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, as well as for an enjoyable relationship with our beloved small dog breeds. Your personal enjoyment of your canine friend, is very much dependent on the breed when choosing a dog to become part of your life. It stands to reason that if you want a household pet, you probably won't want to do "attack training", but more likely the basic dog training, such as sit, stay, come, heel, etc.

Patience and practice will ensure success, no matter how difficult a particular breed of dog is considered to train. Some dog breeds are easier, terrier dog breeds are notoriously a bit stubborn, hound dogs may be slow learners. Poodles and Pomeranian breeds are well known to be highly trainable. Please examine our various small dogs with regard to ease of Basic Dog Training.

You will want no disturbances whilst doing the Basic Dog Training. Take him to a quiet place to help him focus on the task at hand.

Dog training commands should be goal orientated

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 not all 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 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 activity would be most critical.

Come Command

The Come Command is one of the most important of all basic 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. Training a puppy will usually begin with this first step.

Sit Command

The Sit Command is a very basic instructions and most dogs can learn this after 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. Clicker training for dogs is an excellent tool for positive re-inforcement.

Stay 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" in a long and low voice at the same time hold your hand up, palm towards the dog's nose.

Do not move away more than a couple of meters for a few seconds to start. Increase the distance and length of time over a few weeks, until your dog understands what is required. Slowly you can extend this to 30 seconds, and eventually to a minute or two from distances of 10 to 20 meters.

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.

Down Command

You may find your dog more resistant to learning the Down Command. After your dog is sitting and focused on a treat, take his front legs and gently sweep them forward, at the same time say "down!", and apply pressure on the shoulders pushing the dog down. This position is a submissive statement in the dog pack language.

A timid dog will roll over automatically, but a more intelligent confident dog will not be happy and you must not force this on the dog. It will take a while and some determination to get this right, you may need to wait until you and your dog have a developed a strong bond.

Nevertheless, perseverance, patience and consistency will bring the desired result.

Heel Command

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 left knee.

Keep repeating the dog training command "heel!" When it is, praise your dog and give him a small treat. Then begin walking again and repeat. Repetition and Praise.

Praise your dog (or click with the clicker tool) every time you are happy with his progress. If he does not quite get it right, start again, be patient, your beloved four legged friend will want to please you. When he gets it right, let him know. End each training session with some praise and play time. Keep training fun, in short bursts throughout the day.

Do not expect your dog to be able to concentrate for hours at a time, particularly when training a puppy. A few minutes in the morning and evening with positive training methods will be sufficient for your dog to get the message.

Do NOT shout at your dog, he will not respond positively, he will be bewildered, rather start again or leave if for later in the day (or the next morning).

NEVER hit your dog, this will be counter productive and may bring about bad behavior as the dog struggles to work out what is required of him.