Do it Yourself Dog Training

In 2009 - 2010, there were 77.5 million owned dogs in the United States, according to the Humane Society of the United States. As the numbers show, dogs are extremely popular pets. But before becoming the wonderful pets that they can be, dogs must first be trained. Some people choose to have a professional train their dogs; however, many other people choose to train their dogs by themselves. Most experts recommend positive reinforcement for dog training, or rewarding a dog with a treat or praise after a job well done. The most common commands are sit, stay, down, and come.

Things You'll Need

  • Time
  • Patience
  • Dog Treats
  • 6 or 8 foot leash (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit is often the first command a dog learns. Take a treat and hold it over "Spot's" head so he has to look up to see it. This helps get him into a sitting position. Tell him "sit," place your hand on his rump, and gently press down until he sits. Once he sits and before he stands up, reward with the treat and praise. Repeat this process in different locations, eventually saying only the command with no contact.

    • 2

      If you choose to teach your dog to stay inside or in an enclosed area, a leash is not necessary. If you choose to teach your dog to stay outdoors in an open area, a leash should be used to make sure your dog will not run away or escape. Once you are satisfied that your dog will not run, it is ok to let it off the leash. To teach the stay command, the dog must first be sitting. After Spot sits, reward him. As he stays in the sit position, hold your hand up, palm facing the dog with fingers extended. Say "stay" and step back three feet, or, if you are using a leash, to the middle of the leash. Once you have stepped away, release the dog from stay by calling him over or tugging on the leash. If he has stayed, reward him with a treat and praise once he reaches you. If he did not stay, repeat the process until he obeys. Gradually increase the distance between yourself and the dog to continue the exercise.

    • 3

      Lie down is easy to teach after sit. Once Spot sits, reward him. Show your dog another treat, then lower it to the ground in front of him while saying "down." Once he has laid down and stayed down for several seconds, reward him with the treat. Continue the process until you do not need to use the treat for the dog to lay down.

      Don't make the mistake of telling a dog who is jumping up on you (or your bed) to get "down." For this, use "off," so as not to confuse him.

    • 4

      It is important to teach "come" without any negative associations. Otherwise, your dog will not be inclined to come when you call him. It is best taught by standing on the opposite side of the room from your dog. Call him by using his name followed by "come": "Spot, come." As soon as he reaches you, reward him. Continue this practice over different distances to ensure he will come when you call him.