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Teach 10 Basic Commands

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The frequency of training sessions

A training session should not exceed 15 minutes. In order to maintain your dog's interest, begin with an easy exercise, and reward him every time. When the dog demonstrates that he understands what you want from him, then you should progressively reduce the rewards: 1 treat per 3 good actions, then 1 per 4, 1 per 5, and so on. Proceed in the following manner, keeping in mind the dog's age, and the fact that a puppy's attention span is shorter than a mature dog's . Continue moving on to a new command, always keeping the previous training exercise in mind. Moving on to another exercise implies that the dog has mastered the previous one. It is important to reinforce the already-integrated exercises by dedicating 30% of each session to the exercises already mastered, and the remaining 70% to new exercises. Normally, a dog should understand and master basic commands in very little time. After all, respecting position within the family hierarchy is a way of life.
Dog training phases

Primary training phase: the dog begins his education

Use this process if the dog is beginning training, that is, he is still in a learning phase, and he has not shown that he understands and masters basic commands.

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  • Using the appropriate hand gesture, giving a command. Show your dog what you want him to do by moving the lure towards the target position.
  • Use the sound signal at the precise moment your responds correctly, and top it off with a treat. As the dog is in the midst of the learning process, each correct action must be rewarded.
  • If the dog does not execute a command, ignore him for approximately 15 seconds. Repeat the command and encourage him, without exaggeration, to keep on trying.
At the beginning, it is perfectly normal that a dog has difficulty in interpreting commands. At this stage it is important that you remain patient and do not use the short or the long spray. If you practice the following exercises every day, progress will quickly follows.

Obedience training: the dog understands the commands

The following procedure aims to redirect a distracted dog's attention to your commands. Use the steps enumerated below only if the dog has a clear understanding of the command.

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  • Give a command, showing the appropriate hand gesture. Don't show him the treat before the command is executed.
  • When the dog executes the anticipated action, give him the 'BEEP & TREAT' reinforcement combination.
  • Free the dog from the command by saying "O.K.", or by giving him another command.
  • If the dog doesn't respond to the given command or if he doesn't execute it within 5 seconds, give him the verbal warning "HEY!" without the spray, and repeat the command.
  • If the dog has responded to the command, give him a "BEEP & TREAT".
  • If the dog still refuses to comply to a specific command, give him the "HEY!" + SHORT SPRAY and repeat the command.
  • If the dog responds properly, give him the combined "BEEP & TREAT".
  • If he resists, use the "HEY!" and return to stage 1.
How to begin obedience training

The puppy's education can begin at the age of sixteen weeks. It is very important to follow a progressive procedure. Here is what to do to get the best results :

The idea is to create a clear link between the sound signal (the "beep") and the reward. Show him what "BEEP & TREAT" means by activating the sound and giving him some food. This basic exercise is rehearsed for 2 to 5 minutes, twice a day, during the first days of the education program of your dog. Be particularly vigilant for timing - food must be given quickly, either during the sound, or immediately afterward, no later. Check your dog's behavior in order to determine if the association has been well integrated. Press the sound button when he doesn't expect it. If the dog responds to the sound reinforcement by standing up to get some food, he has assimilated the sequence; if not, he has not reached the objective. Remember, good education means good behavior.
“SIT”
  • Give the verbal command "[DOG'S NAME]" + "SIT", while raising your right hand and bending your elbow, palm turned upwards. Bring the lure to your dog's snout . Gently bring it upward towards the back of the dog's head. The dog will follow the treat with his gaze and will automatically sit. Do not raise your hand too high, as the dog could jump for the treat.
  • Use the combined "BEEP & TREAT" at the precise moment your dog's rear end touches the ground.
  • If your dog backs up, take your free hand and place it behind him to prevent him from going backwards. You can also show the lure to incite him or you can take a step back if your dog is laying down.
“DOWN”
  • Give the dog the command "[DOG'S NAME]" + "DOWN": Bend your elbow and turn your arm, while keeping your elbow bent. Rapidly unbend your elbow and lower your hand, keeping your palm downwards, between the dog's legs. He will have to crouch to reach the lure. Patiently, move the lure away from the dog's legs. Consequently, the dog's backside will go down by itself.
  • Give your dog the combined "BEEP & TREAT" once he lies down.
  • If you are unsuccessful, grab the collar with your other hand, and keep your dog in a seated position. Get his attention by saying his name before slipping your right hand under his forepaws or taking his legs. As you say "DOWN", raise and bring the legs forward so the dog can assume the "DOWN" position.
“STAND”
  • Give the command "[DOG'S NAME]" + "STAND" by doing the following gesture: move the lure upward (as if you were raising your hand to ask a question) towards the dog's snout, As the dog gets up, lower the lure and shake it so that the dog looks at the ground. (If the dog looks up, he will sit once he stands).
  • In order to reinforce the "STAND" position, give your dog the combined "BEEP & TREAT" when he is in standing position.
  • If the dog has trouble getting up when seated, take a quick step backwards while holding the lure at nose level. Another technique involves placing your hand under the dog's stomach to help him stand.
Consolidating exercises

Repeat the commands numerous times. Tell your dog "SIT" + "DOWN" + "STAND", "DOWN", "STAND", etc, until the dog has integrated all these commands without difficulty. Alternate the order of these commands at will.

By bringing your dog to sit on command, you will significantly reduce the number of bad actions, and the dog will respect you all the more. For example, tell your dog to sit when a guest arrives, and he will not jump. The dog will quickly learn how to react to your commands, and he will be happy to comply. This approach is simple and efficient, and saves you a lot of trouble.

Associating the command with the gesture:
Once associated, in the dog's mind, with a command and a lure, your hands become a powerful tool. For example, you must keep your palm upward for the "SIT" command , and downward for "DOWN". The dog will now anticipate your moves and execute each visual command without you saying the words. It will no longer be necessary for you to crouch down to help him execute the command. Once the dog can execute the commands without your help, the food lure becomes optional. From now on, surprise your dog with an occasional treat.

Special treats:
These rewards, unexpected and different, must not be shown to the dog. A "new reward" could be a big bone, or something fabulous he has never seen before. This form of variable reinforcement will result in increased quality of response from your dog. It is important to decide if the dog truly deserves this special reward or not. Any response not executed to perfection, or with lacklustre effort doesn't warrant a special reward.

Practice the commands from a distance:

It is important to gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. Take two steps back, then four, and ten, and so on. It is very important to have control over a dog, no matter how far away you are from him. The Spray Commander is indispensable for teaching your dog to respect your commands from a distance, because voice alone is often not enough to incite the dog to obey you when you cannot reach him.
“COME" (Recall)

A puppy naturally reacts well to recall, but as he becomes self-assured with age, he wants to be independent. When he hears your recall command, give him a small treat when he promptly returns to your side. Owners often make the mistake of showing their dog that it is acceptable not to come back if he is busy sniffing and exploring the environment. The message the dog receives is that the "COME" command does not mean "come back to me", but rather, "why don't you sniff and explore the environment" instead. Therefore, begin using recall in a place where the dog will not be distracted.
  • Call your dog by saying: "[DOG'S NAME]" + "COME".
  • Quickly back up and give him a signal to come towards you, with your hand closed.
  • When the dog comes to you, give him the combined "BEEP & TREAT".
  • If the dog doesn't come to you promptly, walk in the opposite direction and call your dog once more.
Positive association
If the dog is distracted and doesn't respond to your command immediately, do not yield to anger. Avoid negative associations with the "COME" command, such as calling the dog to clip his nails, which he hates. He will then hesitate to obey.

Positive response will result if the dog associates the command with something pleasant. When it's time for a walk, show him the leash as you give him the command. Don't make the mistake of calling your dog back only when you want to leave the park. Rather, we suggest that you call your dog many times without actually going anywhere. Ask him to sit. Put the leash on your dog, wait a few seconds, then remove the leash and let the dog go. Repeat the exercise several times.

If your dog already knows the command but chooses to ignore it :
  • If your dog is distracted, give him the verbal warning "HEY!" with an assertive tone, and give him the "COME" command once more. If that doesn't work, repeat the verbal warning with the SHORT SPRAY.
  • Call him again; if he comes to you, give him the combined "BEEP & TREAT".
Consolidation exercises for recall

1. At home
Ask your dog to "COME", and introduce him to three people, each one placed at one side of a room. Let the first person call the dog and ask him to "SIT". Then let the two other persons do the same, one at a time.

You can also hide in a room, without being seen, and call your dog to your side while another person attempts to distract him. Practice this exercise in various rooms in your home.

2. Outside the home
Ask a friend who owns a dog or has a child to wait for you in the park. Once in the park with your own dog, set him free. He will naturally go toward the dog or child; you should recall your dog at this precise moment.

Ask two friends of yours to throw a ball in a park so that the dog can go after it. As soon as the dog lunges for the ball, call him to your side. Practice this exercise numerous times with various toys.
“STAY”

"STAY" is an extension of the basic commands, "SIT", "DOWN", and "RECALL". The command can be very useful when you have to leave the premises for a few minutes, or when you meet some friends on the sidewalk. The dog must understand that he must stay in the required position and stay put until the release cue "O.K." Do this with a leash if you are beginning and want to work outside.

Stage 1: Introducing the command "STAY"
  • Call your dog and make him sit. Give the command "STAY", and at the same time, use the hand gesture which consists of placing your hand in front of his snout.
  • Postpone the reward for a few seconds. If the dog stays, free him with the combined "O.K." and "BEEP & TREAT" signals.
  • If the dog violates the "STAY" command before hearing "O.K.", give him the verbal warning "HEY!" Then, start over the exercise. Do not use the spray until the dog can "STAY" for a few minutes with distractions.
Stage 2: Increase the duration of "STAY" and introduce movement and distraction variables

Gradually increase the time the dog has to "STAY" from a few second to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 seconds, then by increments of 10 seconds: 10, 20, 30. You can add 30 seconds per week. During the "STAY" period, walk around your dog; at first, he might attempt to follow you. You must say "HEY!" and place him in the correct position. Practice while you watch TV or when you're doing the housework, cooking dinner, etc. Then, the family will be able to sit down and enjoy a meal without hassle, while your dog "STAYS" in his designated place. As for other commands, gradually decrease the use of rewards and practice the exercise when the dog thinks you're away. Practice the "STAY" command when the dog is subjected to many distractions, at the park, for example. Never give the "O.K." release cue just because you notice the dog is about to move. Never give the "STAY" command and then forget to free the dog with the "O.K." release cue.

The "STAY" command from a distance

Let the dog move freely, and surprise him with the "STAY" command. If the dog stops dead in his tracks, congratulate him immediately. If he doesn't stop, use the "HEY!"warning. Regular practice will allow the dog to execute the command perfectly. Gradually increase the time the dog has to "STAY".
“PLACE”

Once the dog shows that he can stay put on command, you can assign areas or places in the home where he is is allowed to retreat. Take an old sleeping bag or a blanket, and put it in a pre-determined "place". This "place" will become his territory, one that must be fairly easy to identify visually.
  • Give the command "PLACE", and bring your dog to the sleeping bag. Then tell the dog "DOWN". When the dog lies down, give him the combined "BEEP & TREAT" Repeat the exercise frequently, until he goes to his "place" by himself every time you give him the "PLACE" command.
  • Gradually increase the time the dog must "STAY" before giving him the "O.K." release cue.
If you teach your dog never to leave his "place" before hearing the "O.K." release cue, the command "PLACE" will most certainly impress your guests. Your home can easily count many "places", each located in a strategic area.
“HEEL”

The first step wih this command is to teach your dog what "HEEL" means before having to correct him when he pulls on his leash. When a dog "HEELS", it means that he's walking at leg level, without his head going beyond the outside stitching on your pants. One efficient technique to bring your dog near your leg is to use peanut butter, or sugarless jam.

Your hand then becomes the required target to position the dog in the correct posture to "HEEL". Peanut butter is used because most dogs will have a tendency to lick your hand, which will keep him in the "HEEL" position longer, thus rendering your education more time-efficient. When the dog starts to learn, switch to dried food. Always initiate this exercise in a place where the dog will not be overstimulated.
  • Give the command "HEEL", and start walking. Your dog must be able to reach the peanut butter on your fingers (the target). When the dogs reaches the correct position, give him the "BEEP & TREAT" and let him lick your fingers and resume walking.
  • Repeat the "HEEL" command and congratulate your dog frequently, so that he will be encouraged to persevere. Stop when necessary to put some more peanut butter on your hand; tell him to "SIT", and let him go with the "O.K." release cue. Repeat the exercise many times. The dog must follow you at all times .
    • If he does otherwise:
    Alert him by saying "[DOG'S NAME]" + "HEEL" Do the opposite of what the dog is doing. This will force him to change direction. If the dog slows down, accelerate; if the dog rushes toward you, change direction. If he goes left, go right, and accelerate. When the dog reaches you, give him the "BEEP & TREAT".

    Proceed gradually
    Start with a few steps, and then a few more. After a few days or weeks, do not use any more peanut butter; instead, give him a solid treat when he remains in proper heel position. In the last stage, eliminate the lure. Keep some in your pocket and surprise him from time to time with a "special treat" .The dog must understand that he has to be vigilant at all times, as you could abruptly change direction. Practice this exercise, lure in pocket, in all parts of the house before going to challenging places
“Heel with leash”

Premature use of the leash may complicate the learning process. If the dog has learned to hate the "HEEL" command, it will become necessary to use another word besides heel. When your dog is on a leash and positive about heeling, the procedure is identical. A dog is usually trained to walk on his master's left side; however, it is possible for the dog to walk on the other side. Whichever side you choose, make sure the dog is standing on the desired one before starting each session and use the lure on this side alone.
  • Give the "HEEL" command, while shaking the lure in the left hand, and take five steps. If executes the walk positively, without tugging at his leash, and remains in proper heel position, give him the "BEEP & TREAT". Note that the leash should always form a loose curve.
  • Once your dog executes these steps, stop walking and give the command "NAME + SIT", while doing the appropriate gesture with the right hand. Release the dog with the "O.K." cue, then give him the "BEEP & TREAT" and repeat the exercise.
  • Take a few extra steps (10-15) and stop; the dog must sit by himself as soon as you stop. If he doesn't, give him the command "SIT". After awhile, the dog learn to sit as soon as you stop.
  • Challenge your dog by walking, accelerating and slowing down without any warning. The dog must follow the unpredictable rhythm and maintain the loose curve in the leash. If he lags behind, don't help him by slowing down., but rather, do the opposite. It is he who should adjust, so that the loose tension can be maintained. If he pulls at it, give a little tug, with the verbal warning "HEY!" , and change direction, all the while remaining mobile. Give the "HEEL" command once more. Reward him when he performs as required.
    • How to execute turns
    To practice turns with your dog, place two chairs in a way that he has to pass on the left, then on the right of the chair in a "figure-eight" pattern. Practice at variable speeds, showing your dog to turn on the same side as you.

    How to proceed with small dogs
    With a small dog, it will be necessary to bend down to place the lure at the right height. If this is inconvenient for you, put the lure at the end of a stick or reward your dog when he touches the target stick.

    THE GENTLE LEADER COLLAR FOR DOGS
    Worn over the head , this collar has proven to be a most useful tool to prevent dogs from tugging at their leash. Since it is easier to "steer" a dog from the snout rather than controling him by the neck, the Gentle Leader head collar yields better results than a traditional leash. For more information concerning the head collar, please consult: www.gentleleader.com.
“GIVE”

Some dogs steal objects and want to keep them as long as they see fit. The easiest solution is to teach him the command "GIVE":
  • Take a rope, an old towel, or any other object, and encourage your dog to steal it.
  • As you maintain your grip on the object, tell your dog "GIVE" with an assertive tone.
  • At the beginning of the training process, use food as reward to make things easier. Give the "GIVE" command, then offer food. If the dog obeys, give him the treat. He will release the object to get the food.
  • If the dog obeys, give him back the object and resume the game. If the dog refuses, say "HEY!" with an assertive tone while releasing a citronella spray.
With this exercise, you will never again have to run after your dog to recover an object he stole. The "GIVE" command can be combined with "GO FIND", or "STAY" at a distance, and "COME". The dog is exercising as he loves to go get his toy and return it to you.

Note : If your dog is aggressive or has had insufficient socialisation, we suggest you consult an animal behaviour expert before practising this exercise
“DON'T TOUCH”

It is easy to make the dog understand that an object is off limits, and that he must obey when you tell him "DON'T TOUCH". The game "Good toy, bad toy" aims at showing the dog that there are objects he may touch, and others which he may not.
  • Place one or two appropriate objects on the floor, leaving sufficient space in between. Add an "illegal" object such as a book, a shoe, a remote control, an electric wire, a garbage bag, etc.
  • When the dog aims for an acceptable object and takes it, give him the "BEEP & TREAT" and play with him. Then give him the command "GIVE", and replace the object on the floor. If the dog goes for the unacceptable object, tell him "DON'T TOUCH". If the dog persists, give him the "HEY!" command with a short spray. Repeat if necessary.
  • Practice this exercise every day by using all sorts of forbidden objects. He will quickly learn to recognize them, and will avoid them. Place these objects all over the house, and watch for the dog's reactions. Practice when your dog thinks you are away. Trigger the collar spray without any verbal command or warning to make him understand that these objects are always off limits, even if you are out of sight.
Suggestions:
  • Put a little citronella on the forbidden objects. Because of his highly developed sense of smell, your dog will recognize the scent and avoid these objects.
  • Your dog should always have access to acceptable objects to play with.
  • If your dog has a tendency to sniff your guests, use the command "DON'T TOUCH", and "SIT"+ "STAY".
“STOP BARKING”

Barking is one among many means of communication. If you limit the barking, you are not preventing him from communicating at all. You can quickly teach your dog to stop barking with the "STOP" command.
  • When your dog starts to bark, say "STOP" with an assertive tone. If he continues, tell him "HEY!". Should he persist, give him the "HEY!", combined with the short spray. Your timing must be precise, for the dog must be redirected at the very moment he barks, not a few seconds later. The dog will then realize that the barking triggers the spray, and will stop barking. Each attempt to bark after the "STOP" command must be redirected.
  • Redirect the dog with the command "COME" or "DOWN" and "STAY".
  • When the dog obeys and remains silent for a few seconds, give him the "BEEP & TREAT". Gradually, increase the period of time required to get the reinforcement, and the dog will stop barking for good when you need him to.