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Teaching your dog is one of the best parts of having a pet. A well-trained dog makes life simpler and more fun for both you and your pet, and it also helps you create a stronger connection with each other. Basic obedience training is the starting point for all other types of dog training. It shows your dog important commands that help them be a good and respectful pet. These commands are important for staying safe, talking to others, and getting along with people and animals.
In this article, we will look at the basic commands that every dog should learn, how to teach them, and why they matter. We will talk about some helpful tips for training your dog and how getting lamb liver subscription can be a great way to encourage your dog during training.
The Importance of Training Dogs to Listen
Before getting into the specific commands, it’s important to know why obedience training is essential. A well-behaved dog is safer in different places. Dogs that know and obey simple commands are less likely to get into risky situations, such as running into the street or bothering strangers. Also, training your dog to obey helps you and your dog understand each other better, making it simpler to handle different situations.
Training your dog isn’t just about teaching them commands; it’s also about giving them rules and mental challenges. Dogs do best with a regular routine and consistent rules. Obedience training helps them know what you want them to do.
Now, let’s look at the important commands that every dog should learn.
Sit
The “sit” command is one of the most basic commands you can teach your dog. It’s usually the first command learned in basic training classes because it’s easy and helps you gain control of your dog. Teaching your dog to sit is helpful in many ways, like when people come over, on walks, or when you want your dog to stay calm.
How to Teach Your Dog to Sit:
- Show your dog a treat by holding it in your hand.
- Hold the treat above their head and move it slowly so that their back end goes down to the ground.
- As soon as they sit down on the floor, say “sit” and give them a treat.
- Do this over and over until your dog connects the word “sit” with sitting down.
Stay
The “stay” command is very important to keep your dog in one spot and under control. It helps in situations where you want them to stay calm and not move around. This command can be very helpful when you’re busy or when your dog needs to stay put while you do something.
How to Teach Your Dog to Stay:
- Start with your dog sitting down.
- Extend your hand in front of them and say “stay. “
- Step back a little while looking at your dog and making sure you have its attention.
- If your dog stays where they are, go back to them, say “good stay,” and give them a treat.
- Slowly make the distance longer and stay for more time.
Come
The “come” command is very important for keeping your dog safe. If your dog runs away or is in a risky place, you should be able to call them back to you fast. This command helps your dog remember to come back to you when you call them.
How to Teach Your Dog to Come:
- Begin by calling your dog’s name and saying “come” in a cheerful and excited voice.
- Use a snack to get your dog to come to you.
- When your dog comes to you, say nice things and give them a treat.
- Do the same thing again, making the distance longer and adding distractions as you go.
Down
The “down” command shows your dog how to lie down on the floor. This is useful when you want your dog to be calm and stay still, like when you go to the vet, during meal times, or when you want them to stay in one spot.
How to Teach “Down”:
- Begin by getting your dog to sit down.
- Hold a treat in your hand and slowly lower it to the ground between your dog’s front feet.
- When your dog goes after the treat and crouches down, say “down. “
- When your dog lies down, give them a treat and say nice things to them.
- Keep doing it until your dog connects the word “down” with the action.
Leave It
The “leave it” command is important for stopping your dog from picking up and chewing things that could be dangerous or not good for them. If your dog is about to eat something bad or is chewing on your furniture, this command is very important to keep things safe.
How to Teach Your Dog “Leave It”:
- Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog see it, but don’t give it to them.
- Say “leave it” and hold your hand around the treat when your dog tries to grab it.
- Wait until your dog stops reaching for the treat and looks away.
- Open your hand, say good job, and give them a different treat.
- Do the same thing again, but make it a little harder by putting the treat on the floor.
Heel
The “heel” command is important for walking your dog on a leash. It helps your dog learn to walk quietly next to you without pulling on the leash. This command makes your walks more fun and helps your dog not bother you or anyone else.
How to Teach Your Dog to Walk by Your Side:
- First, put the leash on your dog’s collar or harness.
- Keep a snack in your hand and let your dog walk next to you.
- When your dog starts to pull, stop walking and say “heel. “
- Softly bring your dog back to you and give them a treat when they walk quietly next to you.
- Keep practicing until your dog learns that “heel” means to walk quietly next to you.
Wait
The “wait” command is a lot like the “stay” command, but it’s used for more specific times when you want your dog to pause before moving on. For example, you can say “wait” when you open a door or get into the car so your dog doesn’t run ahead or get into trouble.
How to Teach “Wait”:
- Tell your dog to “sit. “
- Put your hand out and say “wait” as you walk towards the door or the car.
- Give your dog a treat for staying still.
- Slowly introduce distractions so your dog can learn what waiting means.
Wrap Up
Basic obedience training is important for raising a good and happy dog. The commands mentioned here—“sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” “leave it,” “heel,” “wait,” and “no jumping”—are the basic skills your dog needs to learn. They create a strong base for teaching more advanced tricks later on. Regular training, along with rewards like a lamb liver subscription, will help your dog learn these commands and create a strong, friendly bond with you. When you spend time and work on training your dog, you’ll have a pet that listens well, feels safer and happier, and is closer to you.
