Dogs Training - Dog Commands

When training your dog, the commands you use to elicit action from your dog should be clear concise and consistent. The commands can be in the form of a verbal command, a snap of your finger followed by a hand signal or a whistle.

The rules for teaching any behavior are as follows :

• Decide on your cue (a specific word command, finger snap and signal, whistle or hand signal used every time, but only for that particular behavior)
• Decide on how to elicit the desired behavior (enforce the Sit command, for example, by pulling up on the collar and pushing downward on the dog's rear)
• Give the cue as you elicit the desired behavior

The 12 basics for all commands :

1. Define your intent. What do you expect the dog to do?
2. Define the cue. What clear visual or auditory signal will you use to initiate the desired action?
3. Use the cue while you appear confident yet pleasant.
4. Preface verbal commands with the dog's name. The name and the command should sound like one word ("Betsy, Heel", rather than "Betsy….. Heel"). The only exception to this rule is when giving the Stay command, since this tells the dog not to move.
5. Say the command only once, so your dog learns to listen to every command.
6. Instill an association between the command and the conduct. While teaching, give the command as you make the dog do the action (for example, say Sit as you pull up on the collar and push down on the dog's rear).
7. Give commands only when you can enforce them so you don't risk teaching disobedience.
8. Decide on reinforcement. How are you going to show the dog what to do? Unlike the other 11 steps, this will change depending on your dog's stage in training.
9. Show appreciation with praise. As you see your dog learning, "Good, good, good!" should become a reflex.
10. Release the dog from every command with the word Okay.
11. Test your dog's understanding. Before progressing to the next level, make sure your dog can work around distractions.
12. Never take obedience for granted. Dogs forget, get lazy, become distracted and inevitably fail to respond to familiar commands. Correct your dog so that she understands that the rules haven't changed and neither should her behavior-especially if she rarely makes a mistake.

For more on how to train your dog on the various dogs commands, please visit my blog at http://1-manbestfriend.blogspot.com

Article submitted Saturday, April 12, 2008
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