Basic Dog Commands

Every dog should have an idea of some of the basic dog commands that are commonly used. This helps with everyday life and will give both you and your dog great satisfaction on completion.

The basic dog commands are:

• COME
• HEEL
• SIT
• DOWN
• STAY

Come

The dog command 'Come' is a very simple one to achieve. You should try it with a leash to start off with, that way your dog does not decide to go for a run! Wait until your dog is busy doing something and then say 'Come' and just after pull your dog in your direction.

Let it know that you are delighted with the outcome and do it again and again until your dog gets the idea. Once you are satisfied try it without the leash, but perhaps in an enclosed area to start off with.

Heel

The second dog command 'Heel' is also simple. Your dog should get this one very quickly. When walking with your dog, stop, and then say 'Heel' almost immediately. Do not hold the leash very tight, this will allow your dog to continue without being forced to stop beside you. If it continues to walk then pull on the leash and repeat 'Heel'. Then try again, this time holding the leash a bit tighter.

Sit

'Sit' is probably one of the first dog commands that guests will try and use on your dog. It gives everyone such satisfaction to see a well trained dog sit and wag its tail. The command 'Sit' is the first one where you will have to make actual contact with your dog.

To make your dog sit you must push its rump to the floor and hold its collar so that it does not move. Once in position give it praise and repeat the word 'Sit' until it registers the command.

Down

'Down' is another where contact must be made to start off with. This one is a bit trickier though. The dog command 'Down'can annoy dogs to begin with because the most common method of teaching them involves holding their front legs, which some of them do not like.

To get your dog to obey the 'Down' command stand right in front of it and slowly bring your hand down from above it's head. Bring it right down to the ground and then move your dogs front legs out and down to the ground as well. The dog should soon understand that the position it is now in is what it should be doing when it hears the 'Down' command.

Stay

The final basic dog command is 'Stay'. 'Stay' is very useful when walking your dog and when cleaning up around the house. I have used it on several occasions when glass has broken in the house and my dog has been intrigued by the sound.

You can start using this command in conjunction with both 'Sit' and 'Down'. Once your dog is in those positions use the 'Stay' command and give them praise once they start. Get them to stay by holding them in place saying 'Stay' and them letting them go for a second. If they move put them back into position and repeat 'Stay' once again.

You Got All That?

Remember that when teaching your dog the basic dog commands it is really important to give it praise when it does it right. Your dog will learn faster in a happy environment.

Have you learnt the basic dog commands? If so return to housetraining yorkshire terriers