TRAINING COMMANDS
Good Boy - Command
Before I begin, the 'good boy' wording is only an
example for the ease of writing in this article and 'good girl', 'well done' or
any other words of praise may be easily used in place of 'good boy'.
The
good boy command is not so much a command as a general consistent
learning or rewarding exercise, the aim of this exercise is to get
your dog to associate 'good boy' with times when he or she has done something
well and a time when you the owner are happy.
A lot of dog breeds
actually enjoy performing tasks for their owner and it's what they are
accustomed to, and aim to achieve. These dogs are generally dogs with a working
background and breed past, such as sheepdogs and collies, but it can be done
with just about any dog breed with some work.
This exercise can be
taught as soon as you get your puppy or dog and can be a natural reaction to
good behavior by many already, also making the command easier to remember and
easier to be consistent with.
The good boy command should be taught
along with any rewards you give your dog, if your dog behaves well you should
praise them to encourage them to do the same in the future, this is common
sense in dog training. The 'good boy' command should add to this praise and
give you another option for rewarding your dog. Emotional praise like the 'good
boy' command can be much more rewarding for some dogs and great on the rare
occasions when you haven't got treats to hand (although it's not recommended,
but it does happen).
So when your dog behaves well and has deserved a
treat or other form of reward, recite 'good boy' to them in an excited and
impressed voice and give your dog cuddles and love. This, over time will be
seen as a great form of reward that means just as much to your dog as treats
do.
The good boy command gives more emotion to your rewards and gives
your dog a new form of praise to aim for, making the relationship
between you and your dog closer, and making this a very important command or
reward.
Come Command
One of the most important commands
for dogs in their early years, or as an untrained dog for safety, is the 'come'
command. If your dog breaks the leash and runs free, this command could save
your dog from running in front of a car, a lory, or into any other of the many
dangers untrained dogs face.
In this article I will guide you through
the different steps needed to control your dog using the 'come' command and how
to do it in the easiest and least confusing way for your dog and you. This
command is best learnt when the dog is a puppy or very young and has not yet
picked up too many bad habits or actions.
To start, you should get
someone else to help you out, whether it's a friend or neighbour, you will need
help to make this command work quickly and effectively. Get this person to
lightly restrain your dog from being able to run after you at the wrong time.
Then, from a short distance apart, show your dog a tasty or well loved treat to
entice them towards you.
To begin with, keep yourself not too far away
from your dog or puppy until they get the idea of the game. Once you are the
correct distance get your friend or neighbour to let go of the dog so they come
running towards you, as they do this you should say the command 'come' in a
solid and happy mannered way.
When the dog reaches you, reward him with
the treat or 'good dog' and a hug. After the first success it should get easier
as you retry the game from further and further away. After a few times of
playing this game your dog will get familiar with the way things are done and
you can use the sit command instead of having a friend.
When you feel
comfortable with this training method, try playing hide and seek with your dog
and let them find you when you shout 'come', rewarding still after every
success. When your dog is comfortable with this method your training is
complete and ready for the next time your dog darts for the road.
As
with many training excersizes, the key is to be persistent in your ways. The
more you practice different commands, the easier things will
get.
Down Command
If you are
hesitating, the "down" command is a very rationale set of rules to live by.
After you have given this command, and your dog has taken in his position, it
means that he has been obedient. The "down" command can be used as a
thermometer to check the manners of your dog. The enthusiasm of the dog to do
as they are told or their battle to do so will be a direct indication of the
state of mind that they are in. When the dog responds in a positive manner, it
is a sign that they are obedient. But if they are familiar with the command and
they do not comply, it is a sign that the dog wants to compete or that they
have too much confidence.
Once they obey these commands, their mindset
will be a more obedient one. When your dog is taking off or jumping up on you
or other people, the "down" command should be used straight away. The command
"down" should be given in a tranquil and a solid tone of voice. A talented dog
instructor by the name of Tamar Arnon suggested that the word should be said as
if it was spelled "Dhown" - by doing this the word is kept soft. A mistake that
is made by many is that the word is said too quick or as a long "Dooowwwnn".
Saying down in a requesting manner or just too rapidly is also not right.
When using the hand signal for the "down" command, make sure you move
your arm downward from the shoulder. Then lift your left hand upwards and then
move backward and forward and downward, so it will eventually stop along your
side with your palm facing to the back. Make sure that this is a still but yet
at the same time a purposeful move that is not too slow or too fast. It will
also be good if the arm movement is supported by your voice. You should not be
too worried if the dog does not take notice of the arm movement at first as
they will learn it later on.
In the end you will be able to give this
signal from a distance, and they will recognize and respond to it accordingly -
even if it is not supported by a vocal command.
Down Placement
The above mentioned method is similar to the
one mention in the puppy segment. This method is made more difficult due to the
size of most of the mature dogs. This specific method is well liked as it
doesn't involve lots of difficulty if done correctly.
In order to apply this method the dog should be placed on your left
side while you reach over your left shoulder while putting your left hand on
the dog's left shoulder - then with your right hand clutch the right leg of the
dog just above his foot. After you have done this, lift up the right foot of
the dog and then move him to the right side - this can be accomplished by
pushing his left shoulder to the right.
The idea behind all of this is
that the support is taken away on one side, and then the dog is moved in that
direction. This can be done in both directions, and all depends on how the dog
is sitting at that moment in time. When sitting in the upright position, you
can go both directions. When they are slouching on one of their hips, the best
option will be to move the dog over in the position that they are slouching.
It is advised you make sure that this is done on a surface that is not
too hard, and then move him over in a gentle manner. If the dog is
uncomfortable, they might be reluctant to be moved again at a later time. Make
sure that the dog is praised enough once they are lying down - it is advised
that at least 15 seconds are spend on praising the dog.
Release the dog
with a command of "OK" after you have finished flattering the dog. After the
dog gets up, commend him some more. After a little while, the dog will enjoy
the whole process - and you will be able to see it by them wagging their tails
all the time.
Enforced Down Command
After your dog starts to allow you to put them in the
"down" position without any trouble, it is time to go to the next step in the
process of training your
dog. At this point it's good if your dog stays down, even if you remain
in a standing position. If you bend down at first, and then get your dog to
assume the down position while you are upright, it will be a very big step.
This method should be applied with a loose collar, and you should start
on a slick surface - tile or wood floors are ideal. While your dog is to your
left, give the command as well as the hand signal. Then take your foot and
place it on the clip of the lead. Make sure you keep the lead tight while you
apply some pressure with your left foot and it is
important for you to know that this is a process of guiding. Force should not
be used. It is a good idea to lean against a table or wall if you are having
trouble to keep your balance. At first your dog might not know what is
happening, and they might oppose the downward force that your are applying.
Your
dog will try to pull away, but it is important that you remain calm and not
force them to stay down. For a one or two minute period your dog might oppose
the first time that you are trying to enforce this - but after that they will
start to comply. If you caress your dog in a gentle manner, it will help them
to stay calm. When your dog stands up, direct his behind into the "sit"
position - do not tell your dog to sit though as this will baffle your dog.
This method works really well when they comprehend that the lying down position
is more comfortable than trying to oppose to the pressure they are feeling on
their necks.
If they eventually obey, sit down and praise your dog so
that they know how well they are doing. This process should last for about 20
to 30 seconds. Follow this with the "OK" command, and then smile while you are
clapping your hands and then try this whole process again - this way your dog
will stop to resist, as they are seeing that obedience brings a lot of pressure
about. It is important to always be encouraging of your dog.
Many of us
dream about our dogs running across fields, and them responding by you calling
him once. Your doorbell may ring, you open the door and tell your dog to sit
and he does so without moving. This can only remain a dream, or it can become a
reality if you keep on persisting by training
your dog. Make sure to give your dog sufficient praise if he gets
something right and to reprimand him if he does not. If you only complain and
don't persist with practice, the above will only remain a dream.
The Sit Command
It is common knowledge that 'sit" is the most
command and helpful command that exists between a dog and its owner. This
command is not difficult to use, and you can use it to stay in control with
your dog for the whole of the day. This command can be used to keep you dog
away from trouble, if you want to take care of your dog or just want the dog to
calm down when visitors arrive.
If you train your dog with treats from an early age
on, it might become a problem later on as they will struggle trying to learn
new commands without getting treats. You should stop giving them treats
immediately if this is the case. Also do not let that look in their eyes make
you feel guilty - rather learn to praise him when he does something wrong.
Giving treats can however by good in training by being a first step for
dogs that are shy or full of fear. But as soon as they are making progress, you
should stop giving them treats. For a start you can give them a treat every few
times they get something right, and then phase it out completely. Then make
sure you keep on praising your dog in an excited manner. Regardless from
whether your dog is being learned the "sit" command for the first time; it
should be done without having to use force.
Getting your dog in the
correct position is done by slowly applying
pressure while at the same time pushing the hind of your dog in a
downward position. Applying force will make resistance. If you are finding it
hard to get your dog into the "sit" position, he will also find it difficult to
remain standing. In the end you want to show your dog what you want him to do,
and eventually he will comply with that.
It is best if you try to teach
this command to your dog while they are on their leash. Make sure that the lead
is tight, and that it is not loose. At the same time of giving the "sit"
command, you should also give the signal with your left hand. This sign should
be started with your palm forward while your left arm hangs at your side. After
this, you should bend your elbow and bring your hand back up - all in one even
movement. Dogs tend to more easily learn hand signals then voice commands as
the movement will attract their attention.
If your dog
does not take note the first time round, you should not be too worried. He will
eventually see it as you progress with the training process. If you get this
right, your dog will also achieve success eventually. After giving the spoken
and hand signal at the same time bring your hand to your hip. At this stage the
leash should be over your body, and loose. When you see that your dog is having
difficulty breathing or that his head is moved up you should give some slack.
While the lead is over your hip, you will have to reach downward and
place your forefinger and thumb in front of the hipbones with your left hand.
This will mean you forming a "U" shape by using your fingers. After the "U" has
been formed, you should press your fingers to the inside as you move your dog
down, and then to the back. After performing the movement your dog should move
over in the "sit" position. By pushing your dog too hard he will probably
resist what you are trying to do. Try giving the same sort of pressure that you
would like on you, and this will probably be successful.
After your dog
took in the "sit" position, you can stop applying pressure on him. Now you can
convey praise to him by speaking in a warm voice, and maybe even stroking his
chest. If the dog stands up immediately, you should not be worried as he does
not know the "stay" command yet. If he jumps up immediately, you can just place
him in the right position again - and then give him the necessary praise. It is
important that you don't reprimand him now as it takes time to learn a new
command.
Enthusiasm is very important when you want to teach your dog
something new that you are enthusiastic about it. Dogs want you to guide them
when they should learn something new. If you show more enthusiasm toward
something, they will probably be more happy and excited. Your dog will think
what you are trying to teach him is fun if you look excited. Of you come across
as bored, you won't be able to keep the attention of your dog. Make sure that
you set a positive environment for your dog to learn.
Common Sit Command Problems
Dog turns and mouths.
Make
sure that your leash is in a tight position at the side of your right hip. By
doing this, your dog will be prevented from making a turn and mouth. Make sure
that you are applying even pressure,
and being very gentle. If your dog shows a lack in comfort, you might want to
check with your vet that there is not a physical difficulty. A condition like
hip dysplasia is one of the things that can cause your dog discomfort in this
situation.
Dog resists placement.
It is
quite common for a dog to freeze if they're confused, and this may lead owners
to think that their dogs are being stubborn. By being more vigorous and angry
in a situation like this will only make the situation worse. Be sure to relax
if your dog freezes - just continue by applying smooth pressure. It is advised
that you move the hips of the dog from side to side while praising your dog in
a calm voice as well as applying some mild pressure. If the dog is relaxed,
eventually he will allow you to place him in the correct position. Keep on
praising your dog for the whole time they take to move into the "sit" position.
Eventually they will respond quicker as they learn to relax.
Dog lies down.
If your dog is good-humored and
obedient they might fall down on the ground and roll over to play when you try
to put them into the "sit" position. In such an event, make sure that the leash
is in the correct position as it will them make it more difficult for your dog
to misbehave. A good idea is to start scratching the chest of your dog as this
will automatically help many dogs to resume the "sit" position. If your dog continues
to fall down and roll over - do not give him the attention he craves. This will
only lead to your dog being more disobedient. Make sure that you praise the dog
enough after performing the "sit" position, and also make sure that you stop
them immediately if he collapses. He will eventually get the message. If he
still has problems with the "sit" position, you may want to use food or some
other form of reward.
Heel Command
Different from the "sit" and "down" commands which should be
being used on your dog several times during the day already, walking to your
left side is a bit trickier and more difficult. In most cases your dog will not
see the point of it. Most people teach their dog this command by repeatedly
pulling back on their leash while repeating the command. In the end this
doesn't make lots of sense to the dog as they are probably wondering why you
are pulling them back all the time. Most dogs will probably pull more to get
away from the pressure that is being applied, and they may even be chocked by
this.
The best way to teach your dog this command is to guarantee that
they know why it is they are doing it and why they should be walking with a
slack leash. A step in the right direction is to hold the lead correctly. Make
sure that you put the thumb of your right hand through the lead, and then make
sure that your hand is closed around the loop. Then rest your hand at the area
of your belly button - relax your hand in this position.
The job of
your right hand is to hold the lead, and hold the lead only; it should not be
used for doing anything else and should not be pulled in all directions. The
active hand in this case will be your left hand. You will make use of your left
hand to direct your dog in many different ways.
If you use the leash to
signal to your dog that you are making changes in pace and direction such as
sidesteps and turns to begin with, they will learn to look where you are moving
next and pay more attention to you presence and thus begin to learn the reason
for walking by your side. If he stops watching you, make sure you quickly
tighten the lead to make him aware of your presence again. After he has been
made aware, make sure to give your dog plenty of praise in the form of cuddles
and treats. In the end the goal is for your dog to walk comfortably on your
left side with his head being the same height as that of your knee. The lead
should also be loose, and the dog should follow you without any
trouble.
It is important to know that words contain no magic when
teaching your dog new commands; dogs do not understand specific languages.
Words will not matter - you should only make sure that you are completely clear
on what you want them to do. Make sure that you are certain about what you want
form your dog, and express this clearly to them, following it with a reward if
necessary. You can even teach your dog to sit down by using the word "car" and
not "sit". Use whatever words works for you and your
dog.
Heel Command Problems
Dog pulls ahead.
In achieving success with the
"Let's Go" command, you should now know that timing is very important.
Correcting your dog should be done exactly at the same time as your dog starts
to misbehave by moving in front of your knee or leg. After doing this, your dog
will find it difficult to understand what the right position is for him to
take. This can be quite tough in doing as many dogs move forward so fast that
it might be even more difficult in getting the timing right. Here it might be a
good idea to issue the "Let's go" command; make a 180 degree
turn and then move forward.
All the turns that you can do are good for
your dog, especially the left about turn seeing that they can be done while
your dog is moving forward. You might trip over your dog if his shoulder is at
the same level as your knee.
Dog lags behind.
If your dog trails
behind you it is important that you do not correct him as this will cause them
to lag even more. There are many reasons causing a dog to lag. It might be a
problem with your leash being to long and hitting him in the face all the time,
or your corrections might be too harsh - causing the dog to be frightened.
Another reason might be your dog struggling to keep up with your pace, or he
might be a bit unsure about what you want from him.
Try to ensure that
the leash and the collar is the right length and size, and also that the dog is
not being injured in this process. A choke collar should not have more than two
to three inches of space when it is tightened to its max. If the dog is not
comfortable with this type of collar you might have to consider a collar that
can't tighten around the neck of the dog. Many dogs will get scared of these
collars, and eventually they will not want to walk at all.
If the dog
is comfortable with this and if you know that he can keep up with your pace,
you can then up your pace. When you slow down if your dog slows down, he will
take advantage of this. It is important that you take the lead here; otherwise
your dog will dominate. If you come across as being hesitant, your dog will not
take your lead. Give your dog enough praise while you move along.
If you
move the lead across your legs and put your right hand in a steady position on
your right and keep it there your leg will pull the dog up and release it again
in a steady rhythm that your dog will react positively towards. If he maintains
this pace, you should give him enough praise - and eventually sit down with him
and praise him even more. As you continue this, tour dog will soon be walking
alongside you at whichever pace you want him to.
Dog stops.
If
your dog decides to stop, you should just keep going and not stop with him. Do
not look at your dog or say anything about it - just keep walking. If you dog
then starts to walk again, sit down and ask him to stand and then give him some
more praise. You should not go toward the dog, as he will see this as
enforcement for him to stop walking. A dog in this situation will probably jump
up and down a bit - see that you are not giving him any attention and then
eventually will stand up and start walking again.
If you get them to
get up after they have stopped, you will just make your own task a lot harder.
You can always put a collar with a buckle on your dog, tie it to your leash and
then get them to follow you while walking through the house. The floor has a
good surface which will be nice for his feet, and you won't be covering long
distances. He will in the end see that it is better to follow you than to
oppose.
Dog jumps up.
If your dog jumps up, you should take a
step to the side and then make sure that you correct your dog. This is the best
method to follow if your dog jumps up while he is on the lead - this will give
you the best results. You may need to do this a few times before it will sink
in.
Dog puts foot over lead.
This usually takes a smart dog to
do this, but also a way to show its owners that he can stop them. Do not stop
and disentangle him, as he will keep on doing this. Just keep on walking as he
will then hop after you and then untangle his paw on his own. Do not give him
any praise for doing this. Just unhook his foot, and keep going. Eventually
your dog will come to see that this is not the right way of doing things.
Dog cuts in front of owner.
Make sure that you do enough turns
before your dog tries to cut in front of you - this will teach him to stay
behind you. Always walk through him if he is blocking your way - if you move
around him, he will keep on doing this. He your dog does this the next time -
place your left hand on the leash halfway down and move it to the left quickly
in a snappy movement. If you have a very large dog or if he is standing
completely in front of you - take a turn to your right hand side. If you do
this, the dog will be put automatically to your left which is the right
position.
Dog cuts in back of owner.
There are two methods that
you can follow to stop this behaviour. With the first method you should simply
keep walking while at the same time pulling the lead to your right hand side.
Eventually your dog will return to the right place. The second method is to
stretch to your back with your left hand and correct him to your left while you
keep moving. Similar to all the other corrections, timing is also very
important here. If you correct the dog as he is trying to cut in front of you,
it will be a lot easier.
Lunge Problems
The first step in
this process is to learn your dog to watch you carefully.
In the beginning most of the dogs are so excited that they pull you all over
the place. If your dog displays behavior like this it is advised that
you start doing lunge work. Lunge work means that you become unpredictable, and
that you will not just follow your dog all over. It is not needed of your dog
to keep an eye on you, but if he does not watch you - he will see that you are
going in a different direction. With this method, you will have to keep both of
your hands on the leash for the longest period of time. You should hold the
circle over the thumb of your right hand, and put your fist around the rest of
the round part. Then you should take your left hand and clutch the leash
halfway down in order for it to be tight between your left hand and the dog and
more relaxed between your right and left hand - while you are in this spot, say
"Let's go" in a firm manner and start walking with your left foot first.
It is assumed that your dog will try and pull ahead, but as the leash
becomes tighter, relax your left hand and put it over your right hand while you
are holding onto your stomach. While you are doing this, move 180 degrees to your right and start moving in the
opposite direction with purpose. You should not look back while you are doing
this, and while you are doing this, the leash will become tighter and force
your dog in the correct direction. If he follows you, give him enough praise
and support him to move to the side of you. After he has assumed the correct
position, move your left hand to the middle section of the lead and carry on as
normal. If you keep praising the dog, he will find you and this whole exercise
more interesting. This should probably be done more than four times in order
for your dog to realise what you are trying to teach
him
Teaching Your Dog To Halt
To get your dog to come to a halt and sit calmly on
the left of you will take lots of practice and particular methods. If you want
to apply the halt procedure, you will
have to follow four different steps.
1. You should take the leash, and
move it halfway in the direction of your dog.
2. Then take the leash
from your left hand by reaching crossways, and over your body, in order to
accomplish this.
3. Then bring the leash to the region of your right
hip, similar as to when you will sit.
4. Then take your last step as
you bring your right hand into the correct position by putting your right foot
in front of the dog and your left foot next to it. When your left foot is in
the correct place you should give the "sit" command together with the hand
signal for it.
Your dog should also do his part by placing his head at
the same level as your left knee while adhering to the "sit' command. If they
get this right, make sure that you give them enough praise. Seeing that this is
something new learned by your dog, you should give praise, even if they don't
do it flawlessly. There is always the chance that you didn't do it without
error. You can always place your dog in the correct position with your hand if
they didn't listen to the "sit" command.
There are several mistakes to
be made such as pulling the leash too tight which can lead to your dog sitting
in a twisted manner. If you give the command while you are walking, it will be
more difficult to act upon by your dog. When giving the command after you have
halted completely, your dog might have enough time to get preoccupied. It is
best to give the command as soon as you start to walk - the leash being at your
hip and when you give the hand signal.
To apply this method, you will
need enough practice - and you will have to start by working on one section at
time in order to achieve success. It might be a good idea to first start it
without your dog. At first it may feel somewhat odd, but it will help you to
get the movements right before teaching your dog. When you feel comfortable
with these steps, you can start doing them with the leash. And then you can
start doing them with your dog.
Before I begin, the 'good boy' wording is only an
example for the ease of writing in this article and 'good girl', 'well done' or
any other words of praise may be easily used in place of 'good boy'.
The
good boy command is not so much a command as a general consistent
learning or rewarding exercise, the aim of this exercise is to get
your dog to associate 'good boy' with times when he or she has done something
well and a time when you the owner are happy.
A lot of dog breeds
actually enjoy performing tasks for their owner and it's what they are
accustomed to, and aim to achieve. These dogs are generally dogs with a working
background and breed past, such as sheepdogs and collies, but it can be done
with just about any dog breed with some work.
This exercise can be
taught as soon as you get your puppy or dog and can be a natural reaction to
good behavior by many already, also making the command easier to remember and
easier to be consistent with.
The good boy command should be taught
along with any rewards you give your dog, if your dog behaves well you should
praise them to encourage them to do the same in the future, this is common
sense in dog training. The 'good boy' command should add to this praise and
give you another option for rewarding your dog. Emotional praise like the 'good
boy' command can be much more rewarding for some dogs and great on the rare
occasions when you haven't got treats to hand (although it's not recommended,
but it does happen).
So when your dog behaves well and has deserved a
treat or other form of reward, recite 'good boy' to them in an excited and
impressed voice and give your dog cuddles and love. This, over time will be
seen as a great form of reward that means just as much to your dog as treats
do.
The good boy command gives more emotion to your rewards and gives
your dog a new form of praise to aim for, making the relationship
between you and your dog closer, and making this a very important command or
reward.
Come Command
One of the most important commands
for dogs in their early years, or as an untrained dog for safety, is the 'come'
command. If your dog breaks the leash and runs free, this command could save
your dog from running in front of a car, a lory, or into any other of the many
dangers untrained dogs face.
In this article I will guide you through
the different steps needed to control your dog using the 'come' command and how
to do it in the easiest and least confusing way for your dog and you. This
command is best learnt when the dog is a puppy or very young and has not yet
picked up too many bad habits or actions.
To start, you should get
someone else to help you out, whether it's a friend or neighbour, you will need
help to make this command work quickly and effectively. Get this person to
lightly restrain your dog from being able to run after you at the wrong time.
Then, from a short distance apart, show your dog a tasty or well loved treat to
entice them towards you.
To begin with, keep yourself not too far away
from your dog or puppy until they get the idea of the game. Once you are the
correct distance get your friend or neighbour to let go of the dog so they come
running towards you, as they do this you should say the command 'come' in a
solid and happy mannered way.
When the dog reaches you, reward him with
the treat or 'good dog' and a hug. After the first success it should get easier
as you retry the game from further and further away. After a few times of
playing this game your dog will get familiar with the way things are done and
you can use the sit command instead of having a friend.
When you feel
comfortable with this training method, try playing hide and seek with your dog
and let them find you when you shout 'come', rewarding still after every
success. When your dog is comfortable with this method your training is
complete and ready for the next time your dog darts for the road.
As
with many training excersizes, the key is to be persistent in your ways. The
more you practice different commands, the easier things will
get.
Down Command
If you are
hesitating, the "down" command is a very rationale set of rules to live by.
After you have given this command, and your dog has taken in his position, it
means that he has been obedient. The "down" command can be used as a
thermometer to check the manners of your dog. The enthusiasm of the dog to do
as they are told or their battle to do so will be a direct indication of the
state of mind that they are in. When the dog responds in a positive manner, it
is a sign that they are obedient. But if they are familiar with the command and
they do not comply, it is a sign that the dog wants to compete or that they
have too much confidence.
Once they obey these commands, their mindset
will be a more obedient one. When your dog is taking off or jumping up on you
or other people, the "down" command should be used straight away. The command
"down" should be given in a tranquil and a solid tone of voice. A talented dog
instructor by the name of Tamar Arnon suggested that the word should be said as
if it was spelled "Dhown" - by doing this the word is kept soft. A mistake that
is made by many is that the word is said too quick or as a long "Dooowwwnn".
Saying down in a requesting manner or just too rapidly is also not right.
When using the hand signal for the "down" command, make sure you move
your arm downward from the shoulder. Then lift your left hand upwards and then
move backward and forward and downward, so it will eventually stop along your
side with your palm facing to the back. Make sure that this is a still but yet
at the same time a purposeful move that is not too slow or too fast. It will
also be good if the arm movement is supported by your voice. You should not be
too worried if the dog does not take notice of the arm movement at first as
they will learn it later on.
In the end you will be able to give this
signal from a distance, and they will recognize and respond to it accordingly -
even if it is not supported by a vocal command.
Down Placement
The above mentioned method is similar to the
one mention in the puppy segment. This method is made more difficult due to the
size of most of the mature dogs. This specific method is well liked as it
doesn't involve lots of difficulty if done correctly.
In order to apply this method the dog should be placed on your left
side while you reach over your left shoulder while putting your left hand on
the dog's left shoulder - then with your right hand clutch the right leg of the
dog just above his foot. After you have done this, lift up the right foot of
the dog and then move him to the right side - this can be accomplished by
pushing his left shoulder to the right.
The idea behind all of this is
that the support is taken away on one side, and then the dog is moved in that
direction. This can be done in both directions, and all depends on how the dog
is sitting at that moment in time. When sitting in the upright position, you
can go both directions. When they are slouching on one of their hips, the best
option will be to move the dog over in the position that they are slouching.
It is advised you make sure that this is done on a surface that is not
too hard, and then move him over in a gentle manner. If the dog is
uncomfortable, they might be reluctant to be moved again at a later time. Make
sure that the dog is praised enough once they are lying down - it is advised
that at least 15 seconds are spend on praising the dog.
Release the dog
with a command of "OK" after you have finished flattering the dog. After the
dog gets up, commend him some more. After a little while, the dog will enjoy
the whole process - and you will be able to see it by them wagging their tails
all the time.
Enforced Down Command
After your dog starts to allow you to put them in the
"down" position without any trouble, it is time to go to the next step in the
process of training your
dog. At this point it's good if your dog stays down, even if you remain
in a standing position. If you bend down at first, and then get your dog to
assume the down position while you are upright, it will be a very big step.
This method should be applied with a loose collar, and you should start
on a slick surface - tile or wood floors are ideal. While your dog is to your
left, give the command as well as the hand signal. Then take your foot and
place it on the clip of the lead. Make sure you keep the lead tight while you
apply some pressure with your left foot and it is
important for you to know that this is a process of guiding. Force should not
be used. It is a good idea to lean against a table or wall if you are having
trouble to keep your balance. At first your dog might not know what is
happening, and they might oppose the downward force that your are applying.
Your
dog will try to pull away, but it is important that you remain calm and not
force them to stay down. For a one or two minute period your dog might oppose
the first time that you are trying to enforce this - but after that they will
start to comply. If you caress your dog in a gentle manner, it will help them
to stay calm. When your dog stands up, direct his behind into the "sit"
position - do not tell your dog to sit though as this will baffle your dog.
This method works really well when they comprehend that the lying down position
is more comfortable than trying to oppose to the pressure they are feeling on
their necks.
If they eventually obey, sit down and praise your dog so
that they know how well they are doing. This process should last for about 20
to 30 seconds. Follow this with the "OK" command, and then smile while you are
clapping your hands and then try this whole process again - this way your dog
will stop to resist, as they are seeing that obedience brings a lot of pressure
about. It is important to always be encouraging of your dog.
Many of us
dream about our dogs running across fields, and them responding by you calling
him once. Your doorbell may ring, you open the door and tell your dog to sit
and he does so without moving. This can only remain a dream, or it can become a
reality if you keep on persisting by training
your dog. Make sure to give your dog sufficient praise if he gets
something right and to reprimand him if he does not. If you only complain and
don't persist with practice, the above will only remain a dream.
The Sit Command
It is common knowledge that 'sit" is the most
command and helpful command that exists between a dog and its owner. This
command is not difficult to use, and you can use it to stay in control with
your dog for the whole of the day. This command can be used to keep you dog
away from trouble, if you want to take care of your dog or just want the dog to
calm down when visitors arrive.
If you train your dog with treats from an early age
on, it might become a problem later on as they will struggle trying to learn
new commands without getting treats. You should stop giving them treats
immediately if this is the case. Also do not let that look in their eyes make
you feel guilty - rather learn to praise him when he does something wrong.
Giving treats can however by good in training by being a first step for
dogs that are shy or full of fear. But as soon as they are making progress, you
should stop giving them treats. For a start you can give them a treat every few
times they get something right, and then phase it out completely. Then make
sure you keep on praising your dog in an excited manner. Regardless from
whether your dog is being learned the "sit" command for the first time; it
should be done without having to use force.
Getting your dog in the
correct position is done by slowly applying
pressure while at the same time pushing the hind of your dog in a
downward position. Applying force will make resistance. If you are finding it
hard to get your dog into the "sit" position, he will also find it difficult to
remain standing. In the end you want to show your dog what you want him to do,
and eventually he will comply with that.
It is best if you try to teach
this command to your dog while they are on their leash. Make sure that the lead
is tight, and that it is not loose. At the same time of giving the "sit"
command, you should also give the signal with your left hand. This sign should
be started with your palm forward while your left arm hangs at your side. After
this, you should bend your elbow and bring your hand back up - all in one even
movement. Dogs tend to more easily learn hand signals then voice commands as
the movement will attract their attention.
If your dog
does not take note the first time round, you should not be too worried. He will
eventually see it as you progress with the training process. If you get this
right, your dog will also achieve success eventually. After giving the spoken
and hand signal at the same time bring your hand to your hip. At this stage the
leash should be over your body, and loose. When you see that your dog is having
difficulty breathing or that his head is moved up you should give some slack.
While the lead is over your hip, you will have to reach downward and
place your forefinger and thumb in front of the hipbones with your left hand.
This will mean you forming a "U" shape by using your fingers. After the "U" has
been formed, you should press your fingers to the inside as you move your dog
down, and then to the back. After performing the movement your dog should move
over in the "sit" position. By pushing your dog too hard he will probably
resist what you are trying to do. Try giving the same sort of pressure that you
would like on you, and this will probably be successful.
After your dog
took in the "sit" position, you can stop applying pressure on him. Now you can
convey praise to him by speaking in a warm voice, and maybe even stroking his
chest. If the dog stands up immediately, you should not be worried as he does
not know the "stay" command yet. If he jumps up immediately, you can just place
him in the right position again - and then give him the necessary praise. It is
important that you don't reprimand him now as it takes time to learn a new
command.
Enthusiasm is very important when you want to teach your dog
something new that you are enthusiastic about it. Dogs want you to guide them
when they should learn something new. If you show more enthusiasm toward
something, they will probably be more happy and excited. Your dog will think
what you are trying to teach him is fun if you look excited. Of you come across
as bored, you won't be able to keep the attention of your dog. Make sure that
you set a positive environment for your dog to learn.
Common Sit Command Problems
Dog turns and mouths.
Make
sure that your leash is in a tight position at the side of your right hip. By
doing this, your dog will be prevented from making a turn and mouth. Make sure
that you are applying even pressure,
and being very gentle. If your dog shows a lack in comfort, you might want to
check with your vet that there is not a physical difficulty. A condition like
hip dysplasia is one of the things that can cause your dog discomfort in this
situation.
Dog resists placement.
It is
quite common for a dog to freeze if they're confused, and this may lead owners
to think that their dogs are being stubborn. By being more vigorous and angry
in a situation like this will only make the situation worse. Be sure to relax
if your dog freezes - just continue by applying smooth pressure. It is advised
that you move the hips of the dog from side to side while praising your dog in
a calm voice as well as applying some mild pressure. If the dog is relaxed,
eventually he will allow you to place him in the correct position. Keep on
praising your dog for the whole time they take to move into the "sit" position.
Eventually they will respond quicker as they learn to relax.
Dog lies down.
If your dog is good-humored and
obedient they might fall down on the ground and roll over to play when you try
to put them into the "sit" position. In such an event, make sure that the leash
is in the correct position as it will them make it more difficult for your dog
to misbehave. A good idea is to start scratching the chest of your dog as this
will automatically help many dogs to resume the "sit" position. If your dog continues
to fall down and roll over - do not give him the attention he craves. This will
only lead to your dog being more disobedient. Make sure that you praise the dog
enough after performing the "sit" position, and also make sure that you stop
them immediately if he collapses. He will eventually get the message. If he
still has problems with the "sit" position, you may want to use food or some
other form of reward.
Heel Command
Different from the "sit" and "down" commands which should be
being used on your dog several times during the day already, walking to your
left side is a bit trickier and more difficult. In most cases your dog will not
see the point of it. Most people teach their dog this command by repeatedly
pulling back on their leash while repeating the command. In the end this
doesn't make lots of sense to the dog as they are probably wondering why you
are pulling them back all the time. Most dogs will probably pull more to get
away from the pressure that is being applied, and they may even be chocked by
this.
The best way to teach your dog this command is to guarantee that
they know why it is they are doing it and why they should be walking with a
slack leash. A step in the right direction is to hold the lead correctly. Make
sure that you put the thumb of your right hand through the lead, and then make
sure that your hand is closed around the loop. Then rest your hand at the area
of your belly button - relax your hand in this position.
The job of
your right hand is to hold the lead, and hold the lead only; it should not be
used for doing anything else and should not be pulled in all directions. The
active hand in this case will be your left hand. You will make use of your left
hand to direct your dog in many different ways.
If you use the leash to
signal to your dog that you are making changes in pace and direction such as
sidesteps and turns to begin with, they will learn to look where you are moving
next and pay more attention to you presence and thus begin to learn the reason
for walking by your side. If he stops watching you, make sure you quickly
tighten the lead to make him aware of your presence again. After he has been
made aware, make sure to give your dog plenty of praise in the form of cuddles
and treats. In the end the goal is for your dog to walk comfortably on your
left side with his head being the same height as that of your knee. The lead
should also be loose, and the dog should follow you without any
trouble.
It is important to know that words contain no magic when
teaching your dog new commands; dogs do not understand specific languages.
Words will not matter - you should only make sure that you are completely clear
on what you want them to do. Make sure that you are certain about what you want
form your dog, and express this clearly to them, following it with a reward if
necessary. You can even teach your dog to sit down by using the word "car" and
not "sit". Use whatever words works for you and your
dog.
Heel Command Problems
Dog pulls ahead.
In achieving success with the
"Let's Go" command, you should now know that timing is very important.
Correcting your dog should be done exactly at the same time as your dog starts
to misbehave by moving in front of your knee or leg. After doing this, your dog
will find it difficult to understand what the right position is for him to
take. This can be quite tough in doing as many dogs move forward so fast that
it might be even more difficult in getting the timing right. Here it might be a
good idea to issue the "Let's go" command; make a 180 degree
turn and then move forward.
All the turns that you can do are good for
your dog, especially the left about turn seeing that they can be done while
your dog is moving forward. You might trip over your dog if his shoulder is at
the same level as your knee.
Dog lags behind.
If your dog trails
behind you it is important that you do not correct him as this will cause them
to lag even more. There are many reasons causing a dog to lag. It might be a
problem with your leash being to long and hitting him in the face all the time,
or your corrections might be too harsh - causing the dog to be frightened.
Another reason might be your dog struggling to keep up with your pace, or he
might be a bit unsure about what you want from him.
Try to ensure that
the leash and the collar is the right length and size, and also that the dog is
not being injured in this process. A choke collar should not have more than two
to three inches of space when it is tightened to its max. If the dog is not
comfortable with this type of collar you might have to consider a collar that
can't tighten around the neck of the dog. Many dogs will get scared of these
collars, and eventually they will not want to walk at all.
If the dog
is comfortable with this and if you know that he can keep up with your pace,
you can then up your pace. When you slow down if your dog slows down, he will
take advantage of this. It is important that you take the lead here; otherwise
your dog will dominate. If you come across as being hesitant, your dog will not
take your lead. Give your dog enough praise while you move along.
If you
move the lead across your legs and put your right hand in a steady position on
your right and keep it there your leg will pull the dog up and release it again
in a steady rhythm that your dog will react positively towards. If he maintains
this pace, you should give him enough praise - and eventually sit down with him
and praise him even more. As you continue this, tour dog will soon be walking
alongside you at whichever pace you want him to.
Dog stops.
If
your dog decides to stop, you should just keep going and not stop with him. Do
not look at your dog or say anything about it - just keep walking. If you dog
then starts to walk again, sit down and ask him to stand and then give him some
more praise. You should not go toward the dog, as he will see this as
enforcement for him to stop walking. A dog in this situation will probably jump
up and down a bit - see that you are not giving him any attention and then
eventually will stand up and start walking again.
If you get them to
get up after they have stopped, you will just make your own task a lot harder.
You can always put a collar with a buckle on your dog, tie it to your leash and
then get them to follow you while walking through the house. The floor has a
good surface which will be nice for his feet, and you won't be covering long
distances. He will in the end see that it is better to follow you than to
oppose.
Dog jumps up.
If your dog jumps up, you should take a
step to the side and then make sure that you correct your dog. This is the best
method to follow if your dog jumps up while he is on the lead - this will give
you the best results. You may need to do this a few times before it will sink
in.
Dog puts foot over lead.
This usually takes a smart dog to
do this, but also a way to show its owners that he can stop them. Do not stop
and disentangle him, as he will keep on doing this. Just keep on walking as he
will then hop after you and then untangle his paw on his own. Do not give him
any praise for doing this. Just unhook his foot, and keep going. Eventually
your dog will come to see that this is not the right way of doing things.
Dog cuts in front of owner.
Make sure that you do enough turns
before your dog tries to cut in front of you - this will teach him to stay
behind you. Always walk through him if he is blocking your way - if you move
around him, he will keep on doing this. He your dog does this the next time -
place your left hand on the leash halfway down and move it to the left quickly
in a snappy movement. If you have a very large dog or if he is standing
completely in front of you - take a turn to your right hand side. If you do
this, the dog will be put automatically to your left which is the right
position.
Dog cuts in back of owner.
There are two methods that
you can follow to stop this behaviour. With the first method you should simply
keep walking while at the same time pulling the lead to your right hand side.
Eventually your dog will return to the right place. The second method is to
stretch to your back with your left hand and correct him to your left while you
keep moving. Similar to all the other corrections, timing is also very
important here. If you correct the dog as he is trying to cut in front of you,
it will be a lot easier.
Lunge Problems
The first step in
this process is to learn your dog to watch you carefully.
In the beginning most of the dogs are so excited that they pull you all over
the place. If your dog displays behavior like this it is advised that
you start doing lunge work. Lunge work means that you become unpredictable, and
that you will not just follow your dog all over. It is not needed of your dog
to keep an eye on you, but if he does not watch you - he will see that you are
going in a different direction. With this method, you will have to keep both of
your hands on the leash for the longest period of time. You should hold the
circle over the thumb of your right hand, and put your fist around the rest of
the round part. Then you should take your left hand and clutch the leash
halfway down in order for it to be tight between your left hand and the dog and
more relaxed between your right and left hand - while you are in this spot, say
"Let's go" in a firm manner and start walking with your left foot first.
It is assumed that your dog will try and pull ahead, but as the leash
becomes tighter, relax your left hand and put it over your right hand while you
are holding onto your stomach. While you are doing this, move 180 degrees to your right and start moving in the
opposite direction with purpose. You should not look back while you are doing
this, and while you are doing this, the leash will become tighter and force
your dog in the correct direction. If he follows you, give him enough praise
and support him to move to the side of you. After he has assumed the correct
position, move your left hand to the middle section of the lead and carry on as
normal. If you keep praising the dog, he will find you and this whole exercise
more interesting. This should probably be done more than four times in order
for your dog to realise what you are trying to teach
him
Teaching Your Dog To Halt
To get your dog to come to a halt and sit calmly on
the left of you will take lots of practice and particular methods. If you want
to apply the halt procedure, you will
have to follow four different steps.
1. You should take the leash, and
move it halfway in the direction of your dog.
2. Then take the leash
from your left hand by reaching crossways, and over your body, in order to
accomplish this.
3. Then bring the leash to the region of your right
hip, similar as to when you will sit.
4. Then take your last step as
you bring your right hand into the correct position by putting your right foot
in front of the dog and your left foot next to it. When your left foot is in
the correct place you should give the "sit" command together with the hand
signal for it.
Your dog should also do his part by placing his head at
the same level as your left knee while adhering to the "sit' command. If they
get this right, make sure that you give them enough praise. Seeing that this is
something new learned by your dog, you should give praise, even if they don't
do it flawlessly. There is always the chance that you didn't do it without
error. You can always place your dog in the correct position with your hand if
they didn't listen to the "sit" command.
There are several mistakes to
be made such as pulling the leash too tight which can lead to your dog sitting
in a twisted manner. If you give the command while you are walking, it will be
more difficult to act upon by your dog. When giving the command after you have
halted completely, your dog might have enough time to get preoccupied. It is
best to give the command as soon as you start to walk - the leash being at your
hip and when you give the hand signal.
To apply this method, you will
need enough practice - and you will have to start by working on one section at
time in order to achieve success. It might be a good idea to first start it
without your dog. At first it may feel somewhat odd, but it will help you to
get the movements right before teaching your dog. When you feel comfortable
with these steps, you can start doing them with the leash. And then you can
start doing them with your dog.
Fetch Command
The fetch game is probably the most popular and most used dog
activity for rewarding your dog and giving him exercise
at the same time. Giving your dog regular exercise is essential in keeping your dog fit.
Playing the fetch game with your dog is very easy and takes as much
effort as you want to put into it. Simply take some form of ball, Frisbee, or
stick and get your dogs attention with it, as soon as your dog has their eyes
on the swinging stick, throw it as far as possible and command your dog to
fetch the stick and pointing in the direction you threw it in with some
enthusiasm to make it seem fun for your dog.
Dogs love this game and are
happy to play it all day long with you, some dogs like the game more than
others due to breed tendencies to please the owners. There are many different
products available to help you with this command if you suffer from a bad back
or similar and are incapable of bending down or throwing, this product is a
long stick that cups the ball and makes it easier to throw and pick up the
ball.
This activity can be an energetic exercise
for both you and your dog if you want it to be. Running around after your dog
and throwing for your dog to fetch is a way used by many to keep fit and not
just their dogs. A helpful two in one exercise to keep both parties healthy can't be a bad
choice!
A Simple Dog Trick
There are plenty of dog tricks around to choose from but
starting off with your first puppy or dog and knowing which dog tricks are easy
can be a bit of a challenge. If you have a puppy then training them will be a
lot easier than an older dog because of the habits dogs fall into when they are
brought up.
Older dogs will have different habits and a strong
personality by then so they may find some advanced tricks easier
than others.
Although the same as above can be true for puppies also,
this is more likely to be because of the breed of dog you have and the
different general personalities that go with them breeds.
This is
similar to other commands you will have taught your dog and involves you using
treats to encourage your dog to perform actions. To do this trick you simply
have hold a treat in one hand and guide your dog through one side of your legs,
through the middle then around to complete a figure of eight motion. Try to
hold the treat close to your dog's nose to keep them interested and always
reward them with praise afterwards and the treat afterwards.
After you
have mastered this and can get your dog to do it on command you're ready for
your next trick and one step
closer to the skateboard. Good luck!
The fetch game is probably the most popular and most used dog
activity for rewarding your dog and giving him exercise
at the same time. Giving your dog regular exercise is essential in keeping your dog fit.
Playing the fetch game with your dog is very easy and takes as much
effort as you want to put into it. Simply take some form of ball, Frisbee, or
stick and get your dogs attention with it, as soon as your dog has their eyes
on the swinging stick, throw it as far as possible and command your dog to
fetch the stick and pointing in the direction you threw it in with some
enthusiasm to make it seem fun for your dog.
Dogs love this game and are
happy to play it all day long with you, some dogs like the game more than
others due to breed tendencies to please the owners. There are many different
products available to help you with this command if you suffer from a bad back
or similar and are incapable of bending down or throwing, this product is a
long stick that cups the ball and makes it easier to throw and pick up the
ball.
This activity can be an energetic exercise
for both you and your dog if you want it to be. Running around after your dog
and throwing for your dog to fetch is a way used by many to keep fit and not
just their dogs. A helpful two in one exercise to keep both parties healthy can't be a bad
choice!
A Simple Dog Trick
There are plenty of dog tricks around to choose from but
starting off with your first puppy or dog and knowing which dog tricks are easy
can be a bit of a challenge. If you have a puppy then training them will be a
lot easier than an older dog because of the habits dogs fall into when they are
brought up.
Older dogs will have different habits and a strong
personality by then so they may find some advanced tricks easier
than others.
Although the same as above can be true for puppies also,
this is more likely to be because of the breed of dog you have and the
different general personalities that go with them breeds.
This is
similar to other commands you will have taught your dog and involves you using
treats to encourage your dog to perform actions. To do this trick you simply
have hold a treat in one hand and guide your dog through one side of your legs,
through the middle then around to complete a figure of eight motion. Try to
hold the treat close to your dog's nose to keep them interested and always
reward them with praise afterwards and the treat afterwards.
After you
have mastered this and can get your dog to do it on command you're ready for
your next trick and one step
closer to the skateboard. Good luck!