Dog Training Basics: The Beginner’s Guide to Training Your Dog

Many dog owners dream of having a well-behaved pooch to love. It’s not just a pipe dream. We can both love our puppies and teach them a few tricks to keep them in check as well.  Perhaps you’d like to entertain friends and family with their obedience and tricks. Unfortunately, many pet-parents are under-equipped to give the required training. In this beginner’s guide, we’re going to go over a few basic tips you can use to train your dog that will help them keep their behavior in check when you have friends over. 

Commands and Tone

Owners often make the mistake of yelling at their dogs, especially when they’re barking. However, loud shouting will make your furry friend assume you’re joining in the fun. They might bark louder or more insistently. Remember, while we like to think of our pets as humans trapped in furry bodies, they’re still animals. Speak forcefully, but never yell; a calm tone of voice is essential. Additionally, keep commands simple and clear, and accompany them with a hand gesture. You can also use a can (like a coffee can with lid) with nails or screws in it. Just something that will make a loud sound so that they know it’s time to stop and that loud sound will help them stop the behavior. 

Use Treats Effectively

Treats can be a powerful training tool. You need to immediately reward good behavior, so have a few ready before you start practicing a command. However, be wary of giving one too soon.We recommend that you put a handful in your pocket of the dry food you feed your dogs as treats. That way you are not ever feeding them bad treats like the ones that hurt dogs a few years back. Using their own food is the best treats to use.

When your pup calms down, immediately release a reward and praise them over the microphone. Don’t overdo it, though. Thundershirts are also great as a help for anxious dogs.

The First Commands: Sit and Down

The first commands you should teach your dog are “sit” and “down,” especially if your dog is prone to jumping.

To start, hold the treat in your hand so that they can smell but not take it. Your dog will try various ways to get it but wait until their bottom touches the ground. As soon as that happens, say “sit” and give them praise and the snack.

Once your dog has mastered sit, you can teach them to lie down. Again, hold the treat firmly in your hand and lower it to the ground. Don’t release it until your pup puts its belly on the floor. Say “down” immediately, and give them a well-deserved reward.

If your dog struggles with the command, sit on the floor with one knee bent. Try to coax them to crawl underneath your leg to reach the treat. If they do, reward them.

How to Teach Release for Pets that are teething

Teaching release isn’t easy, especially if you have a teething pet that likes to play-bite.

Absolutely do not attempt to grab a toy, shoe, hand, or anything else from a teething dog.

Instead, get something your pet likes. When the dog investigates and drops whatever it’s playing with, simply say, “drop it” and give them the new item. You are teaching them to trade. You want them to drop the item and you have something they want so that they do drop the item.

Remember, reward your pup as soon as they take the other toy, even if that means saying “Good boy!” approvingly while they run away. Keep practicing and rewarding this exchange, and your dog will soon learn the command.

Final Word

We all want what’s best for our pets, and sometimes that means putting in the time and effort to train them. Remember to use commands appropriately and treats effectively. Before you start teaching them tricks, help them master the basics. Finally, if you have a teething pet, include release training in their routine to prevent future bites.

If you master the basics, you’ll soon be able to teach your beloved pooch a lot more than just sit and stay. Good luck!

Before you go make sure you check out our other posts! 5 ways to train your dog without losing your mind,  What does my dog want for Christmas? and DIY Dog Toys. Then follow me on Facebook, twitter and email (which is at the top of this page!) Oh and if you’re looking for a dog check out my other site! Goldendoodlesoftn.com and if you have a puppy here’s a great list of things you may need for that new puppy!