A well behaved, obedience trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others. And don't we all want a dog who exhibits appropriate behavior in a crowd, good manners when we have guests in our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn't threaten other dogs or passers-by?
Note: Never ever move forward to the next level with out having mastered the preceding step. And remember you never should correct your dog by hitting. Before we start the training I will state below a few things as they occur in the training process.
Difficulty of the command
Always begin teaching your puppy or dog the easiest command(s) possible (i.e.: "Look", "Sit", etc.). Very gradually introduce new and more difficult commands; making sure the dog knows the preceding command before he is moved to the next level.
Degree of inherent genetic compatibility with a given command
Consider your dog's genetic makeup. If you have a Basset Hound and want to teach him personal protection, you may have your work cut out for you. If instead, you have a German shepherd or Rottweiler from Schutzhund lines, you'll probably have an easier time teaching him personal protection. Using the above example, if you have a Labrador Retriever from field lines that you are interested in teaching to fetch a ball, you're dog is likely to learn how to retrieve relatively easily.
Duration of time
When initially teaching a new command, such as "Sit", if your dog sits for even just a second or two, he should be praised, use the same type of voice you would on a baby high pitched and happy. Praise reward and release him/her. Gradually, the duration of time your dog should be taught to remain in position should be increased.
Note: Make sure your dog is physically comfortable throughout any training exercises. Always release your dog from a command/session before s/he becomes stressed. Short and sweet sessions are often best. Always end sessions on a positive note!
Distraction level
Start training each new command in an area free of distractions, such as your home or yard. Once your dog is responding reliably, gradually increase the distraction level. Add distractions such as:
- Bouncing a ball
- Throwing a ball/toy
- Squeak a toy
- Doing "Jumping Jacks"
- Singing a song
- Running around your dog
- Playing "Ring-Around-The-Rosie" around your dog
- Play "Patty Cakes" with a friend in front of your dog
- Have dogs heel around your dog
- Throw treats around your dog
NOTE: Never use a distraction that frightens your dog.
Distance between you and your dog
Begin teaching a command with you dog right next to or in front of you. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog to 30 feet.
Distance between your dog and an object of attraction
If your dog is 3 feet from you and 37 feet from a squirrel, flock of pigeons, or another dog, you have a greater likelihood of getting your dog to respond to a command than if your dog is 37 feet from you and 3 feet from a squirrel, flock of pigeons, or another dog! Once your dog is reliable in the face of distant distractions, gradually, decrease the distance between your dog and any "objects of attraction".
Different locations
Just because your puppy will respond to the word "Sit" in your living room, it doesn't mean he understands that command in the context of the local dog run. Don't expect your dog to automatically generalize the meaning of a given - continued below ...