Dog Training

Lesson 1: The Basics - Sit, Stand, Down, Come and Walk on a leash

The Sit, Stand, and Down

Sit

Hold the lure directly in front of the pup’s nose. As he focuses on it, slowly move it toward the back of his head so he lifts his chin to follow your hand. (You are also teaching hand signals at the same time!) Repeat the command “sit” until he does it. Immediately reward him with the treat or toy and verbally praise him. Don’t be surprised if he spins around, jumps up or backs up. This is part of the learning process. Be sure to hold the treat in a way such that the dog can’t grab the reward out of your hand until he does sit. You may have to let him lick or taste it to keep his focus. Just don’t let him have it until he complies. Once he understands, he’ll snap right into a sit.

Stand

This is a very useful command for all dogs. It helps when they need to stand for grooming, examination or fitting into a harness or coat. From the sitting position, bring the treat up to the pup’s nose and slowly pull away. If the dog really knows how to sit, he’ll try to clamp himself to the floor and sit tight. You’ll have to get very excited, almost like you’re going to call him to get him to stand up. Immediately reward him and praise lavishly so he will understand that this is a new command and he did it correctly.

Down

This can be the most frustrating of the three positions, especially with an active puppy with a short attention span. You might have to reward any approximation of the position in the beginning, just to keep his attention and enthusiasm for the training. You might reward him if he moved one foot forward the first time. Next time, ask for him to move both feet forward, and so on. Hold the treat in front of the dog’s nose and slowly bring it down, toward the floor between his front legs. He may just watch it, back up or paw at it. As long as he is focused on it, you’re on the right track. Try again in slightly different angles. He may lie down better if you bring it under him, or maybe if you bring it out slightly away from him. The important thing is to give him time to figure it out himself and to move slowly.

Be sure to praise him lavishly for any attempt to lie down until he really understands this one.

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