Getting a new puppy or adult dog is always an exciting time for the entire family. There is a good
reason why dogs are known as man’s best friend, and a loyal dog is more than just a pet as they
becoming a beloved member of the family.
In order to achieve that level of love and companionship, however, it is important to start you
need puppy or adult dog off on the right foot. A solid grounding in obedience and problem
behavior avoidance is essential to making your dog, and you, happier and healthier.
“How does your dog sit when you tell him to and mine doesn’t?", “How can your dog heel to
you like that?", “Wow! He comes when you tell him to” - Sounds familiar? If it does, you need to
invest some time into a little bit of basic dog training. Starting to train your dog from a young
age is crucial as the first few months of his life is when you will have the greatest influence on
him; this is where he is shaped into the dog he is going to be when he is all grown up.
The most basic of dog training is to get your dog to sit and come. Teaching him those commands
are essential for him to learn. These commands are used for various different reasons, if you are
in competition, if your dog jumps making him sit will immediately get him off and "come" is the
all-important one. If you take your dog for a walk, you let him of the leash and you expect him
to come back to you, not run around the park with you chasing after him shouting at him to “get
here right this instance”. That would be just downright embarrassing!
To teach your dog how to come requires only the most basic of techniques but a lot of
repetition. The simplest way to get him to come is have a toy in one hand and a treat in the
other, when you are in the house simply walk away from him, hold out the toy and excitingly call
him to you, when he comes over give him a treat, always use the command for come that you
are going to use in the future. Doing this several times a day is a great way to teach him, but
remember to have lots of long breaks so he doesn’t get bored and stop enjoying it, and don’t
forget the treats!
Getting him to sit could be slightly harder but again only requires basic dog training. When you
have mastered the come command call him to you, place your hand on the end of his back and
say "sit" while gently pushing down on his backside, when he sits his bottom down give him a
treat and a lot of praise. If you want him to sit longer just delay giving him the treat and the
praise, get him to sit but take your time bending down to him and feeding him his titbit.
Basic dog training is simple and very effective. It should also be fun for you and your dog, it
doesn’t have to be hours and hours each day just may be 5 minutes or so. Don’t forget to
reward your dog and yourself for all the “hard” work though!!
Let’s start with a look at getting started on basic puppy training, from bringing the new addition
home to making sure he is properly socialized and behaved.
