I’m looking to train my dog and want to cover the basics as well as some fun tricks. Can anyone suggest the essential commands and skills every dog should learn, along with some interesting tricks to keep training enjoyable?
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One of the most crucial abilities I have taught my puppy is recall. When we were off leash, I wanted to give her a 100% command to stop whatever she was doing and come to me. I call it “check-in.” The secret to check-in is that she always gets to return to play after checking in and receiving her treat, so she regularly comes for the check-in. I prefer having this command in my arsenal so that if an emergency arises, I can use one command to tell my dog to rush to my side!
Hi Lily, Essential things to teach your dog, regardless of breed or age:
Basic Obedience:
- Housebreaking: Crucial for a well-behaved dog and harmonious household.
- Leash manners: Ensure calm walking without pulling or lunging for enjoyable and safe walks.
- Basic commands: Teach “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “leave it” for communication and control.
- Socialization: Introduce your dog to various people, animals, and environments early on.
Positive Reinforcement:
- Reward good behavior: Use treats, praise, or playtime to motivate learning.
- Patience and consistency: Consistent commands and expectations are key.
Beyond the Basics:
- Impulse control: Teach restraint from chasing or grabbing items.
- Mental stimulation: Provide interactive toys and puzzle feeders.
- Respectful interactions: Prevent jumping, mouthing, and stealing objects
How did you train your dog to do this? My dog responds well when called, except when he’s interacting with other dogs; at that point, it’s as if he forgets his name entirely.
Essential Commands
Sit: This foundational command promotes calmness and is the basis for many other commands.
Stay: Teaches your dog to wait in a specific position until released. It’s crucial for safety and impulse control.
Come: Ensures your dog returns to you when called, which is vital for off-leash walks and preventing them from running away.
Down: Instructs your dog to lie flat, useful for relaxation and impulse control.
Leave It: Teaches your dog to resist picking up objects or food until given permission.
Heel: Trains your dog to walk politely beside you on a leash.
Bonus Essentials
Look at Me: Captures your dog’s attention, especially helpful in distracting environments.
Potty Training: Essential for indoor living and hygiene.
Fun Tricks
Shake: A classic and easy trick that strengthens your bond.
Roll Over: Engaging and teaches body awareness.
Play Dead: A fun and impressive party trick.
High Five: Teaches paw targeting and can be used as a foundation for other tricks.
Fetch: Provides great exercise and mental stimulation.
Spin: A simple and cute trick.
Tips for Keeping Training Enjoyable
Short & Positive Sessions: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and positive. End on a successful note.
Reward-Based Training: Use treats, praise, or toys to reward desired behaviors.
Be Patient & Consistent: Training takes time and repetition. Stay patient and consistent with your commands.
Make it Fun: Incorporate games, toys, and positive reinforcement to keep your dog engaged.
Clicker Training: Consider using a clicker to precisely mark desired behaviors.
When teaching your dog, focus on essential behaviors for good behavior and safety:
- Teach basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it.
- Train your dog to walk calmly on a leash.
- Establish bathroom routines with positive reinforcement.
- Introduce your dog to people and new environments.
- Help your dog feel comfortable in a crate.
- Teach manners like not jumping or begging.
- Practice recall for safety.
- Familiarize your dog with grooming and handling.
- Discourage biting and mouthing during play.
- Use rewards to reinforce good behavior and build trust.