| First of all, believing that your dog can be | | | | |
| trained is one of the biggest hurdles a dog | | | | The next basic of dog training, is teaching |
| owner will face. Once you have accepted this | | | | your dog to stay. This is usually the most |
| challenge then the basics of dog training can | | | | difficult command to teach. This basic |
| begin. Your new puppy, dog or older dog can | | | | command should be combined with the come |
| be trained by either an obedience instructor | | | | command. Put your dog in an area with no |
| or yourself. There are many good books on dog | | | | directions. Start backing away from your dog |
| obedience, so researching and finding one | | | | while constantly telling him to stay. Always |
| that suits you and your dog's needs can be | | | | keep eye contact with your dog. If he gets |
| very beneficial. It is also less expensive | | | | up, tell him "no" and then start the process |
| than hiring a trainer to teach your dog the | | | | again. It takes a lot of patience with basic |
| basic training commands. | | | | dog training. Once this process has been |
| | | | achieved, then turn your back and begin |
| Three Basic Commands | | | | walking away. Your dog will naturally get up |
| | | | and follow you, so again say "no" and start |
| There are simple and basic commands in basic | | | | the process over again by tell your dog to |
| dog training. These three commands are: sit, | | | | stay as you walk away from him. After your |
| stay and come. To teach your dog to sit, you | | | | dog has mastered this part of the basic dog |
| will need some dog treats. Dogs respond to | | | | training, then you can tell him to come. Use |
| their training much more willingly when | | | | a happy voice and pat your knee as you say |
| treats are used as rewards. Your 'sit' | | | | "come." Your dog should respond to this |
| training needs to be done in a quiet area | | | | command right away and you should reward him |
| where your dog cannot get distracted. Hold | | | | with a treat and praise. |
| the treat over his head and tell him to sit. | | | | |
| Repeat this over and over as consistency is | | | | Remember to always use praise and not |
| the key in basic dog training. Your dog will | | | | punishment when using basic dog training. |
| look up and may sit on his own to reach the | | | | Dogs always respond better to positive |
| treat. If he doesn't react on his own, then | | | | reinforcement. Don't forget that patience and |
| gently push his bottom down. Every time he | | | | consistency will reward you in the end, as |
| sits, be sure and reward him with the treat | | | | your dog will have mastered basic dog |
| and praise him. This training will work | | | | training and the both of you will live |
| because the dog will hear "sit" and associate | | | | happily ever after. |
| it with sitting and receiving rewards. | | | | |