What Should I Teach My Dog First?
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Training a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences for any pet owner.
Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or adopting an older dog, one of the first things you might wonder is, “What should I teach my dog first?” Starting with the basics sets the tone for a well-behaved, happy dog.
In this article, we’ll go over the most important commands and behaviors to focus on when you first start training your dog.
Why Training Your Dog Early Matters
Training your dog early doesn’t just teach them commands – it establishes a strong bond between the two of you, ensures they’re safe in various environments, and helps prevent unwanted behaviors.
Just like us, dogs need structure and guidance to understand what’s expected of them.
The earlier you start training, the easier it will be for both you and your dog to communicate and work together.
Basic Commands to Teach Your Dog First
The first commands you teach your dog should be the foundation for good behavior.
These commands are easy to learn and set your dog up for success in more advanced training later on.
1. Sit
The “sit” command is one of the easiest and most useful commands to teach your dog.
It’s great for calming your dog down, getting them to focus on you, and preventing unwanted behaviors.
How to teach “sit”:
Hold a treat in your hand and show it to your dog.
Slowly move your hand upwards and over their head, encouraging them to lower their back end.
As soon as they sit, say “sit” and immediately reward them with the treat and praise.
Repeat this a few times until your dog learns to sit when prompted.
2. Stay
“Stay” is an important command for teaching your dog impulse control.
It’s especially helpful for situations like waiting at the door, staying calm while you prepare their food, or keeping them safe in potentially dangerous situations.
How to teach “stay”:
Have your dog sit or lie down.
Show them the palm of your hand and say “stay” in a firm, calm voice.
Take a step back and, if they stay in place, return immediately to reward them with praise and a treat.
Gradually increase the distance and time before rewarding.
If they move, start again with a shorter distance or time.
3. Come (Recall)
Teaching your dog to come when called is crucial for safety.
Whether they’re off-leash in a park or you’re calling them to come inside, a reliable recall can keep your dog out of dangerous situations.
How to teach “come”:
Start by calling your dog’s name followed by the word “come” while they’re near you.
When they approach, reward them with praise and a treat.
Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, always rewarding them when they come to you.
4. Leave It
The “leave it” command can help prevent your dog from picking up something they shouldn’t – like trash, food on the floor, or dangerous objects.
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It’s a great way to teach them self-control and protect them from potential harm.
How to teach “leave it”:
Place a treat in your hand and close your fist around it.
Hold your hand near your dog’s nose and wait until they stop sniffing or trying to get the treat.
Once they pull away or stop trying, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat.
Over time, practice with different objects to teach your dog that they can’t have something unless you give it to them.
5. Down (Lie Down)
The “down” command helps your dog settle down and be calm in a variety of situations, especially when they’re overly excited or if you need them to stay still for a moment.
How to teach “down”:
Have your dog sit first, then hold a treat in your hand.
Slowly move your hand to the floor between their paws, guiding their body down as they follow the treat.
Once they lie down, immediately reward them with the treat and praise.
Repeat until your dog consistently follows the command.
Other Important Skills to Teach Your Dog
Once your dog has mastered these basic commands, you can start working on other important behaviors that will make life together easier and more enjoyable.
6. Leash Walking
Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash is essential for enjoyable walks.
Start by introducing your dog to the leash and harness, and use positive reinforcement when they walk beside you without pulling.
7. Crate Training
Crate training helps your dog feel secure when they need to be left alone or travel.
A crate provides them with a safe space where they can rest, and it’s an essential tool for house training.
8. Housebreaking
If you’re working with a new puppy or an older dog that needs house training, be sure to establish a consistent routine.
Take your dog outside frequently, especially after meals or naps, and reward them when they go outside.
Tips for Successful Dog Training
Be patient: Training takes time, especially when you’re teaching a dog new commands.
Be patient with your dog and keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to avoid overwhelming them.
Use positive reinforcement: Dogs respond best to rewards and praise.
Always reinforce good behavior with treats, toys, or affection.
Stay consistent: Use the same command words and hand signals every time.
Consistency is key to helping your dog understand what you want.
Avoid punishment: Negative reinforcement, like shouting or punishment, can confuse your dog and make them anxious.
Focus on rewarding the behavior you want to see.
Keep training fun: Make training sessions enjoyable by mixing in games or playing with your dog.
The more fun you make it, the more motivated they’ll be to learn.
Conclusion
Training your dog is an ongoing process, but starting with the basics gives you and your dog the foundation needed for a well-behaved relationship.
Teach your dog simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it,” and build up to more advanced skills over time.
Remember to be patient, use positive reinforcement, and always keep training sessions short and fun.
Before you know it, you and your dog will be speaking the same language and enjoying your time together more than ever!
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