Basic Dog Obedience Commands

Study Notes

Basic obedience commands:
- Sit: Encourage dog to sit by holding a treat above their head and moving it backwards towards their tail. As they follow the treat with their nose, their bottom will lower into a sitting position.
- Stay: Start by having dog sit or lie down, then take a few steps back while saying "stay." Gradually increase distance and time.
- Come: Use a happy, upbeat tone and reward dog with treats and praise when they respond to the command.
- Down: Lure dog into a downward position by holding a treat near their chest and slowly moving it down towards the ground.
- Heel: Practice walking dog on a leash without pulling, using verbal cues and rewards for good behavior.
Advanced obedience commands:
- Wait: Similar to "stay," but used in situations where dog needs to wait before doing something, like eating or going outside.
- Back: Encourage dog to take a few steps back by holding a treat near their chest and moving it backwards.
- Leave it: Teach dog to leave an object or food alone by placing a treat in front of them and saying "leave it." When they ignore the object, reward them with the treat.

Establish a routine: Take dog outside to the same spot at the same time every day (e.g., after meals, naps, and playtime).
Watch for signs: Puppies will often sniff and circle before they go. Take them to the designated potty area immediately.
Praise and reward: Praise dog and reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the correct location.
Clean up accidents: Use a cleaner that removes urine smell to prevent dog from returning to the same spot.
Supervise: Keep an eye on dog at all times, especially in the early stages of housebreaking.

What is positive reinforcement?: A training method that focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, rather than punishing undesired ones.
Types of rewards:
- Treats: Small, tasty rewards for good behavior.
- Praise: Verbal praise and affection.
- Toys: Using a favorite toy as a reward.
- Play: Engaging in playtime as a reward.
Key principles:
- Be consistent: Use the same rewards and commands every time.
- Be immediate: Reward dog immediately after desired behavior.
- Be clear: Use clear, concise commands and rewards.

Sit: Hold a treat above the dog's head and move it backwards towards their tail to encourage a sitting position.
Stay: Start with the dog sitting or lying down, take a few steps back, and gradually increase distance and time.
Come: Use a happy tone and reward with treats and praise when the dog responds.
Down: Lure the dog into a downward position by holding a treat near their chest and moving it down towards the ground.
Heel: Practice walking the dog on a leash without pulling, using verbal cues and rewards for good behavior.

Wait: Use in situations where the dog needs to wait before doing something, like eating or going outside.
Back: Encourage the dog to take a few steps back by holding a treat near their chest and moving it backwards.
Leave it: Teach the dog to leave an object or food alone by placing a treat in front of them and saying "leave it."

Establish a routine: Take the dog outside to the same spot at the same time every day (e.g., after meals, naps, and playtime).
Watch for signs: Puppies will often sniff and circle before they go; take them to the designated potty area immediately.
Praise and reward: Praise the dog and reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the correct location.
Clean up accidents: Use a cleaner that removes urine smell to prevent the dog from returning to the same spot.
Supervise: Keep an eye on the dog at all times, especially in the early stages of housebreaking.

What is positive reinforcement?: A training method that focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, rather than punishing undesired ones.
Types of rewards: Treats, praise, toys, and play.
Key principles: Be consistent, immediate, and clear in rewards and commands.