Basic Dog Training
Education is key

It is essential that all dogs are given basic dog training, in order for your dog to be an accepted part of your family, and for your personal enjoyment of your dog.   Patience and practice will ensure success.

You need to decide what is required from your dog.  Do you want your dog to be your lap dog companion and it just needs to be house trained, or do you need your dog to be well-mannered in public?  Would you like to take part in dog activities and doggy sports.  Whatever your goals are has to be decided before working with and training your dog. 

Naturally it is important to consider your small dog breeds abilities, as notall types of dogs are suitable for agility training for example.  When choosing a dog, it is important to make this decision if you want to do more than just basic dog training.  Most household pets, will respond to basic dog training commands, such as "come, stay, heel and down" when trained sufficiently.  If, however, you wish to go further than than and may decide to take part in dog related sporting events, then choosing a dog suitable for that would be most important.

The Come Command is one of the most important of all dog training commands as it could possibly save your dog's life someday.  It is also one of the easiest for your dog to learn as your dog naturally wants to be near you, so each time it starts coming toward you, call its name and say "come".  Alternatively in a training situation, attach a long lead to the dog, and call it's name in a happy tone and offer a few dog treats, if the dog does not come to you, pull gently on the lead until the dog reaches you.  Then praise it again and again for being so clever and soon when you say "come" your dog will not hesitate but to listen.

The Sit Command is a very basic instructions and most dogs can learn this in just a few minutes each day for a week or so.  Hold a really tasty treat right above the dogs nose and slowly raise it to above the head, the dog should automatically sit down to keep it's eye on the treat.  Naturally constant praise must be used so the dog will associate the word sit with the action. Alternatively you may need to gently push on the dog's hindquarters and push up on the chest to help the dog understand "sit".  It should not take long, with enough praise and encouragement to have your dog sitting on command.

Some dogs take a little longer to learn the Stay Command as all your dog wants, especially puppies, is to be at your side.  Stand in front of the dog, say "sit", then step back, saying "stay", holding your hand up, palm towards the dog's nose.  Do not do this for more than a couple of seconds at a time, until your dog understands what is required.  Slowly you can extend this to 30 seconds, and eventually to a minute or two. Your dog does not need to stay seated but can also lie down which would be more comfortable.  The important thing here is that he stays and does not follow you.

Teaching your dog the Heel Command  is vital as it will make walking a lot more pleasurable.  The dog needs to know the heel command so it does not tug on the lead when being walked.  Heeling is best trained up against a wall as it will restrict the dog's ability to move away.  Keep the dog between you and the wall, hold the lead in your right hand and just pass it through your left palm.  When the dog moves forward, pull on the lead and give a quick jerk back with your left hand, saying "heel".  Your dog's head should be in line with your knee.  When it is, praise your dog and give him a small treat.  Then begin walking again and repeat. 

Other Articles on Dog Training and  Dog Training Aids:

Clicker Training For Dogs - Repetition and Consistency

Citronella Dog Collars -   Be kind to your Beloved Dog

Collars and Leashes - Someone Loves Me!

Dog Behavior Modification - Goes hand in hand with Basic Dog Training

Training a Puppy - His life is in your Hands

Always end every Training Session with Some Play Time.

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