While training your dog needs to be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you, teaching him to sit and stay is critical both for his well being and for his safety. When he has successfully mastered these two commands, you are well on your way to instructing him into more complex areas
If your best pal is one that easily becomes hysterical with delight and is difficult to control, you will want to teach him to sit using the Gentle Manipulation method. Simply elevate your dogthis defines your dog's place and also prevents stress on your back. Make sure that you have a leash attached to your dog's collar.
Keep in mind that praise and petting your dog are the keys to making this work. Place one hand gently on his back near the base of his tail and say "Sit". As soon as this is accomplished, use the word "Stay". Let him know that you appreciate his cooperation. Continue this method until he begins to sit without manipulation from your hand. Eventually, he will begin to sit just before you touch him as you say the word "Sit". He now knows his cue.
Most dogs respond well to the Sit training using the Treat Method. Again, place your dog in an elevated area and hold a treat approximately 3 to 4 inches over his head, moving it towards his tail. Naturally, he now has to sit in order to watch the treat. As he does so, say "Sit". Eventually, you can fade out the treat but still say the word "Sit". He now recognizes his cue, and together you have accomplished the first command.
Teaching your dog to stay can be a bit tricky unless you understand your dog's point of view. Here's what happens. Your dog wants to be near you. If you consistently reward your dog for coming to you after you are happy with him Sitting and Staying, why should he wish to Stay? Be sure that you reward him in the exact place he's Staying. Instead of allowing him to come to you, walk to him and reward him for Staying where he is.
Training your dog should be fun. Keep the training sessions short, only 2 to 4 minutes each. Otherwise, he may become bored or restless. And make sure you have an absolute goal in mind prior to the training session. And whatever else you do, end each session on a positive note. Make sure your little guy is a happy one.
If your best pal is one that easily becomes hysterical with delight and is difficult to control, you will want to teach him to sit using the Gentle Manipulation method. Simply elevate your dogthis defines your dog's place and also prevents stress on your back. Make sure that you have a leash attached to your dog's collar.
Keep in mind that praise and petting your dog are the keys to making this work. Place one hand gently on his back near the base of his tail and say "Sit". As soon as this is accomplished, use the word "Stay". Let him know that you appreciate his cooperation. Continue this method until he begins to sit without manipulation from your hand. Eventually, he will begin to sit just before you touch him as you say the word "Sit". He now knows his cue.
Most dogs respond well to the Sit training using the Treat Method. Again, place your dog in an elevated area and hold a treat approximately 3 to 4 inches over his head, moving it towards his tail. Naturally, he now has to sit in order to watch the treat. As he does so, say "Sit". Eventually, you can fade out the treat but still say the word "Sit". He now recognizes his cue, and together you have accomplished the first command.
Teaching your dog to stay can be a bit tricky unless you understand your dog's point of view. Here's what happens. Your dog wants to be near you. If you consistently reward your dog for coming to you after you are happy with him Sitting and Staying, why should he wish to Stay? Be sure that you reward him in the exact place he's Staying. Instead of allowing him to come to you, walk to him and reward him for Staying where he is.
Training your dog should be fun. Keep the training sessions short, only 2 to 4 minutes each. Otherwise, he may become bored or restless. And make sure you have an absolute goal in mind prior to the training session. And whatever else you do, end each session on a positive note. Make sure your little guy is a happy one.
About the Author:
Joel Silverman has worked with killer whales at Sea World and hosted the television program "Good Dog U" on Animal Planet. For dog obedience training videos and additional dog behavior training tips and techniques, check out the CompanionsForLife website.
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