Basic Commands for Dogs
Provided by Purina
Come
When using the "come" command, the owner should first call the dog by name followed
by "come". This will help get the dog's attention so that they will be more attentive
to the next command. It will also let the dog know that the owner is speaking directly
to them and not to someone else.
Always encourage your puppy to "come" with enthusiastic praise and lots of encouragement.
Keep in mind that no two dogs or puppies are alike so you will have to adjust your
training methods according to the individual. Try to avoid calling him in a threatening
tone as he may associate this with being scolded.
If he begins to ignore you and act as if he does not hear you, attach a long leash
to him so you can reel him into you after you give him one command to "come." This
way you are not repeating the command and your dog will learn to come when he is
called.
Heel
One of the most important things to keep in mind with this command is to make yourself
more interesting than anything else around you during your walks. Give your dog
a reason to stay with you — talk to him, give him a "sit" command, stop, make
him lie down for one second — in short, make it an interesting walk.
Begin your walk by telling your dog to "heel"; use his name first to get his attention
and be very enthusiastic as you give the command. Do not forget to talk to him so
he pays attention to you, and praise him when he is in the correct heel position,
which is dog on your left, his right shoulder should be in line with your left hip.
Training Tips for "Heeling":
- If your dog insists on pulling ahead, work with him in small counter-clockwise circles.
This will encourage him to pay attention to you as you are walking.
- Play with him in your backyard and allow him to burn off some excess energy before
you try to take him out for a controlled walk.
- Do not let your dog eliminate anywhere he chooses. This type of behavior is also
known as a "leader" behavior, which allows him a feeling of being in charge and
could also lead to "territorial" behavior.
Using "Off" to Prevent Jumping
Dogs will jump up on people for one reason: to get attention from you. Teach your
puppy or dog to "sit" for attention or praise of any kind. When he jumps on you,
use your lowered tone of voice and lean towards the dog saying "off." He will have
no choice but to back away from you and when he does, teach him to "sit" by firmly
planting his bottom on the ground. Offer him calm praise for obeying you. Soon all
you will have to say to your dog is "sit" and he will comply readily because he
knows he will be rewarded.
Training Tips for Preventing Jumping:
- Attach your leash to his collar so he can’t jump on you and run away. Tell him "off,"
now "sit" (help him into this position), then praise him calmly.
- Offering too much excited praise will reinforce his bad habit, so be calm in your
praise. However, you cannot expect him to be calm if you are talking to him in your
cutest baby talk.
Trick for Treats
Here are some ways you can treat your dog to better training:
- Treat and train your pet after a play session. After a rousing game of fetch,
let your dog know who's in command and reward him with a treat.
- End every grooming session with a treat. Teach your dog the reward of good grooming
by giving him a treat after brushing.
- Never give a treat without a trick. Always make your dog obey some kind of command
before rewarding him with a treat.
