Things You'll Need
- Leash
- Enclosed training area
- Food rewards
Instructions
Find a small, quiet, enclosed area to start. The idea behind this is to make sure that there are few distractions when you start training. You want your dog's attention to be on you at all times during training sessions. Having the area fenced in helps when the training progresses to the off-leash stage.
Choose a command and stick to it until it is mastered. Whether you start with "sit" or "come" or any other command, stick with it until the dog performs properly every time the command is issued. For this article, the command "sit" will be demonstrated.
Attach the leash to your dog's collar. This is to ensure that you have her attention.
Issue the command to "sit." As you issue the command, simultaneously pull up on the leash and push down gently but firmly on her rump. When the dog completes the sit, praise her and give her a food treat. Then allow her to get up.
Repeat the process. The command to sit and the placement of the dog into position should repeat for up to 10 minutes and then allow the dog to take a well-deserved break. This keeps her from getting bored. She should have no more than three 10-minute training sessions daily.
Begin another command. After she masters "sit," you can move on to "stay" and "come." Follow the outline above by issuing the command and placing the dog into the correct position or eliciting the correct response and rewarding. Never punish the dog for an incorrect reaction.