How to train your dog & Top Training Tips

How to train a dog to sit
Teaching your dog to sit is a great place to start with your training, and it can be a really useful command for them to learn.

For example, teaching your dog to sit at curbs can make crossing roads safer, and asking your dog to sit when greeting people means they're less likely to jump up.

Teach your dog to sit in six easy steps

1. With your dog in a standing position, hold a tasty treat near their nose.
2. Keeping the treat near your dog's nose, move your hand in an arc over his head.
3. As the dog raises his head to follow the treat, his bottom will go on the floor. The instant he sits, praise him and give him the treat.
4. Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.
5. As your dog always gets a treat for sitting, you'll soon find he sits for longer. You can now add the cue word 'sit' as he goes to sit. Be careful not to say it before your dog moves into position or they may associate it with the wrong movement.
6. Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.
   Give an 'okay' cue to let your dog know when their training has ended

How to train your dog to lie down

Once your dog has mastered 'sit', it's time to teach them to lie down. This is a useful thing to get your dog to do when you want them to settle on the floor, either at home or when you're out and about.

Teach your dog to lie down in six easy steps

1. With your dog in a sitting position and a treat in your hand, move your hand from your dog's nose towards their chest, then straight down towards the floor.
2. Your dog should follow the treat into a lying down position. Praise and reward them with the treat immediately.
3. Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.
4. When your dog is easily following the treat into a down position, you can start to say the word 'down' just as your dog is getting into the down position.
5. Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.
6. While your dog is lying down, give him treats - this will increase the time he spends lying down.

Extra tip
Practice often and in different places. Once your dog is happily lying down on command in your home, start to practice in more distracting environments, like the garden or your local park.

How to train a dog to stay
Training your dog to 'wait' or 'stay' is simple and can be really handy for keeping your dog safe - for example, asking them to stay in the back of the car while you clip a lead onto their collar. You'll need your dog to be well practised at lying down on command before moving on to 'stay'.

A six Step guide to teaching a dog to stay

1. Ask your dog to lie down.
2. Give your dog a hand signal - for example, a 'stop' sign with the palm of your hand facing your dog.
3. Instead of giving your dog the treat straightaway, wait a few seconds. Say 'stay' and then give it to them. It's important to reward your dog while they're still lying down, and not if they've got back up.
4. Practise this many times in short but regular sessions, gradually increasing the length of time your dog stays in the down position.
5. Next, you can start to increase the distance between you and your dog. Start by only taking one step back before giving them the reward, and then slowly and gradually increase the distance.
6. Practise in lots of different places - around the house, in the garden, at a friend's house and in the local park.

Extra tips

• It's important to gradually extend the time you want your dog to stay. Practise regularly and increase the time by a few seconds each time.
• Look out for signs that your dog is going to break the 'stay' and reward him before he does - set him up to win rather than fail.
• You can also teach your dog to stay in a 'sit' position. Follow the steps above, but start by asking your dog to sit.