If you’ve just brought a dog home, the idea of obedience training might feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. The good news is, you don’t need any prior experience to train your puppy into a well-behaved canine citizen. The key is consistency, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor throughout the training process. In this guide, we share simple steps and tips to help you start basic obedience training.
Obedience Training Steps and Tips
You’ll need:
- A harness
- A leash
- A long lead
- Treats or other motivators (toys, etc.)
How to Train Your Dog to Obey
1. Enroll in Obedience Classes
Even before bringing your new dog home, it’s a good idea to contact obedience training classes, sign up for your puppy, and ask any questions you might have. It’s highly recommended because it provides an additional support system while training your dog at home. It’s also a great way for your dog to socialize safely with other dogs.
2. Identify Motivators
Rewards are key to motivating your dog during training. Dogs are motivated by different rewards; some like treats, others enjoy toys, playtime, or even a gentle scratch behind the ears. Pay attention to what excites your dog the most and use that as a motivator during training.
3. Start with Basic Commands
Basic commands are essential as they give you better control in various situations. For example, if your dog is about to eat something it shouldn’t, a command like “leave it” can be very effective. It’s best to start teaching basic commands in an environment free of distractions. Here are some of the most basic commands (non-exhaustive list) and tips for using rewards to train your dog to execute them:
- Sit
Place a treat in front of your dog and then move it in a curve above its head. This will cause the dog to naturally sit. - Come
When your dog is a short distance away from you, squat down, make sure they can see the treat or toy in your hand. Say “come” happily, and reward them. Using a long leash in public areas, like a dog park, helps train your dog to return from a greater distance. - Stay
Have your dog sit, then show them a treat and raise your palm with the “stay” signal. Wait one or two seconds and then reward them. Gradually increase the time before giving the treat. - Leave it
Hold the treat in your hand, and let your dog try to push or lick it. When the dog backs off for a moment, reward them. Keep doing this until your dog consistently ignores the treat. You can then start using the verbal cue “leave it” and train your dog not to touch food in your open palm. - Down
Have your dog sit, then move a treat down to the ground. Encourage your dog to follow the treat and lie down. When they lie down, reward them. - Watch Me
Show your dog a treat, then raise it between your eyes. Say “watch me,” and when your dog looks at you for a few seconds, reward them. Gradually increase the time they focus on you before giving them a treat.
4. Train Leash Behavior
You can also train your dog’s good leash behavior indoors and outdoors. Training your dog to “heel” (walk beside you) is important, as it’s more comfortable for both of you than being pulled. One common method is to call your dog to your side and reward them when they do. Then, show them a treat and encourage them to walk beside you. Gradually increase the steps they need to take to earn the treat.
5. Keep Practicing
While some dogs learn quickly, training is not an overnight process, and it’s not a one-time thing. It requires consistency. Even if your dog becomes very proficient at a specific command, continue reinforcing it every day. If your dog takes time to master a command, that’s fine—give them time. Keep practicing, stay consistent, and you’ll soon see the results.
6. Keep Sessions Short
Avoid overloading your dog with long training sessions. 10-15 minutes per training session is enough to get your dog to perform commands or routines. It’s better to have several short training sessions throughout the day than one long session, as dogs can only focus for so long.
7. Seek Help When Necessary
If the training isn’t working as expected, it’s not a bad idea to seek help from a professional dog trainer. This doesn’t mean you’re doing a poor job; it simply means your dog might respond better to other training methods that you haven’t considered. If you’re finding it challenging, hiring a professional who uses positive reinforcement techniques is always a great choice.
Final Thoughts
The way you train your dog makes a huge difference. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will help you form a strong bond with your dog while teaching them respect. On the other hand, harsh methods, punishment, and inconsistency can cause your dog to disrespect you and even fear you, which can be devastating to both training and socialization efforts.
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