Other people’s dogs are cute and obedient, sitting when told, while your dog acts like a wild, untamed pup, not following commands? Pet behavior needs guidance from the owner! Learn these five commands, and your dog can undergo a big transformation too!
-
Sit
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and lift your hand, guiding your dog’s head to follow the treat backward. As their body shifts back, their butt will naturally lower, causing them to sit. Once the dog sits, say “Sit” and immediately reward them with the treat and some affection. Repeat this several times each day until your dog masters the command.
-
Come
Put a leash on your dog, squat down to their shoulder level, and say “Come,” gently pulling on the leash. When your dog approaches you, reward them immediately with a treat and affection. Once your dog has mastered this skill, remove the leash and practice in a safe, enclosed area.
-
Down
This is one of the most challenging commands for obedience training. Find a particularly tasty treat and hold it in your palm, tightly clenching your fist. Place your hand near your dog’s nose. As they start sniffing, quickly move your hand to the ground, encouraging your dog’s head to follow the motion. Then, slide your hand along the ground, encouraging your dog’s body to lower along with their head. Once your dog lies down, say “Down” and immediately reward them with the treat and affection. Repeat daily, and if your dog tries to sit up or rush toward your hand, say “No” and withdraw your hand. Never force your dog to lie down—reward them for getting each step right.
-
Stay
Ensure your dog has learned to “Sit” before starting the “Stay” training. Have your dog sit and face them with your palm open toward them. Say “Stay,” then take a few steps back. As long as your dog stays in position, reward them immediately with a treat or affection. Repeat and gradually increase the distance you move away before rewarding them. Even if your dog only stays still for a few seconds, continue rewarding. This is a self-control exercise for your dog and may take time to master, so be patient.
-
Leave It / Don’t Touch
①Start by holding a treat in one hand, making a fist, and showing your dog. Say “Leave it” and let them sniff or lick the fist, ignoring their attempts to get the treat. Once your dog stops trying to get the treat, reward them with a treat from your other hand. Repeat this until your dog ignores the first fist when you say “Leave it.” Once your dog understands, when they ignore the fist and look at you, reward them.②Prepare two types of treats: one that your dog loves (Treat A) and one they like less (Treat B). Hold Treat A in your hand, say “Leave it,” and place Treat B on the floor. Cover it with your hand. When your dog ignores Treat B and looks at you, remove the treat and reward with Treat A and affection. Once your dog understands this, place Treat B on the floor without covering it entirely, but just slightly above it with your hand. Over time, gradually move your hand farther from Treat B, until it’s about 15cm above it. You can now stand up and train your dog in the same way. If they try to get Treat B, use your foot to block it. If your dog resists during the next phase, return to the previous step for more practice.
These five simple commands can help keep your dog safer and improve communication between you and your pup. Remember, these training processes take time and require the owner to be calm, emotionally stable, and patient before starting obedience training with your dog.
