Dog Training Basics: Building Obedience and Good Behavior

Okay, let's dive into the basics of dog training for obedience and good behavior. We'll cover key principles, essential commands, and common problem behaviors, along with how to address them.

I. Core Principles of Dog Training

• Positive Reinforcement: This is the cornerstone of modern, effective dog training. It involves rewarding desired behaviors to make them more likely to occur in the future. This means using treats, praise, toys, or anything your dog finds motivating.


• Consistency: Everyone in the household needs to use the same commands and rules. Inconsistency confuses your dog.


• Patience: Training takes time and repetition. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate small victories.


• Clear Communication: Use clear, concise commands and body language that your dog can understand.


• Timing: Reward the instant your dog performs the desired behavior. A delay of even a few seconds can confuse them.


• Short Training Sessions: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and frequent (several times a day). This keeps your dog engaged and prevents boredom.


• Ending on a Positive Note: Always end a training session with a command your dog knows well and can successfully perform, so they feel successful.


• Avoid Punishment: Punishment (yelling, hitting, etc.) can create fear, anxiety, and aggression. It damages your relationship with your dog and is generally ineffective. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break.


• Management: Prevent your dog from practicing undesirable behaviors in the first place. This might involve using a crate, leash, baby gates, or removing tempting items from their reach.

II. Essential Obedience Commands

These are the foundational commands that every dog should learn:

• Sit:


• Lure Method: Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head. As their head goes up, their rear should naturally lower into a sit. Say "Sit" as they are sitting. The instant their rear touches the ground, say "Yes!" (your marker word, more on that later), and give them the treat.


• Shaping Method: If luring doesn't work, reward any movement towards sitting. Then only reward when they bend their knees, then only when they almost sit, and finally only reward a full sit.


• Fade the Lure: Once your dog reliably sits with the lure, start fading it. Use the hand motion without the treat, and only reward occasionally. Eventually, you should be able to just say "Sit" and they'll comply.


• Practice: Practice in various locations and with distractions.


• Stay:


• Start with Sit: Have your dog in a sit.


• Introduce the Command: Say "Stay" firmly.


• Short Duration: Initially, only ask them to stay for a second or two.


• Reward: Say "Yes!" and give them a treat while they are still in the sit/stay.


• Gradually Increase Duration: Slowly increase the amount of time they need to stay.


• Gradually Increase Distance: Once they can stay for a decent amount of time, start increasing the distance you move away from them, still in a stay position.


• Release Cue: Teach a release cue like "Okay" or "Free" to signal that they are allowed to get up.


• Troubleshooting: If your dog breaks the stay, simply put them back in a sit and start again with a shorter duration.


• Come (Recall): This is arguably the most important command for safety.


• Start Indoors: Say your dog's name followed by "Come" in a happy, enthusiastic tone.


• Use a Lure/Reward: Encourage them to come to you by showing them a treat or using a toy. When they come, say "Yes!" and reward them generously.


• Add Distance: Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog.


• Practice Outdoors: Once they are reliable indoors, start practicing in a safe, enclosed outdoor area. Use a long leash to prevent them from running off.


• Make it Rewarding: Always make coming to you a positive experience. Avoid using the "Come" command when you're angry or about to do something your dog dislikes (like giving them a bath).


• Troubleshooting: If your dog ignores the "Come" command, shorten the distance, and increase the reward. Avoid repeating the command multiple times. Just one clear "Come" is enough.


• Real-Life Situations: Practice "Come" in various environments. Use high value treats (like cooked chicken or cheese) for outdoor training.


• Down:


• Lure Method: Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose. Slowly lower the treat towards the floor, encouraging them to follow it. As they lower their body, say "Down." The instant they are in a down position, say "Yes!" and give them the treat.


• Shaping Method: Similar to the sit, reward any movement towards a down, gradually only rewarding lower and lower positions.


• Between Your Legs: Another method is to lure the dog between your legs into a down.


• Release Cue: Use a release cue like "Okay" or "Free" to signal that they are allowed to get up.


• Troubleshooting: Some dogs find the "Down" command more challenging than "Sit." Be patient and break it down into small steps.


• Leave It: This command is invaluable for preventing your dog from picking up dangerous or unwanted items.


• Two-Fist Method: Hold a treat in each hand. Show your dog one fist with a treat inside. Let them sniff and lick it. They will try to get to the treat. Say "Leave it." When they stop trying to get the treat (even for a second), say "Yes!" and give them the treat from the other hand (the one they weren't trying to get).


• Gradually Increase Difficulty: Repeat this process several times. Then, start opening your hand slightly, but close it again if your dog tries to get the treat. Eventually, you should be able to leave your hand open with the treat inside and your dog will ignore it.


• Introduce a Second Object: Place a less desirable item on the floor (like a toy). Cover it with your hand. When your dog tries to get it, say "Leave it." When they back away, say "Yes!" and give them a treat from your pocket.


• Generalize: Practice "Leave it" with various objects in different locations.


• Loose Leash Walking:


• Start Indoors: Practice walking with your dog on a leash indoors in a distraction-free environment.


• Reward Position: Hold treats on the side you want your dog to walk on. Reward them for being in the desired position (next to you, not pulling).


• Outside Practice: When walking outside, if your dog starts to pull, stop immediately. Stand still. Wait for them to stop pulling, even for a second. Say "Yes!" and reward them. Then, continue walking.


• Change Direction: Another technique is to change direction abruptly when your dog starts to pull. This will encourage them to pay attention to you.


• Use High Value Treats: Use high value treats to keep your dog motivated during walks.


• Consider a Front-Clip Harness or Head Halter: These tools can help to reduce pulling by redirecting your dog's attention.

III. Important Concepts

• Marker Word (Yes! or Clicker): A marker word or clicker is a specific sound that tells your dog the exact moment they performed the desired behavior. It bridges the gap between the behavior and the reward. It needs to become associated with a reward. Pair the word "Yes" or the clicker with a treat several times so the dog associates that noise with something good.


• Shaping: Rewarding successive approximations of a desired behavior. This is helpful for teaching complex behaviors.


• Generalization: Teaching your dog to perform a command in various locations and situations. Once your dog knows "Sit" in your living room, practice it in the park, on the sidewalk, and in other environments.


• Proofing: Adding distractions to your training to make the behavior more reliable.


• Impulse Control Exercises: Games and exercises that teach your dog to control their impulses (e.g., waiting for food, not jumping on guests).

IV. Common Problem Behaviors and How to Address Them

• Excessive Barking:


• Identify the Cause: Determine why your dog is barking (boredom, attention-seeking, fear, territoriality).


• Address the Underlying Cause: Provide more exercise and mental stimulation for boredom. Ignore attention-seeking barking. Desensitize your dog to triggers that cause fear or territorial barking.


• "Quiet" Command: Teach a "Quiet" command. When your dog starts barking, say "Quiet." If they stop barking, even for a second, say "Yes!" and reward them. Gradually increase the duration of the silence.


• Manage the Environment: Reduce exposure to triggers (e.g., close the blinds if they bark at passersby).


• Jumping on People:


• Ignore the Behavior: The best way to discourage jumping is to ignore it completely. Turn your back, fold your arms, and don't make eye contact.


• Reward Four on the Floor: Only give attention when your dog has all four paws on the ground.


• Teach an Alternative Behavior: Teach your dog to sit for greetings.


• Manage the Environment: If you know your dog jumps on guests, keep them on a leash during greetings.


• Chewing:


• Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer a variety of safe and durable chew toys.


• Dog-Proof Your Home: Remove anything you don't want your dog to chew from their reach.


• Supervise: Supervise your dog, especially when they are young or in a new environment.


• Redirect: If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn't, say "Leave it" and offer them an appropriate chew toy.


• Bitter Apple Spray: Apply bitter apple spray to items you want to discourage chewing.


• Digging:


• Provide a Designated Digging Area: Create a digging pit in your yard and encourage your dog to dig there. Bury toys or treats in the pit.


• Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Boredom can lead to digging.


• Supervise: Supervise your dog when they are in the yard.


• Block Access: Block access to areas where you don't want your dog to dig.


• Separation Anxiety:


• Consult a Professional: Separation anxiety can be a complex issue and may require the help of a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.


• Gradual Desensitization: Gradually increase the amount of time your dog is left alone.


• Create a Safe Space: Provide a comfortable and safe space for your dog when you are away (e.g., a crate or a bed).


• Calming Aids: Consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or calming supplements.

V. Important Considerations

• Puppy Socialization: Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences during their critical socialization period (from 3 to 16 weeks of age). This will help them develop into a well-adjusted and confident adult dog. Be sure these experiences are POSITIVE for the puppy.


• Breed-Specific Considerations: Some breeds are naturally more inclined to certain behaviors. Research your dog's breed to understand their typical tendencies.


• Health Issues: Underlying health issues can sometimes contribute to behavior problems. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.

VI. Resources

• Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA or KPA-CTP): These trainers have met specific standards of education and experience.


• Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB): These veterinarians have specialized training in animal behavior.


• Books and Websites: There are many excellent resources available online and in print. Look for information from reputable sources.


• Local Dog Training Classes: Group classes can be a great way to socialize your dog and learn basic obedience commands.

Important Notes:

• Safety First: Always prioritize safety during training. Use a secure leash and collar. Be aware of your surroundings.


• Know Your Dog's Limits: Don't push your dog too hard or too fast.


• Have Fun! Training should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

By following these principles and techniques, you can build a strong bond with your dog and teach them the obedience and good behavior skills they need to thrive. Good luck!