How to Use the Most Effective Dog Training Commands

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Step 1: Understand reward and leash-and-collar training

Know that reward training uses positive reinforcement to teach a dog commands. Leash-and-collar training relies on punishment.

Step 2: Give the dog a reward

Give your dog a reward as soon as they exhibit the desired behavior, if you are using reward training. Choose a treat that the dog finds irresistible. It should be something they can finish quickly and not have to chew.

Step 3: Give short commands

Give commands that are short and easy to recognize. Examples would be sit, stay, down, come, and heel. Use the commands consistently, making sure that everyone who works with the dog uses the same commands.

Tip

Be careful not to reward bad behavior inadvertently, like taking your dog for a walk every time they have an accident in the house. They will associate walks with doing their business inside, and will be discouraged from curbing this behavior.

Step 4: Understand leash-and-collar training

Know that in leash-and-collar training a leash and collar are used to correct the dog if they make a mistake in obeying a command.

Step 5: Recognize the appropriateness of leash-and-collar training

Recognize that leash-and-collar training is best used in situations where you need a great deal of reliability and the dog is highly motivated not to obey. An example would be teaching obedience to a police dog that has been trained to attack.

Step 6: Observe dog-training classes

Consider observing different styles of dog-training classes if you are not sure which training method is best suited for your dog. And before you know it, Fido will be rolling over himself to obey your commands.

Did You Know?

Did you know? Dogs were likely first domesticated around 12,000 years ago.