Larry Volwiler is CEO and co-founder of RadioFence.com featuring a full line of Pet Doors, Bark Collars and Dog Training Collars.
When you have decided what you want your dog to learn, think of a command to use for that particular trick. The command can be anything you wish, as long as you will be consistent with the use (e.g.. Not use the same command for something else) and as long as the command doesn't too much resemble some other command that your dog already knows. For example, you can teach your dog to retrieve a thrown object by using the command 'retrieve', but if you want him to bring you a desired object that you have hidden (or lost), there's no point in saying 'retrieve ball.
First you must teach your dog to sit on command. Probably the easiest way to teach a dog to sit on command is to have a treat (dog biscuit, piece of cheese, etc. Another way to teach a dog to sit on command is very simple but takes a little more time: each time you see that your dog is going to sit, tell him to 'sit. Some people suggest you to teach a dog to sit on command by pressing his butt on the ground while saying 'sit. Later, once he has clearly understood the meaning of the command 'sit. Once your dog has learned to sit on command, you can proceed to' shaking hands'. Repeat this couple of times -- most dogs learn this very fast, if your timing (the command + the praise and treat) is right. The advantage of teaching this trick is that once the dog' dances' on command, he doesn't put as much weight (maybe none at all) on people as when jumping against them, thus it is a very good replacement behavior for a dog who jumps too easily. It would be easiest to teach this trick if your dog already can sit on command and stays that way until you give him the permission to go -- this way you can hide a toy etc. Let the dog earn food, treats, and walks or being loved and petted on head by learning a new trick or command. The commands can start from the basic ones such as 'Sit', 'Down' and 'Stay' and gradually move to the simpler tricks such as 'Shake', 'Speak' and 'Roll Over' to the more complex commands and tricks such as 'Fetch The Ball', 'Fetch The Newspaper' or 'Jump Through The Ring'.
Train him to perform at least one of the commands before getting anything desirable such as food, walk or love. Do not give the desired thing until the dog drops his resistance and starts obeying your command. Dogs who are more fearful feel more comfortable by obeying commands and knowing their place in the hierarchy. Most dogs love performing these tricks (obedience commands) for you which also pleasantly acknowledge that you are in charge.
When you feel both you and your dog are skilled at several obedience commands, then take these commands to different areas. If you suddenly want your dog to down-stay while you are trying to move over 3 lanes to make an exit, you had better find time to practice those obedience commands in the car long before you need them. This should be taught before any of the other basic obedience training commands is started. There are many types of pet supplies to help you train your dog. You may want to consider getting a dog training collar to make the training go faster.
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