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7 Powerful Commands That Will Turn Your Dog into a Perfect Companion

March 4, 2023

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As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your furry friend is well-behaved and obedient. Proper training is the key to achieving this goal. There are several commands that your dog should know to ensure they are well-trained and well-behaved. In this article, we will discuss the 7 essential commands that every dog owner should teach their dog.

The absolute must-have commands for your dog are Sit, Stay, Come, Down, Heel, Leave it, and Drop it. These commands will make it easier to live with your dog as well as keep them safe and happy. In this article, we will discuss these essential commands so continue reading!

The Importance of Dog Training

Training your dog is essential for a happy and healthy relationship between you and your furry friend. A well-trained dog is more enjoyable to be around, and you will have more control over their behavior. Additionally, proper training can help prevent behavioral issues such as aggression and anxiety.

Basic Commands

Sit

“Sit” is one of the most basic commands that your dog should know. It is a great command to start with as it is easy to teach and can be used in many situations. To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it upwards. This will cause their head to go up and their bottom to go down. As soon as their bottom hits the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat.

Stay

“Stay” is another basic command that is essential for your dog’s safety. To teach your dog to stay, have them sit in front of you and hold your hand up, palm facing outwards. Say “stay” and take a step back. If your dog stays in place, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

Come

“Come” is a command that can be used to call your dog to you from a distance. To teach your dog to come, start by saying “come” in a happy and enthusiastic tone while walking away from your dog. When your dog catches up to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

Down

“Down” is a command that teaches your dog to lie down on the ground. To teach your dog to down, have them sit in front of you and hold a treat in front of their nose. Slowly lower the treat to the ground, and as soon as their body hits the ground, say “down” and give them the treat.

Heel

“Heel” is a command that teaches your dog to walk beside you without pulling on the leash. To teach your dog to heel, start by holding a treat in your hand and hold your hand at your side. Start walking, and as your dog starts to walk beside you, say “heel” and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your dog is walking beside you without pulling on the leash.

Advanced Commands

Drop It

“Drop It” is a command that teaches your dog to release something from their mouth. To teach your dog to drop it, start by playing with a toy with your dog. When your dog has the toy in their mouth, say “drop it” and hold a treat in front of their nose. When your dog drops the toy to get the treat, reward them with the treat and lots of praise.

Leave It

“Leave It” is a command that teaches your dog to ignore something they are interested in, such as food or a toy. To teach your dog to leave it, start by holding a treat in your hand and showing it to your dog. When your dog tries to grab the treat, say “leave it” and cover the treat with your hand. When your dog stops trying to get the treat, reward them with a different treat and lots of praise.

Five Tips for Training Your Dog

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your dog. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they do something correctly, rather than punishing them for doing something wrong.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is essential when training your dog. Use the same commands and rewards every time you train your dog, and make sure everyone in your household uses the same commands and rewards.

Start Training Early

Start training your dog as early as possible. The younger your dog is when you start training, the easier it will be to teach them new commands.

Make Training Fun

Make training fun for your dog by using treats and toys as rewards. Keep training sessions short and fun to keep your dog engaged and interested.

Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

Keep training sessions short and sweet to prevent your dog from getting bored or frustrated. 10-15 minute sessions are ideal for most dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should I start training my dog?

It is recommended to start training your dog as early as 8-12 weeks old.

How long does it take to train a dog?

Training time varies based on the dog’s breed, age, and personality. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key factors in training success.

Can I train my dog myself?

Yes, you can train your dog yourself using positive reinforcement and consistency. However, it is recommended to seek professional help for more advanced training.

How often should I train my dog?

Short, frequent training sessions (10-15 minutes) a few times a day are ideal for most dogs.

What if my dog doesn’t respond to training?

If your dog is not responding to training, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist.

Conclusion

Training your dog is essential for a happy and healthy relationship between you and your furry friend. The 7 commands discussed in this article are essential for every dog owner to teach their dog. Remember to use positive reinforcement, be consistent, and make training fun for your dog.