Training your furry friend isn’t just about teaching tricks – it’s about building a strong bond and ensuring their safety. Well-trained dogs are happier, more confident, and better companions in every situation.
These simple techniques will transform your energetic pup into a well-mannered family member without complicated equipment or professional help.
1. Leash Walking Without Pulling
Freedom without the shoulder strain! When your dog pulls, simply stop walking. Resume only when the leash relaxes. Consistency is your secret weapon here.
Reward moments when they walk beside you without tension. Short, successful walks build better habits than frustrated long ones. Your arm will thank you for this training investment!
2. Sit Command Mastery
Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then move your hand up so their head follows while their bottom naturally lowers. Once sitting, say “sit” clearly and reward immediately.
Practice makes perfect! Start in a quiet room before trying in distracting environments. Your pup will soon respond to the verbal command alone without needing the hand motion.
3. Come When Called
Recall might save your dog’s life someday! Start in your living room, call your dog’s name followed by “come” in an excited voice. When they reach you, celebrate with treats and praise.
Gradually increase distance and distractions. Never punish a dog who finally comes – even if they took forever. You want them associating this command with only positive outcomes.
4. Stay In Position
Patience pays off with this command! Ask your dog to sit, then open your palm toward them saying “stay.” Take one step back, return immediately, and reward them for not moving.
Gradually increase the distance and duration. Success comes from baby steps – don’t rush! This skill builds impulse control that transfers to many real-world situations.
5. Leave It Command
Curiosity won’t kill your dog with this skill! Place a treat in your closed fist. When they sniff and lick, ignore it. The moment they back away, say “leave it” and reward with a DIFFERENT treat.
Eventually place temptations on the floor. This command prevents your pup from grabbing dangerous items or food that could harm them.
6. Gentle Taking Of Treats
Nobody likes shark teeth on their fingers! Offer a treat in your closed fist. Only open when your dog gently noses your hand without mouthing or pawing.
For enthusiastic pups, try saying “gentle” before offering. If teeth touch skin, say “ouch” and withdraw the treat briefly. Your fingers deserve protection, and this teaches valuable bite inhibition.
7. Doorway Manners
Doorway dashing ends now! Approach exits with your dog on leash. If they rush forward, immediately step back from the door. Only proceed when they’re calm and waiting.
Make them sit before opening any door. This prevents dangerous escapes and establishes you as the leader who decides when it’s safe to venture out.
8. Crate Training Success
Turn that crate into a canine castle! Toss treats inside and let your dog enter and exit freely. Feed meals near, then inside the crate with the door open.
Gradually close the door for short periods while you remain visible. A crate-loving dog gains a portable safe space and makes travel, vet visits, and home alone time much less stressful.
9. Drop It Command
Tug-of-war with your shoe? Not anymore! When your dog has something in their mouth, offer a high-value treat while saying “drop it.” Most dogs will release the item to take the tastier option.
Practice with toys first before moving to more tempting items. This life-saving command helps when they’ve grabbed something dangerous or disgusting on walks.
10. Focus Training
Squirrel distractions be gone! Hold a treat by your eye, say your dog’s name, and when they make eye contact, mark with “yes” and reward. Eye contact is doggy attention.
Practice in increasingly distracting environments. A dog who checks in with you regularly is easier to manage everywhere you go. This simple foundation skill improves all other training efforts.
11. Wait Before Meals
Food bowl frenzy tamed! Hold your dog’s filled bowl above their reach. Ask them to sit, then slowly lower it. If they jump up, raise it again.
Only place it down when they remain seated. Say “okay” as your release word when they can eat. This teaches valuable impulse control and prevents food guarding behaviors from developing.
12. Settle Down Command
Calm in chaos starts here! When your dog is relaxed, quietly say “settle” and reward that state. Don’t wait for perfect stillness – reward moving toward calmness.
Practice during naturally quiet times first. Gradually use the cue during mild excitement. This invaluable skill helps during visitors, vet visits, and when you simply need some peace at home.
13. Paw Targeting
Touch magic unlocks countless tricks! Hold your palm out and reward any interaction your dog makes with it. Say “touch” the moment their nose connects with your hand.
Once mastered, this simple skill becomes the foundation for dozens of advanced tricks. Use it to teach spins, closing doors, or even flipping light switches for truly impressive canine capabilities.
14. Greeting Visitors Politely
Jumping on guests becomes ancient history! Practice with family members entering through doors. If your dog jumps, the person immediately turns away without speaking or touching.
Reward all four paws on floor with attention and treats. Consistent practice creates a dog who sits automatically when meeting new people. Your visitors will appreciate this effort tremendously!
15. Loose Leash Walking
Walking harmony achieved! Start in a low-distraction area. When your dog stays beside you with a slack leash, reward frequently. If they pull, change direction immediately.
Consistency matters more than distance initially. Use high-value treats in challenging environments. Soon your neighborhood strolls will become enjoyable rather than arm-wrenching tests of strength!