Beginner's Guide: Training Your Puppy Successfully

Today, I'm excited to share with you some valuable tips on how to train your new companion so that they can understand your signals.

Mastering the basics is crucial: teaching your dog to sit, stay, lie down, come, and follow you without wandering off. These five fundamental commands will set the stage for a wellbehaved and responsive pet.

1. The 'Sit' Command

The "sit" command, though seemingly simple, is incredibly beneficial for your dog's behavior. Whether you choose to say "sit," "down," or "Sit" (in English), consistency is key. Stick to one command and repeat it often.

Start by luring your puppy to sit. Place a treat above its nose, then slowly move it towards its head. As its bottom sinks down, promptly offer praise. Alternatively, gently hold the top of its neck and guide its bottom into a sitting position, being careful not to be too forceful. Reward it immediately when it maintains the sit.

As you continue training, issue more commands and wait for the sit response. Reward your dog generously for getting it right. Once your dog is accustomed to the sit command, use it to correct other misbehaviors. Yelling is counterproductive; instead, say "sit" when it jumps up, and it will likely stop its unruly behavior.

Even after your dog has learned the habit, don't forget to shower it with praise. Positive reinforcement is essential in maintaining good behavior.

2. The 'Stay' Command

After mastering the 'sit' command, move on to teaching your puppy to stay in place.

Begin by having your puppy sit or lie down, then take a step back and return to reward it. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance and duration of the stay.

When your dog does well, always return to its side to offer a reward. If it stands up and wants to come to you or wander off, simply put it back in its place and continue the training.

Dogs can become anxious and want to follow their owners when they see them leave. However, with consistent training, they will learn to stay put. Remember to reward them when they do, and they'll soon be happy to remain stationary.

When rewarding, approach your dog and pet it, praise it, and give it a treat where it is, rather than calling it to you.

3. The 'Follow' Command

Teaching your dog to follow you is a great habit to prevent it from wandering off.

Start by taking short steps, maintaining eye contact, and rewarding your dog after a few steps. Over the next few weeks, gradually increase the distance you walk before rewarding your dog.

Your dog will learn that walking beside you is a rewarding experience. If it starts to pull ahead or wander off, regain its attention and reward it when it returns to your side.

Continue this training until your dog consistently follows you without prompting.

4. The 'Down' Command

Teaching your puppy to lie down can be easily achieved through luring:

1. First, command it to sit and hold its neck above to prevent it from moving forward.

2. Place a treat on its nose and slowly move it towards its paws. Move slowly to allow it to follow.

3. To reach the treat, the dog will need to lie down.

4. Once it lies down, reward it immediately.

5. Most importantly, do not force it down with your hand.

5. The 'Come' Command

All dog owners want their dogs to come when called. However, repeatedly saying "come" won't teach your dog the command.

Start by having your puppy stay put, holding the leash's end, and crouching slightly while calling its name and saying "come" in an upbeat, encouraging tone. Avoid pulling it towards you with the leash.

If it doesn't come, move closer and try again. If it responds, make sure to reward it generously!

If it runs excitedly towards you, you can use a longer leash. If your dog is distracted by its surroundings and doesn't come when called, pull the leash gently to stop it and continue encouraging it to come to you.

Remember, using a louder or more stern voice won't help. The key is consistent training and generous rewards.