Obedience Training 101
Obedience Training 101: How to Teach Your Dog Without Losing Your Mind
Does your dog think “sit” means “run in circles” and “stay” means “chase the cat”? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Obedience training doesn’t have to be a battle of wills (though it sometimes feels that way). With these simple tips, you can teach your dog the basics and keep your sanity intact.
Step 1: Treats are Your New Best FriendTraining is all about positive reinforcement, and nothing says “good dog” like treats. Keep a stash of small, tasty treats on hand to reward your dog for following commands. Just be careful—your dog might start “sitting” every time they see a treat (nice try, Fido).
Step 2: Start with the BasicsBefore you jump into advanced tricks like “roll over” or “fetch me the remote,” start with the basics: sit, stay, come, and down. These commands are the building blocks for good behavior (and they’re easy enough for even the most stubborn dogs to learn).
Step 3: Keep It Short and SweetDogs have the attention span of a squirrel on caffeine, so keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes at a time. If your dog starts zoning out or chasing their tail, it’s time to call it quits for the day.
Step 4: Consistency is KeyMake sure everyone in your household is using the same commands—if one person says “down” and another says “lay down,” your dog will just get confused (and probably do neither). Consistency is the secret to success.
Step 1: Treats are Your New Best FriendTraining is all about positive reinforcement, and nothing says “good dog” like treats. Keep a stash of small, tasty treats on hand to reward your dog for following commands. Just be careful—your dog might start “sitting” every time they see a treat (nice try, Fido).
Step 2: Start with the BasicsBefore you jump into advanced tricks like “roll over” or “fetch me the remote,” start with the basics: sit, stay, come, and down. These commands are the building blocks for good behavior (and they’re easy enough for even the most stubborn dogs to learn).
Step 3: Keep It Short and SweetDogs have the attention span of a squirrel on caffeine, so keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes at a time. If your dog starts zoning out or chasing their tail, it’s time to call it quits for the day.
Step 4: Consistency is KeyMake sure everyone in your household is using the same commands—if one person says “down” and another says “lay down,” your dog will just get confused (and probably do neither). Consistency is the secret to success.