The Basics of

Training Your Dog

Canine training is the same as for all animals, you

communicate to your dog what you want him to

do; when the dog has performed as desired, you

reward him. You immediately repeat the exercise a

few times and review it frequently until the dog’s

response to the command is practically automatic.

But of course it isn’t quite as simple as it sounds.

In the first place, communications with your dog

are limited. Sometimes you can demonstrate the

action you want him to perform. Sometimes you

have to force or work with him. In certain cases,

SIT or COME for example, you can give your dog

the appropriate command every time you see

that he is about to perform these actions

anyway, then praise him. Eventually, he will connect

the cause and the effect.

When giving commands, be calm, distinct, brief,

patient, and perfectly clear in repeating your

commands. Above all, be consistent. If your dog just

sits there cocking his ears with a lost look, it is

obvious you are not getting your message across

and that you need to improve your communications

system. Start over again trying to clarify your

command, while increasing the will power behind it.

One-word commands are best at first. Later on you

can use the key word in a sentence, pronouncing it

gradually and not as focused. When your dog has

grasped your meaning and performed correctly, and

has been rewarded, repeat the performance at once

in order to fix it in his memory. Three or four

times are sufficient for the first lesson because

you don’t want to bore him with it.

You should repeat the lessons again the next day,

and thereafter at the beginning of each training

session until he has mastered it. You will see that

your dog really enjoys showing off what he

learned to do. Certain conditions are necessary

for successful training. Try to schedule the lessons

at the same time and in the same place, one that is a

secluded as possible and free from distractions such

as passing cars, playing children, and other animals.

The learning process from the dog’s point of view,

involves listening attentively and watching you as

you give a command, realizing that each sound and

gesture signifies something he is being asked to do.

Once this sequence has been established in his

mind, there is no limit to what he can learn.

Please do not attempt to school a tired dog, or an

ailing one, or one that has just eaten. The dog will

only become frustrated, irritable, and his only

memory of your time together will always be an

unpleasant one. You’ll achieve the same results if

you are nervous, irritable, or in a bad mood. Give

him your time, attention, patience, and love.

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