How To Teach Your Dog Simple Commands

We all are familiar with the dog commands “Sit” and “Come” because it is these two commands that are usually first on the list when it comes to training your dog.  The reason for this is that they are two of the easier commands to teach and they both can be used in almost every situation that you encounter with your pet.  This article will focus on techniques for teaching your dog the “Sit” and “Come” commands.

Before we begin discussing how to teach the commands, it’s important that we understand how a dog’s thought process generally works.  Every action has a consequence or outcome and it is that consequence or outcome that determines how we are going to act in certain situations.  If the consequence or outcome is positive, than chances are we are going to continue to perform the action in order to achieve the positive outcome.  If the outcome is negative, then we are going to do just the opposite in order to avoid the negative outcome.  Dogs are no different when it comes to this type of rationale.  Positive action is enforced by positive reward.  If you keep that in the back of your mind while teaching these commands to your dog, you will be much more successful.

The “Sit” command is one of the most basic commands that you can teach your dog, and possibly one of the simplest commands as well.  To teach your dog this command, simply stand next to your dog on whichever side you prefer, you may kneel if this is more comfortable for you.  While holding onto your dog’s collar or placing your hand onto the front of their chest, gently press down on the hind end just in front of the tail and firmly speak the word “Sit”.  The pressing action will force them to bend their back legs and sit.  Give words of praise or a small dog treat when they have successfully sat down.  Repeat this activity for about 10 minutes each day for a few days until they begin to sit without having to press down on their hind end.  Once you are to this point, you can repeat the action with being next to your dog.  Try standing a few feet away and repeating the same activity.  Remember, only give them a treat a couple times each day, and use words of praise on all other successful attempts.  This will prevent upset stomachs or over-eating from too many treats.  After a couple weeks, you should notice significant results in your dog’s response to your command.

The “Come” command is also a fairly strait forward command to teach your puppy or dog.  Once you have mastered the “Sit” command, have your dog sit so that you may begin the process of learning the next command.  With your dog in the sitting position, attach a leash or perhaps a small piece of rope to your dog’s collar.  Allow a few feet of slack so that you may slowly back away from your dog.  Once you have moved a few feet away, gently pull on the leash or rope and firmly say the word “Come”.  Your dog should then begin moving towards you.  When he or she reaches you, be sure to give words of praise or a small dog treat.  Have your dog sit once more and repeat the steps just mentioned.  During the first few attempts, your dog may attempt to move towards you before you give the “Come” command.  If this happens, reset them by having them sit, and then slowly hold out your hand as if you are signaling someone to stop and firmly speak “Stay” while slowly backing away.  If they move again, make them sit again and repeat this process until successful.  Once you have backed away from them and they are still sitting in the spot where they started, gently pull the leash or rope toward you and firmly speak the word “Come” before they begin moving toward you.  Once you have mastered this technique from a short distance, increase the distance and repeat.  Remember, it takes time so don’t be afraid to spend a few days or more on this.  Once you feel that your dog is moving towards you without having to pull on the leash or rope, you may remove the leash or rope and practice the same techniques without it.  After a few weeks, you should be able to move a good distance away from your dog and then have him or her come to you on command.

With a good amount of practice and determination, you and your dog will be able to master these two commands together and you’ll be amazed at the results and how much more obedient your dog will be.  Remember, none of this will work unless you give praise or reward when the desired action is taken by your dog.  So be sure to have your kind words of praise and dog treats handy throughout the entire process and you’ll be well on your way to having a successful training experience.