also create the bond between you.

Some dog breeds are easier to train than others, but all dogs and puppies can be sucessfully trained with patience and persistance. Don't think that you can't train your older dog as many are easily trained and very loveable. Even though training is best started as a pup it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks!

Get more dog training tips and find out which dogs are easier to train at http://www.train-the-dog.com