How to Train Your Dog

How to Train Your Dog to Walk Off Leash

“Heel” refers to the dog walking on your left side with his head level with your knee as you hold the leash lightly in competitive obedience training. Puppy training can be more laid-back, with the objective of walking respectfully on a slack leash without tugging. When teaching this simple manner of walking together, some trainers choose to say “let’s go” or “forward” rather than “heel.”

Whatever cue you choose, be consistent and use the same term every time. It is entirely up to you whether your puppy walks on your left or right side. However, be constant with where you want them to go so they don’t become confused and start zigzagging in front of you.

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To begin, make sure your dog feels at ease when on a leash. At first, this may seem unusual, and some puppies may bite the leash. As you put the leash on each time, give your puppy goodies.

Then, with the leash in a loose loop, stand next to your puppy and offer him many treats in a succession for standing or sitting next to your leg.

As he catches up, take a step forward and encourage him to follow by giving him another goodie.

As you go ahead, continue to give treats to your puppy at the level of your knee or hip.

Simply turn in the opposite direction, call him to you, and treat him in place if he runs in front of you. Then proceed. Gradually increase the distance between rewards (from every step to every other step, every third step, and so on).

When he’s on his leash, your dog will eventually stroll cheerfully behind you. Allow plenty of time for your dog to sniff and “smell the flowers” throughout your walks. Give the cue “Let’s Go!” in a joyful voice when they’ve had their smelling time, and praise them for getting back into position and walking with you.

How to Train Your Dog to Sit

There are two ways to teach your puppy the meaning of the word “sit.”

The first technique is known as capture.

The following choice is tempting

1. As a lure, get down in front of your dog and hold a goodie.
2. Place the reward directly in front of the dog’s nose, then gently raise it over his head. He’ll probably sit and munch on the goodie as he lifts his head.
3. When his bottom contacts the ground, let him to devour the reward.
4. Rep with the food lure one or two more times, then remove the food and use only your empty palm to treat the puppy once he sits.
5. Once he knows how to sit using a hand signal, you may start saying “sit” directly before the hand gesture.

Never force your puppy to sit; this might be confusing or distressing for some pups.

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How to Train Your Dog to Lay Down

“Down” is comparable to “sit” in that it may be taught in the same way.

1. You can sit and wait for your dog to fall asleep (beginning in a boring, small room such as a bathroom can help)
2. When your dog lies down, reinforce the behavior by giving him a reward.
3. Wait for him to lie down again after giving him his release cue to stand up (and encouragement with a lure if needed).
4. You can start shouting “down” soon before he does so when he is fast lying down after standing up.

You may also entice a down from a standing or sitting position.

Never push your dog into a down, just as you would with a sit.

How to Train Your Dog Not to Jump

The most typical cause for a dog jumping up is in an attempt to get our attention. We might unwittingly encourage a dog to continue leaping up by reacting to it.

When your dog is a puppy, he or she will normally learn to jump up. It may be tempting to reward the behavior when your dog is young, but once your dog has reached adulthood, it may become a serious issue. Even though your dog is merely trying to be nice, not everyone will like it, and some people may find it scary.

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When it comes to teaching your dog not to jump up, timing, consistency, and endurance are crucial. You may notice that your dog leaps up more when you initially start. Because leaping up has already been praised, your dog may believe they just need to strive harder to attract your attention. This is very normal, so keep going.