Teaching your dog basic commands is one of the first steps toward a dog-training relationship. You and your dog should develop a sense of respect and trust for one another, before you attempt dog training tricks. Without this foundation, there will be no mutual communication between dog and owner. Without respect and trust, dog training commands will be impossible to teach. Without dog training commands, your dog will not learn how to obey you.
Teaching your dog basic commands starts with being able to recognize your dog’s cues and signals. Dogs are very sensitive creatures that can be very difficult to train. However, if you show your dog that you are willing to be consistent, your dog will respond well to you. This consistency will encourage your dog to listen to your commands and perform them accordingly. If you want to know how to teach a dog basic commands, always be consistent in your approach.
Another important tip on how to teach a dog basic commands is consistency in reward and punishment. Dog training commands such as “sit” and “heel” are best used with positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement, which is simply giving your dog a treat or praising him for good behavior, encourages him to do more of the same behavior. As your dog becomes more proficient at performing the command, your rewards will be more elaborate and may include playing games with him or even giving him a special treat. The more he performs the command successfully, the more praise you give him.
If you use negative dog training commands, however, your dog will connect the concept of disobedience with losing the treat or game piece. He will instead connect any loss of his treats with losing his attention and focus. This makes him less likely to successfully learn how to teach a dog basic commands.
An important thing to remember when learning how to teach a dog basic commands is that dogs naturally want to please their owners. You can reinforce this natural desire by using positive reinforcement. When you use a command like “sit” with your dog, he will sit because it makes him feel secure and important. If you then make sure to give him a treat whenever he completes the action correctly, your dog will not only see the act as rewarding, but he will also connect the act with gaining your approval.
It’s also helpful to remember that each dog has its own personality. While it’s important to create an environment that promotes obedience, it’s just as crucial to establish an environment that encourages constructive behavior. One of the biggest problems most people have with their dogs occurs when their dog is barking. Barking can be a sign of fear or anxiety, so you should make sure you provide your dog with plenty of quiet and safe place to run and play. Another step in establishing a healthy dog training commands is to play with him, which will keep him stimulated and interested in your company. Try to incorporate some kind of game into your dog’s daily routine.
A final tip on learning how to teach a dog basic commands is to always remember to praise your dog. Praising your dog when he performs a command correctly will motivate him to repeat this behavior. Dogs are natural motivators and the more consistent you are with praising them, the more they’ll be motivated to do the same. As long as you’re consistent, praise your dog as often as you’d like, and never get angry if he does something you don’t like. Dogs love praise and they love to be praised, so they’ll try to perform the actions again.
Learning how to teach a dog basic commands is not that hard. The most important thing is that you be consistent and be firm in your instructions. Your dog will be rewarded in time with lots of dog training commands. And remember to keep trying new things. Dogs are forever seeking attention and love, so it’s up to you to give them both!