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Mastering The Art of Dog Training

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Contents

Introducton ................................................................................................. 3

Key Benefits of Obedience Training ............................................................... 4

It’s A Lack of Training That’s Dangerous! .............................................................................................. 5

Pre-Training Guidelines ............................................................................... 5

Puppy Training: Leash Walking ................................................................... 7

The Three-Step Guide: ............................................................................... 7

Step 1: Collar Familiarity ....................................................................................................................... 7

Step 2: Leash Familiarity ....................................................................................................................... 7

Step 3: In-Depth Leash Training ............................................................................................................ 8

The “Sit” Command ..................................................................................... 9

General Rules to Remember When Training Your Dog To Sit............................................................... 9

The Three-Step Guide: ............................................................................. 10

Step 1: Puppy Connection ................................................................................................................... 10

Step 2: “Off Leash” Training ................................................................................................................ 10

Step 3: “On Leash” Training ................................................................................................................ 11

The “Down” Command .............................................................................. 12

General Rules for Learning The Down Command ............................................................................... 12

The Two-Step Guide ................................................................................. 13

Step 1: Off-Leash Training ................................................................................................................... 13

Step 2: On-Leash Training ................................................................................................................... 13

The “Come” Command .............................................................................. 15

Why Doesn't Your Dog Come When Called? ................................................. 16

General Guidelines for the “Come” Command................................................................................... 16

The Comprehensive Six-Step Guide: ........................................................... 17

The “Stay” Command ................................................................................ 20

The Three-Step Guide: ............................................................................. 21

Step 1: Position Training ..................................................................................................................... 21

Step 2: Verbalize ................................................................................................................................. 21


Step 3: Distraction Training ................................................................................................................. 22

The “Heel” Command ................................................................................ 23

Dog Training - The Heel ....................................................................................................................... 23

The Comprehensive Eight-Step Guide: ........................................................ 23

The “Go To” Commands ............................................................................ 25

The Nine-Step Guide: ............................................................................... 25

The “Leave It” Command .......................................................................... 27

The Seven-Step Guide: ............................................................................. 27

The “Stand” Command .............................................................................. 30

The Six-Step Guide .................................................................................. 30

Everyone’s Favorite: “Fetch” ..................................................................... 33

The Five-Step Guide ................................................................................. 34

Step 1: ................................................................................................................................................. 34

Step 2. ................................................................................................................................................. 34

Step 3. ................................................................................................................................................. 35

Step 4. ................................................................................................................................................. 35

Step 5. ................................................................................................................................................. 35

You’re Ready To Move On To Greater Things! ............................................... 36


Introduction
Around the globe, Dogs are among the most popular family pets. Their Sense of loyalty,
compassion and their ability to be trained is what they are known for among popular pets.
Dogs can be taught countless tricks and behaviors ranging from very basic ones like sitting,
going outside to do their business to very complex tricks like scent recognition and
acrobatics.

Because every dog is different, training is never a sure experience; nonetheless, any
canine may be trained provided you have the will and drive. I'll go over the most basic
training strategies that can be applied on most dogs in this book. Positive reinforcement
training is being emphasized since it is successful and considerably safer than alternative
methods that have been employed in the past. We won't dive into dramatic tricks or
acrobatics because of the book's small length; nevertheless, it's always a good idea to start
with a solid foundation, which is obedience training. Dog obedience training is a broad phrase
that encompasses a wide range of dog training methods. Whatever training method you use,
it should help you and your dog develop a healthy and suitable connection.

Training opens up a clear line of communication between you and your dog. This
includes you knowing what to expect of your dog in all circumstances, and your dog
understanding and respecting what is expected of him/her. Dog Training for Obedience lays
down a set of rules or boundaries which educates your dog to become a responsible member
of society. This includes basic manners, how to behave in any situation, how to relate to
other dogs, animals and people. Lastly it establishes the groundwork which assists in
preventing the development of unacceptable problem behavior such as jumping up, barking,
chewing, digging etc.
Key Benefits of Obedience Training
Dog training for obedience is the very best thing you can do for the relationship you enjoy
with your dog. Basic obedience training makes life simple to your dog and eliminates
confusion. Your dog will know his place in the world and understand right from wrong. Dogs
really appreciate this black and white view of the world.

Training done right is fun and rewarding for both you and your dog. You will have a
happy, relaxed and confident dog who you can take anywhere and will be a pleasure to be
around. Greater freedom can also be extended to your dog, as he will be more trustworthy
when obedience trained.

An obedience trained puppy or dog is a much safer dog. If your dog dashes out the
front door you will still have voice control over him. You will be able to call on one of your
obedience training commands like "come" "down" or "sit". This is very reassuring for any dog
lover.

You gain trust and mutual respect with your dog. He understands what is expected of
him and knows that you will always be fair and consistent with this. When your dog is trained
in obedience he will be fine around friends and kids under supervision.

Training also meets some of the most important rudimentary needs your dog has like
exercise, mental stimulation, spending time with you and providing activities to keep your
canine friend happy. Dog obedience training drastically minimizes the chances of your dog
and you getting into a power conflict. You'll be his powerful and always fair leader, whom he'll
respect and look to for guidance. Obedience training is a step-by-step procedure that you can
progress through over time. It lays the groundwork for your dog to learn new skills and
commands. Your dog will acquire confidence as you progress through this process.

It’s A Lack of Training That’s Dangerous!


Untrained dogs are the leading cause of puppies and dogs ending up in animal shelters all
around the world, which is a terrible truth. This isn't good for anyone, let alone the dogs.
Your dog will never be able to be truly close to you and your family. This means that your dog
will spend most of his time alone in the yard, rather than participating in family activities.
This can cause plenty of behavioral issues and be a nuisance to both you and your neighbors.
When it comes to people, other animals, and the roads, your dog can be dangerous.

Untrained dogs are prone to questioning your leadership or authority. Obedience-trained dogs
will strive to put you to the test in the same way. However, after you've mastered obedience
training, you'll be equipped to handle it. Your dog will be yelled at and pushed further away
from you and your family on a regular basis (but ineffectively).

Pre-Training Guidelines
By choosing from the options below, you may learn how to train for certain obedience
instructions. Here are some general dog obedience training ideas to remember:

• When your dog performs what you ask, praise and reward him; when he doesn't do
what he's been taught, reprimand him appropriately. The trick is to discover your
dog's ideal balancing.
• Don't expect your dog to immediately grasp these concepts. The command and action
must be repeated several times. Keep your faith in what you're doing.
• Maintain consistency and make it as easy as possible for your dog. Give him an easy
choice to make, and make it obvious to him which options are acceptable and which
ones are not, provide immediate response.
• Be realistic and fair when correcting or punishing your dog for not doing something he
hasn't been properly taught to do.
• Keep your training sessions brief, focused, and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Many dog training schools fail in this area.
• Start slowly and learn one simple command before progressing and building on it.
Throughout the training process, keep your dog cognitively challenged and stimulated.
• Put the obedience commands to the test in various situations, locations, and with
various distractions.
• Include obedience training in your everyday routine; for example, your dog might "sit"
before you give him his supper or "down stay" while you go retrieve the mail.
• If you don't catch your dog doing something wrong, never try to reprimand him;
timing your correction is crucial.
• Figure out what encourages your dog, this can come in handy during training sessions.

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Puppy Training: Leash Walking
While the first three commands may be taught at any age, there are several things that
should be taught as soon as possible so that your puppy develops these habits. One of the
first lessons you should give your puppy is how to behave on a leash. It's a critical skill to
perfect for the future of both you and your dog. A puppy that has been trained to walk on a
leash is more safe and easier to manage.

If you follow the methods given below, you should be able to train your puppy to walk
on a leash in a few of weeks. Some puppies will learn it in a few days, while others may take
much longer. Never give up, don’t expect your dog to know it all! Your objective is to clearly
communicate to your dog what is and is not appropriate leash conduct.

The Three-Step Guide:

Step 1: Collar Familiarity


As soon as your puppy arrives at his new home, you may take this initial step. It entails
familiarizing and acclimating your young dog to wearing a collar. This activity is best
accomplished with a basic light-weight leather collar. Place it on your dog when you are
feeding him or playing with him to create a distraction from the collar. He'll probably roll
about in an attempt to dislodge it, or scratch it off as best he can. It's critical that you don't
take it away from him while he's doing this. Before you remove it, wait until he has settled
down and forgotten about it.

Step 2: Leash Familiarity


After your dog is acquainted with his new collar, it's time to introduce the leash. It's the same
thing here; all you have to do is get him comfortable to the leash and show that it's nothing
to be scared of. Any light-weight, thin leash will suffice at this stage. Once your dog has been
properly leash trained, you may purchase him a lovely leather leash if you like. Connect the
leash to his collar and allow him to explore and drag it around the house (always under your
supervision). After a while, he'll forget about it.
Step 3: In-Depth Leash Training
It's time to take up the other end of the leash now that your dog is comfortable with his collar
and with the leash. Make the initial leash training sessions brief, sharp, and enjoyable. You'll
probably discover that your puppy loves to follow you around everywhere at this period, so
take advantage of it. To begin, simply go around the home with your puppy jogging beside
you while holding the leash. Give him lots of praise, petting, and even treats while he walks
along on a loose leash.

Stop instantly if he pulls on the leash. Instead of yanking him back over to you with
the leash, simply call him over and reward him when he arrives. When your puppy pulls on
the leash, never continue walking, this merely rewards his behavior and encourages the
habit. Your puppy must learn that pulling on the leash will get him nowhere. If he wants to
keep walking, he must do so beside you on a loose leash. If your dog sits down while you're
walking, the same rule applies. Call him over and praise him when he arrives, rather than
yanking him forward. Then set off on a stroll again, this time with your dog by your side.

This method of teaching a puppy to walk on a leash is best for very young puppies
since it does not need you or your dog to pull. As a consequence, you and your dog will have
a nice loose leash hanging down between. To do this, simply follow the steps above, then be
patient and persistent.

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The “Sit” Command
Starting your obedience training with your dog by teaching him to sit on command is a
wonderful place to start. It's a simple command that your puppy or dog will rapidly learn. This
will boost your dog's confidence while also laying the groundwork for more advanced
commands and skills.

Another advantage of training your dog to sit is that it provides you with an additional
behavior to request. If your dog jumps up all over guests to your house or dashes out the
front door every time it opens, you may get control of him by using your "sit" command.

You may begin teaching this obedience command as soon as your new puppy arrives
home, or at any time thereafter. Before you start teaching your dog to sit (or any other
obedience order), make sure he's confident and at ease around you - he lets you handle him,
pays attention to you, and so on.

General Rules to Remember When Training Your Dog To Sit


• Keep your training sessions short, ten minutes is plenty to begin with.
• Any time is a good time to practice really, you don't have to structure all your lessons.
Incorporate the training into your daily routine. Get your dog to sit before you feed
him or make him sit before you throw his ball at the park. When applied in this
manner obedience training will be fun in your dog's mind, and rewarding.
• Make it perfectly clear to your dog what you what you want him to do.
• Make training your dog to sit fun, don't make it feel like a chore, for you or your dog.
• Training sessions should be full of consistent repetition, praise and positive
reinforcement.
• Don't expect your dog to immediately learn this, or any other obedience command and
then never forget it. It's up to you to reinforce the meaning of your command through
repetition and consistency throughout your dog's life.
• Eliminate food rewards gradually throughout the learning period of a new command.
Giving your dog a food treat or reward now and again isn't going to affect him, even if
he obeys your commands without it.
• Make it simple for your dog to succeed while training him to sit for the first time. Begin
your training sessions in an atmosphere that is comfortable to your dog and free of
extraneous distractions. In this setting, master the command, then gradually increase
the difficulty for your dog. Add more variables and give your dog a challenge, such as
bringing the training session to the park or extending the sit time.
The Three-Step Guide:

Step 1: Puppy Connection


This initial method of training is ideal for young puppies. Say "sit" in a clear and strong tone
to your dog when you observe him ready to sit or in the process of sitting. Give your dog a
pat on the head and a scratch behind the ear as soon as his rear end touches the floor. You're
creating an association in your dog's head between your vocal "sit" command and the act of
him sitting. This link is made by the majority of puppies reasonably soon. You'll soon be able
to say "sit" whenever you want, and your puppy will comprehend what you're asking of him.
Remember to treat and praise your dog as soon as his backside touches the ground. Your
puppy will be ecstatic, he'll think to himself, "All I have to do is sit down and I receive
attention, treats, and praise!"

Step 2: “Off Leash” Training


This kind of training works every time for older puppies and dogs. Grab a tiny delicious treat
in your palm and place it in front of your dog. Guide the treat up above his head from his
nose level, the treat should always be a few inches away from your dog. Your curious dog's
nose will follow the treat up and his back end will touch the ground at the same moment.
Give him the treat as soon as he sits down and shower him with praise. You're holding your
hand too far back above his head or too far away from his nose if your dog backs away or
leaps up at the treat. After your dog understands this phase, you may introduce the vocal
portion of the command. Say "sit" just before you start moving your hand (the one holding
the treat). Without even moving your hand, your dog will quickly respond to your vocal "sit"
command. Remember to practice/reinforce this directive at any moment and in any scenario
throughout the day.

Step 3: “On Leash” Training


This strategy will work if your dog doesn't respond to the methods mentioned above, or if you
prefer to teach using a collar and leash. Stand next to your dog, facing the same direction.
Straighten the leash and place it precisely over the collar. Simultaneously, push down softly
on your dog's back (near his hips) and say "sit." Reward and praise your dog as soon as he is
in the sitting posture. You won't need to press down on your dog's back or even hold the
leash up in no time. He'll realize that when you say "sit," you're asking him to put his
backside on the ground. And he'll be delighted to do it for you since he knows it will bring him
praise and attention.
The “Down” Command
The next order to teach in your dog obedience training session is the down command.
When you and your dog have learned the sit command, you should teach it. The down
command is an important part of your dog's overall obedience training. It positions you as the
leader in your relationship with your dog and lays the groundwork for many more advanced
commands/skills. The reason for this is because laying down is a submissive and vulnerable
position for your dog, especially when you are standing tall over your dog.

The down command is a highly useful tool that you will find yourself using in a variety
of scenarios. When you need to walk into a store or when there are little children present,
putting your dog down in the lying down posture is ideal. It may take some practice to get to
this level, but the work is well worth it.

General Rules for Learning The Down Command


When teaching your dog the down command, begin by making it simple for him, then
gradually increase the difficulty level.

• Move your training sessions to a public place.


• Increase the time you keep your dog in the down position.

• When your dog is lying down, bounce a ball around him or scatter some food around
him. The goal is that in your dog's head, your "down" command will be so strong that
none of the other distractions will matter. When you release him from the down order, he
can only rise up to chase the ball or eat the rewards.

• With the down command, you want your dog to immediately go into a lying posture,
with his tummy touching the ground and his front legs extended out in front.
• Let's get started in a comfortable setting for your dog with no distractions!

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The Two-Step Guide

Step 1: Off-Leash Training


• While your dog is lying down, bounce a ball around him or sprinkle some food around
him. The goal is for your "down" command to be so strong in your dog's mind that it will
overpower all other distractions. When you free him from the down order, he can only go up
to chase the ball or enjoy the prizes.

you want your dog to lie down with his belly on the ground and his front legs extended out
in front when you say "down."

Let's get this party started for your dog in a distraction-free atmosphere!

After a lot of repetition and praise, your dog will just need your vocal command and not
the treat in your hand. You'll be ready to initiate the command not just from a sitting
position, but also from a standing position and in whatever situation you and your dog find
themselves in over time.

• Add some extra factors to make the down command more challenging after your dog is
responding well to your voice order. Increase the duration of the command as you go about
your daily activities, especially if you're around other people or dogs.

Step 2: On-Leash Training


Put your dog's favorite collar and leash on him, while teaching the down command, I like to
use a nice leather buckle collar.

• Position your dog in a sitting position and stand or kneel next to him.

• Essentially, you're attempting to persuade or direct your dog into a down posture. The
method you use will be determined by your dog's size and level of cooperation.

• Always say your "down" command first, then assist your dog down into the laying
posture as quickly as possible. Grab the leash and gently pull your dog's head down,
while simultaneously guiding him down by placing your palm between his shoulder
blades. Find the approach that works best for you by lifting up your dog's front legs
and extending them out in front of him. All the way down, praise and encourage your
dog. Then, as soon as he's down, let him know that you're pleased with him and that
he's done a wonderful job.
• Your dog will only listen to your spoken commands after a lot of repetition. Then test
the command in other settings with your dog, such as while he is standing. Add some
distractions and lengthen the time he must stay in the down posture to make the
command more difficult.

• Whichever method you choose to teach your dog the down command be consistent
and keep at it. When you are happy with your dog getting into the down position you
will probably want to add a release command to it. This means that when you issue
your down command, your dog goes straight down and is not permitted to get up until
you issue another command. You can use "away" or "off you go" for this purpose.

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The “Come” Command
The order "Come" or "Come Here!" is one of the most significant obedience commands
you'll ever teach your puppy or adult dog. You will undoubtedly rely on it to direct your dog
away from significant danger at some point.

Aside from being necessary for safety, when your dog has mastered the dog training
"come" command, he or she may be given more freedom in a lot of situations. When you're
at the beach or on a hike, your dog can wander out on his own and explore, but he'll always
be alert and ready to answer to your come order. This provides you with a sense of security.

When teaching your dog the come command (also known as recall), your ultimate aim
is to have your dog respond immediately to your order every time, regardless of what else is
going on in the vicinity.

But let's not kid ourselves, eliciting this kind of response isn't always easy. It takes a
lot of effort to train a dog to come when called, and the fact is that some dogs struggle to get
it properly. The come command really works against the natural inclinations of some breeds
and dogs that like chasing or who have a high scent drive.

Don't let this discourage you, the strategies mentioned below will help you achieve.
Basically, you may teach the fast come command to your new puppy (the sooner the better)
or older dog as soon as you acquire him or her, and you'll be reinforcing it every time you're
with him or her throughout his or her life.

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Why Doesn't Your Dog Come When Called?
These are the most typical reasons why our wonderful pets appear to ignore us and do not
respond when we call to them.

• Your dog doesn't comprehend the "come" command because he doesn't grasp what
you're asking him to do.
• In the past, your dog may have gotten away with disobeying your come command and
not been held accountable for his actions (or lack thereof!).
• Your dog may decide that following a squirrel's scent trail or romping about with other
dogs in the park is more appealing than returning to you.
• Perhaps your dog has previously obeyed your instruction but was unintentionally
penalized for it. This might indicate that you called him over and immediately
locked him in a crate, or that you called him over and quickly threw him into a soapy
bath (which he despises!).

General Guidelines for the “Come” Command


• Never reprimand your dog when he returns to you. Even if your dog appears to take a
long time to reply to you and you're fuming from irritation, it's critical that you don't
become upset with your dog. Your dog will associate your anger with the last action he
or she did, which was coming to you.
• Your objective is to make coming to you a more appealing option for your dog than
any other alternative activity.
• Never allow your dog off the leash in public until he or she has mastered the come
command. Your dog must earn this privilege - see the dog training come command
steps below.
• Your come command should be something your dog enjoys hearing and associates
with a good feeling. You do this by making each trip to you delightful, make it
worthwhile for him to come to you. Use the command for more than just calling your
dog over to snap the leash back on after an off-leash run or to keep him away from
fun.
• Make the come command a part of your everyday routine. It may be used to summon
your dog for supper or to just give him a scratch behind the ear or a nice treat at any
moment.
• If your dog doesn't respond when you teach him the come command off leash, don't
chase him down, instead, try waiting for him. If you have to go get him, don't
reprimand him when you get him, instead, go home or resume your training session,
this time on leash.
• Never call your dog in situations you know your dog won't come to you. You don't
want your dog to believe it's okay to ignore your "come" order sometimes. It must be
followed at all times, and your dog must never be allowed to ignore it.
• As with all obedience commands, begin with the basics and work your way up. Master
one step at a time. Along the way, set some challenges for your dog, but don't rush.
Throughout the entire procedure, your dog will acquire confidence.

You can use one or all of the stages indicated below, depending on what level you and your
dog are in your obedience training. I've discovered that if you use these training strategies
with repetition, reinforcement, and patience, you and your dog will achieve great results.

The Comprehensive Six-Step Guide:


Step: 1. Young puppies enjoy following you around and often bound up to you with joy -
take advantage of this. All you need to do at this point is show your puppy that you are
delighted to see him whenever he comes to you. Every time, make it a pleasurable and
rewarding experience.

Step: 2. Next, introduce the verbal "come" order so that your dog associates it with the
act of approaching you. Start indoors with no distractions, squat or kneel, and say
"Macy come" (Macy is my Shih Tzu puppy) in a pleasant and inviting manner. If
required, wave a tasty treat around to entice your dog over. When your puppy (or
older dog) approaches you, praise and reward him right away for his efforts. To
strengthen the connection, repeat this activity several times throughout the day.

Step: 3. If you have someone else there to help, you can now introduce the "back and
forth" game. Position yourself at one side of the room and your helper on the other
side. Call your dog over with the command "Macy come" (just once, but you can
encourage him), then praise him when he arrives, and then have your assistant call
him over and reward him when he arrives. This game is a lot of fun for your dog, plus
it teaches him to obey commands like "come" from people other than you. By walking
into a separate room from your partner, calling your dog, and letting him locate you,
you may turn this activity into a game of hide and seek. When he does hunt you down,
make it worth his while, most dogs like this game.
Step: 4. Now that you're sure your dog understands and responds to your "come"
command, you may practice it in a variety of settings. Head outdoors with your dog on
a leash (the same one you use for walks). When your dog approaches you, call him
with the same "come" command and move backwards, giving him a treat and a good
scratch behind the ear. Practice this at several points during your usual walk, and
remember to constantly compliment your dog on his or her accomplishments!

Step: 5. The following step is identical to step 4, only this time you'll use a long line
instead. This is a lightweight rope that may be found in pet stores, hardware stores,
and camping stores. Put the long line on in a familiar environment (such as your yard),
then when you're ready, go on to public places (such as the park). The long line will
trail behind your dog (she'll forget it's there after a while), giving him the impression
that he has total freedom, but you can catch him at any time. Continue to say "come"
to your dog and praise him when he responds, then send him on his way again. Please
keep in mind that the trailing long line is not intended to "reel your dog in," but rather
to prevent your dog from running away from you. With the trailing leash fastened on,
any dog will find it difficult to outrun you, presumably, you won't need to chase your
dog anyhow.

Step: 6. After that, you may play a fun game with your dog. Again, start in a secure,
limited location devoid of distractions, and work your way up from there. For this task,
you'll need your assistant once again. Stand around 50 feet away from your helper,
with your dog loose on the street (you can have a tab leash on if you choose). Then
toss a ball so that it falls near your assistant. Say "Macy come!" as soon as the ball
leaves your hand, by doing so, you are providing your dog an option. He can either
come to you when you ask (for which you would reward him) or he can leave after the
ball. Your assistant reaches down and scoops up the ball before he comes if he decides
it is a better option. Your assistant simply holds the ball and ignores your dog. Give
your dog a pat when he decides it's time to return to you, but don't make a fuss. It's a
good idea to change things up a little and throw the ball without saying "come" at
times, simply letting your dog get the ball.

If your dog doesn't seem to be "getting it" at any point during these stages, back up a
step and start over.
The “Stay” Command
When you and your dog have learned the sit and down commands, the next obvious step is
to teach your dog how to stay. When you think about it, your sit and down commands aren't
very useful if your dog simply gets into those positions and then jumps right back up. That's
why, despite the fact that some dog trainers feel it's an unneeded supplementary command, I
like to include the stay command. Their belief is that if they ask their dog to sit or lie down,
the dog should stay in that posture until ordered differently. Please continue reading if you
want to utilize the stay command.

Training a dog to stay can be difficult at first. It goes against your dog's natural
instincts and what he or she is used to (following you around or being close to their pack).
With this in mind, keep the stay command basic at first and gradually increase your dog's
success.

Once you've taught your dog to stay in any scenario, you'll find it useful in a variety of
situations. It's a great behavior to request when visitors come to your home, if you need to
duck inside a shop or if you have a dog who likes to bolt out the front door.

It's best to teach your dog to stay while he or she is calm and not overly excited, which
is usually after a walk. Your initial training session should take place in an area that is familiar
to your dog, devoid of distractions, and should only last a few minutes.

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The Three-Step Guide:
Step 1: Position Training

Place your dog in the position you want him to stay in (using your sit, down, or stand
commands) and stand in front of him. If your dog is still in the posture you requested after 1
or 2 seconds, praise him and give him a treat. You are rewarding the desired behavior, which
is a stay, even if it is only for 1 second at first. The action is done (this is your signal for your
dog to release from his stay) as soon as you deliver your praise and treat, therefore it's
acceptable if your dog moves off. Then you start over from the beginning, perhaps holding
your praise and treat off for 3 or 4 seconds this time. Take it slowly, and if your dog breaks
out of the stay before you've given him the release command, simply say "No," don't give
him the treat, and repeat the procedure.

Step 2: Verbalize
Add a verbal order and a hand signal to step 1 as the following step. It goes like this: stand in
front of your dog once again and place him in the position you want him to stay in. Say "stay"
and extend your hand out in front of you, palm facing out towards your dog's nose, as soon
as he is in the proper posture (like a stop sign motion). After a few while of waiting, praise
and treat your dog for staying in this posture (sit-stay or down-stay etc.). You may now
repeat the process, increasing the duration between your "stay" order and your praise and
reward, as you did in step 1. What you're doing is instilling in your dog a mental link between
your vocal "stay" order and the act of staying in one place.

Step 3: Distraction Training


You've now figured out how to use the stay command in its most basic form. Now it's time to
add some more variables and build on top of that. The three D's - Duration, Distance, and
Distractions - are how many trainers refer to this proofing step. You've been working in a
comfortable environment, devoid of distractions, and standing right in front of your dog up
until now (steps 1 and 2). Let's mix it up a bit by introducing one new variable at a time.
Begin by issuing your "stay" command with your hand signal, then take a step backwards,
stop, and then step up to your dog. Praise your dog and offer him a tasty treat if he has
remained in his sit-stay or down-stay. Repeat the practice, progressively increasing the
number of steps you take back while remembering to always return to your dog before
rewarding him. Keep in mind that you're rewarding him for staying (the stay), and if he gets
up to leave, he shouldn't get a reward or treat. Moving your training session to a different
place, maybe somewhere with a few distractions such as other people or animals, is the next
obstacle you can add to the stay command. Remember to go gradually and just introduce one
new variable at a time.
Another helpful suggestion is to practice your stays whenever you get the opportunity.
throughout the day. For example, make your dog "stay" when you go out to collect the mail
or "stay" when you are preparing his dinner.

Hide and seek is a fun game to play with your dog to reinforce the "stay" command. This
game is a lot of fun, and all you have to do is put your dog in a down-stay and run away.
Sing out your release command when you're ready, and your dog will go on the hunt for you.

Note: Do not keep your dog in a sit-stay for more than 2 or 3 minutes when teaching him to
stay. Use the down-stay whenever you need your dog to stay for extended periods of time.

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The “Heel” Command
To begin, I should point out that teaching a dog to heel is not the same as teaching a dog to
walk on a loose leash. Getting and keeping your dog's attention is crucial when training him
to heel. The heel can be used for short lengths of time (for example, when other dogs or
children are present), but it is not appropriate for lengthy daily walks.

Dog Training - The Heel


When your dog is in the heeling position, he or she is basically pinned to your left leg (but not
touching it) and must stay there until you release him or her. Heeling is a tough skill for your
dog to grasp, and it must be taught slowly and gradually. With my dogs, I find that short,
sharp, and intense training sessions work best. This is due to the fact that teaching your dog
to heel takes a great deal of focus and repetition. Don't expect too much too fast, start small,
give your dog a chance to succeed, and don't rush things.

The Comprehensive Eight-Step Guide:


Let's try our hand at making a sturdy and dependable heel. These stages can be completed
either off-leash (if feasible) or on-leash. The leash is just there for safety. It's not for
dragging your dog around or holding him in place. Rather than forcing your dog to be at your
side, the goal is to teach him to want to be there. This is how I train my dogs to heel. Start in
a setting that is comfortable to your dog and devoid of distractions, just like you would with
any other obedience command.

Step: 1. Stand side by side with your dog next to your left leg, both of you looking the
same direction.
Step: 2. In your left hand, hold one of your dog's favorite treats, at your waist, not right
in front of his nose. To get your dog's attention and make eye contact, say "Harry"
(your dog's name). Take two steps forward and then come to a complete halt. If your
dog moves with you while maintaining the heel posture, give him a reward and praise
him warmly.
Step: 3. Repeat the heeling technique as soon as your dog consumes his reward from
step 2. Say "Harry," then take two steps forward while encouraging your dog ("come
on," or "that's a good boy"), then come to a halt, praise, and reward. Give the treat
only while your dog is still in the heel posture.

Step: 4. Your dog will be very interested and attentive at this point. It's crucial to
remember that you're rewarding his good behavior rather than luring or bribing him
with the treat.
Step: 5. Hold wait on your praise and reward if your dog lags behind or forges ahead of
you. Simply say "“No" and begin the process all over again.

Step: 6. Continue to work on your heel training, and when 2 steps forward become easy
for your dog, progress to 4 steps, 6 steps, and so on... Continue to encourage, praise,
and reward your dog with delectable treats.

Step: 7. It's time to progress and add additional variables after your dog can
successfully heel for 10 or more steps. Introduce the parts below one by one, making it
as simple as possible for your dog to succeed. Continue to infuse your enthusiasm,
encouragement, praise, and treats into the mix.

• Walk slowly, speed up, stop, speed up etc...


• Take your training session to a new location.
• Add some left and right turns and then some obstacles.
• Practice your heeling around other people and animals.
• Increase the duration of the heel.
• Roll a ball in front of you, what does your dog do?

That's the heel-training method I use and have had wonderful success with. Always
remember to have fun when training your puppies, and don't expect too much from them
right away, it will take some time.
The “Go To” Commands
The command "Go to Your Spot" is a wonderful one to teach your dog.

The command "Go to your Bed" is one of the most helpful and often utilized of all the dog
obedience commands in my opinion. It's fantastic for both practical and safety reasons, and I
use it in a variety of scenarios on a daily basis, including:

• When guests come to my house. I use the "Go To Your Bed" command to control my
dogs' behavior when they become overly excited and jump all over guests.
• If your dog is barking excessively, you may use this obedience command to get your
dog to do a different activity.
• When my family and I sit down to eat, I direct my dogs to their designated area to
allow us a bit of space.

One thing to always keep in mind when applying the Go to Your Spot command is that you
don't want it to feel like a punishment to your dog. In other words, don't always use it when
your dog is in trouble, try to make it a positive, fun place for your dog to retreat to.

Follow the steps below to build the “Go To Your Spot” command slowly. Start out so it's
easy for your dog to understand, then gradually make it harder by adding other variables
(duration, distance and distractions).

The Nine-Step Guide:


Step: 1. Choose your designated spot (make sure it's a nice and comfortable
place), attach a label to it ("Go To Your Bed" "Go To Your Mat" etc.) and stick
with it.
Step: 2. Stand around 1-2 meters away from the designated place with your
dog. "Go to your bed," you say, pointing to the location. Throw one of your
dog's favorite treats onto the bed at the same time. Your dog will
undoubtedly hurry over to the bed to get his paws on the treat. As soon as
he/she takes the it, ensure to praise him.
Step: 3. To encourage the behavior, repeat step 2 several times. This also
creates a mental association in your dog's head between you saying "Go To
Your Bed" and pointing to his bed. It's essential to note that the reward is
now functioning as a bait to draw your dog over to the bed. however, this will
change in the future.
Step: 4. Increase the space between you and your dog and the bed by a few
inches at a time. Continue practicing "Go To Your Bed," pointing, throwing
the treat, and then praising.
Step: 5. It's time to switch the treat's role from that of a bait to that of a
reward for the desired conduct. It works like this: say "Go To Your Bed" while
pointing to the bed, but don't throw the treat this time. Your dog will most
likely comprehend that you want him to go to his spot based on your vocal
command and pointing. Then give him the treat (rewarding the action) and
lavish him with praise if he obeys your command by going to his bed. If your
dog still doesn't understand, go back a step and use the reward as a bait.

Step: 6. Repeat step 5 several times more. You can practice at any moment
during the day, there is no need to schedule a specific training session. Also,
switch up where you tell your dog to "Go To Your Bed." Say it near to the
bed, then further away, and finally from a separate room (but not too
quickly).
Step: 7. At this point, you can add further elements to the command. You
might add a distraction one at a time, such as having another person in the
room bouncing a ball or setting down your dog's food bowl, and then request
the "Go To Your Bed."
Step: 8. You may add the dog obedience down command to this exercise if
you like.
Step: 9. After a while you should fade and vary your rewards. You can give
the treat every second or third time your dog goes to his bed, or you could
throw a ball for him to chase as the reward instead of the tasty treat.

Remember to keep it fun and build the "Go To Your Spot" command piece by piece over a
period of a couple of weeks. If you are consistent and show a little patience, you and your
dog is sure to achieve results.

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The “Leave It” Command
The dog obedience training command "Leave It" is an excellent one to teach your
puppy or older dog. You'll be amazed at how frequently you'll use this command.

The "Leave It" command comes in handy in a variety of circumstances. The "Leave It"
command is ideal if you're out for a walk and your dog attempts to eat animal droppings
(coprophagia) off the grass or if you find him grabbing a cookie off the coffee table.

You can start teaching the command "Leave It" at any moment. It's just as important
as the other fundamental obedience instructions like sit, down, come, and stay.

To make your "Leave It" command, follow the guidelines below. There will be no need
to tug and pull against your dog with the leash since you will have your dog under voice
control.

The Seven-Step Guide:


We'll start by building the behavior, then add our vocal "Leave It" signal, and ultimately
generalize the behavior.

Step: 1. Sit down in front of your dog in a comfortable setting devoid of


distractions (such as other people or animals).

Step: 2. Put an ordinary "Leave It" treat (kibble or some other plain dry treat) in
one hand and your dog's favorite "jackpot!" treat in the other (liver, hotdog,
cheese etc.).

Step: 3. Extend your hand out towards your dog with the ordinary "Leave It" treat
sitting on your open palm. Don't say a single word. Close your hand quickly
when your dog reaches forward to take the treat, don't let him get it. If he loses
interest, say "Yes!" and pass over the jackpot treat with your other hand. If he's
very desperate to get the kibble treat in your closed fist, simply keep it out of his
reach and ignore him.
Step: 4. Repeat Step 3 around 10 seconds after the first time. If he doesn't dive
right in after the "Leave It" treat, joyfully shout "Yes!" and give him a loving
scratch behind the ear with the jackpot tasty treat from your other hand. Close
your fingers over it again if he goes for the ordinary "Leave It" treat right
immediately. He'll probably glance up at you with a perplexed, curious way,
which is a good thing. As soon as his focus is diverted away from the treat,
exclaim "Yes!" and offer him the jackpot treat while praising his efforts.

Step: 5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 as many times as needed (repetition and


consistency are two of the most important aspects of dog training!). Your dog
will soon figure out that if he refuses the boring old "Leave It" treat, he will be
rewarded with a massive "jackpot" treat from the other hand.

Step: 6. Now that your dog has a basic understanding of the action, it's time to
add your vocal "Leave It" command. This allows us to request the behavior
whenever the situation calls for it. Continue practicing as usual, only this time
say "Leave It" while you extend your hand (the one with the ordinary reward)
towards the dog. In your dog's mind, this stage establishes a link between you
saying "Leave It" and him leaving an object alone.

Step: 7. It's time to add some more variables now that you have the behavior and
it's on cue. This phase generalizes and validates the "leave it" command so that
we may use it in any situation. Introduce the new ingredients indicated below
one at a time, being careful not to rush your dog.
• While practicing the Leave It command hold your hand in different positions - close to
the ground, up at your dog's eye level etc...
• Hold off with saying "Yes" and giving the jackpot treat until your dog actually looks
you in the eye.
• Put the ordinary treat straight down onto the ground in front of your dog and say
"Leave It”, if your dog goes for the treat quickly cover it with your foot.
• Take your training sessions into other rooms and eventually outside.
• Say "Leave It" when you are at varying distances from your dog.
• Practice in the presence of distractions such as other people and dogs.
• Practice when you are out on your daily walk, with your dog on leash drop some treats
on the ground and then walk past them.

Leave It is a highly helpful command for your dog to learn, and it won't take long to teach.
Keep in mind that leaving the object alone should be a more appealing option for your dog
than going for it.

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The “Stand” Command
The stand command is a very handy behavior for you and your dog to have in your
repertoire. The stand command is a behavior you will call on in many different situations. It's
great when you visit your Veterinarian or dog groomer. You'll also call on the stand command
when bathing your dog and clipping his/her nails. It's also the best position for your dog to be
in if you require him to stay for long periods.

We always begin by teaching any new command or behavior in a familiar location that
is devoid of distractions. Make learning the stand command as easy as possible for your dog,
and then we can introduce some additional variables.

The Six-Step Guide


The first step is to reward as many instances of the "stand" behavior as possible, through
shaping it or simply letting it occur naturally.

To begin with you should teach the stand command when your dog is in a sitting position and
then from the laying down position.

Step: 1. Gather a few tempting treats in your hand to entice your dog into
the standing position. Your dog's nose will be drawn to the treat you're holding.
Hold the treat a few inches in front of your dog's nose while he or she is seated.
After that, carefully pull it away horizontally (parallel to the ground). At this
point, there's no need to say anything to your dog. If your dog responds to this
bait by rising to his feet and standing, give him a treat and some enthusiastic
praise right away. NOTE: If your dog refuses to follow your food bait, you may
urge him verbally or gently prod him with your finger to get him moving.

Step: 2. Repeat and practice the food targeting exercise, rewarding a desired
answer each time.

Step: 3. The next stage is to get the stand behavior without using food as a bait,
from now on, food will only be used as a reward. You do this by continuing as
usual, but this time without any food in your hand. So now you place your empty
hand in front of your dog's nose and gently move it away from it horizontally.
Even without the treat, 9 out of 10 dogs will continue to follow your hand. If
your dog continues to follow, immediately praise and reward him with a treat
from your other hand just as you have already been doing. If your dog still
doesn't follow your empty hand, try some verbal encouragement or a little
nudge with your finger. You can reduce the food incentive after the dog
consistently follows your empty hand. Set up a flexible food incentive plan for
your dog. Every second successful stand, then every third, and so on, should be
rewarded. To keep your dog guessing, mix it up.

Step: 4. You may add your vocal order to the stand exercise once your dog has
mastered step 3. Basically, we now have the desired action (the stand), and it's
time to add the verbal signal that will initiate the activity. Say "stand" and then
continue the process as in step 3. Say "stand," apply your hand signal, then
praise and treat your dog as soon as he or she gets into the stand posture.
Repeat this process as many times as needed; any time during the day is a good
time to practice. This stage helps build up a connection in your
dog's mind between you saying "stand" and him standing.

Step: 5. It's time to put your hand signal and any other prompting to the side and
depend only on your vocal cue. Wait for your dog to move after saying "stand."
It's very likely that your dog will stand in the same position as he did in the
previous phases. He'll have already made the link between your vocal "stand"
order and his physical standing. If your dog does not move when you say
"stand," he or she is not ready for this step. Return to step 4 and practice it once
more.

Step: 6. Now that you've got the basic stand command solid on vocal command,
it's time to add some more variables. The goal of this phase is to generalize,
enhance, and justify the stand command. This means you expand on the original
command to make it more effective over time, in a variety of settings, and in the
face of additional distractions.
Everyone’s Favorite: “Fetch”
One of the most common commands that owners wish to teach their dogs is fetch, often
known as retrieve. A brief game of fetch is a great way for a dog's innate prey drive to be
released, and it calms even the most energetic of dogs. In addition, it's also one of the few
interactive games you can play with your dog. It's a great method to enhance the relationship
between humans and dogs.

Most dogs like chasing a ball and returning it to you, but many dogs require some
training to achieve a desirable level of behavior. At first, your dog may be a natural or
hesitant retriever, but most dogs like playing a game of fetch after a while. Why wouldn't
they? It's a lot of fun!

It takes a few different stages to teach a rock solid and dependable retrieve. The steps
below will teach your dog to be interested in an object, to charge after it when it is thrown, to
pick it up, return it to you, and to put it at your feet. All of this accomplished without any
skylarking, sniffing, hesitating, or diversions!
The Five-Step Guide

Step 1:
Let's begin with a basic and enjoyable game. Sit down on the floor with your dog in a small
room devoid of distractions. In one hand, hold a little squeaky toy, while the other holds
some appetizing treats. The toy should ideally be one that your dog has expressed an interest
in. Toss the toy a short distance away from yourself (still within your reach) and let your
puppy pounce on it, you may encourage your dog if necessary. As soon as your dog takes the
toy, reach out and take it from his or her mouth while shouting "good puppy." As soon as you
get your hands on the toy, you must replace it by giving your dog a treat.

Use the treat as a bribe if your puppy won't let go of the toy. Hold the treat right in front of
his nose and wait for him to drop the toy. As soon as the toy drops from his mouth, praise
your dog and give him the treat. At least a couple of times a day, practice this easy game in
5-minute intervals. This is the first and most important stage in teaching your dog how to
fetch or retrieve.

Step 2.
We will now resume the game we started in Step 1, but this time will include a release phrase
or signal. Say "thank you" or "thanks" as you remove the toy from your puppy's mouth (or as
he drops it in your lap) and immediately offer the treat and praise, exactly as you did in Step
1. Repeat this procedure several times to help your dog form a mental link between your
"thanks" cue and the act of him giving you the toy. You won't have to grab the toy from your
dog's mouth after a lot of work and constant reinforcement (treats), he will deliver it to you
when you say your cue word. Now we have got the basic fetch behavior we are trying to
shape, we just need to build on it a little more.

Step 3.
We may now gradually (but not too slowly) increase the retrieval distance. Start by throwing
the toy a few meters away, hoping that your dog would pounce on it and bring it back to you
for a treat. Continue as before, say your release cue "thank you" and give the treat for each
successful retrieval. Important: Do not chase or create a fuss if your dog does not return the
toy to you. Simply sit and wait till he returns it to you, then treat as usual. Your goal is to
communicate to your dog that he must return the toy to you in order for the fun and games
to continue. Finish the game and try again later if your dog doesn't bring the toy back to you.
Next time go back to the shorter and easier retrieve game from Step 1
Step 4.
Repeat the fetch game as many times necessary. The key to developing and strengthening a
strong retrieve is repetition and positive reinforcement. You may now vary the length of time
you throw the toy and move your training sessions into different rooms within the house.
When you add a new object to the game, such as a ball (which you'll use for a game of fetch
in the dog park), you should start at a short distance and gradually increase it. Always reward
and congratulate your dog when the retrieve object is delivered to you.

Step 5.
That's the retrieval behavior in 4 steps. You can now start the exercise with a cue. Just before
you toss the ball, simply say "fetch" or "get it." After a while, your dog will look straight up at
you when you say "fetch" and anticipate a pursuit.

You may now fade the treats out gradually. Your dog will be satisfied just by playing the
game. Instead of a tasty treat, your dog will be motivated to return the ball right back to you
by the next throw of the ball.

The retrieve is an excellent activity to teach most dogs, and working through the 5 steps
mentioned above will only take a few days. Pretty soon you will have an eager dog who drops
the ball at your feet at any opportunity!

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You’re Ready To Move On To Greater Things!
In just a few weeks, if you've followed this book closely, you should be able to teach your dog
complex tricks and behaviors! Always remember to be patient when training your dog and to
provide positive reinforcement wherever possible. Dogs that have been mistreated or
intimidated into obedience frequently don't comprehend the behaviors they've learned and
develop additional behavioral issues that might put you or your family at risk. You and your
furry companion will be enjoying each other's company without worrying about behavioral
issues in no time with a little patience and a lot of love!

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