subject: How To Start Basic Dog Training [print this page] "How do you get your dog to sit when you tell him to? Mine doesn't want to listen to me!", "How does your dog heel so well?", "Wow! He comes when you tell him to!" Does that sounds familiar? If it does, take some time to learn a little bit of basic dog training.
Starting to train your dog at a young age is crucial as the first few months of his life is when you will have the greatest influence on your pup. That is the time when you can mold your little ball of fluff into the fullgrown dog you want to have.
The most basic dog training is to get your pup to sit and come. Once it learns those two commands, it will be ready and eager to learn more. These commands are needed for various different reasons, like in competitions. The command to sit will instantly stop your dog from jumping, and "come!" is the all-important one. For instance, when you take your dog for a walk and let him off the leash, you would not want to run around the park shouting: "get here right this instance". Your lack of control over Fido would be evident as well as rather embarrassing!
Teaching your dog to come to you requires only the most basic of techniques but a lot of repetition. The simplest way to get him to come is to have a toy in one hand and a treat in the other. Simply walk away from your pet, holding out the toy and excitedly calling it to come to you,. Then give the treat for obedience. Whatever command you use the first time you train your pup to come to you, keep using it from then on so as not to confuse the animal. Doing this several times a day is very effective. However, it is advisable to intersperse the training with lots of long breaks. This helps turn it into an enjoyable game for both trainer and pet, and don't forget the treats!
Teaching the command to sit could take a bit longer but this also is very basic dog training. After you have mastered the "come" command, call your canine friend to you, place your hand on the end of its back, and say "sit" while gently pushing down on the backside. When puppy's bottom drops down to the ground, give a treat and lots of praise. In order to prolong the sitting position, merely delay the treat and the praise. Once seated, keep eye contact while delaying the time to bend down and give the treat.
Basic dog training is simple and very effective. It should also be fun for both you and your dog. It doesn't have to take hours every day. Even five 5 minutes consistently at a time will bring great obedience results. The rewards are great for you, and your dog's greatest pleasure - beside the treats - is to please its master.
