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Basic Obedience
Master essential commands like sit, stay, come, and heel with our proven techniques.
Learn MoreHouse Training
Effective methods to quickly house train puppies or correct issues with older dogs.
Learn MoreLeash Training
End pulling and make walks enjoyable again with our leash training program.
Learn MoreBasic Obedience Training
Basic obedience training is the foundation of a well-behaved dog. These essential commands help establish you as the pack leader and create a harmonious relationship with your pet. Consistent training using positive reinforcement will help your dog understand what you expect from them.
Sit
The sit command is one of the first commands you should teach your dog. It's useful for keeping your dog calm and controlled in various situations.
Learn MoreStay
Teaching your dog to stay in one position until released is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. This command requires patience and gradual training.
Come
A reliable recall command can keep your dog safe in potentially dangerous situations and gives them more freedom during walks. Always use positive reinforcement.
Down
The down command teaches your dog to lie down on command, which is useful for keeping them calm in exciting situations and for longer duration stays.
Tips for Successful Obedience Training
- Be Consistent: Use the same commands and hand signals every time.
- Keep Sessions Short: 5-10 minute sessions several times a day are more effective than one long session.
- End on a Positive Note: Always finish training with a command your dog knows well to build confidence.
- Use High-Value Rewards: Find what motivates your dog - special treats, toys, or praise.
- Practice in Different Environments: Gradually increase distractions as your dog improves.
House Training Your Dog
House training is one of the first and most important skills your dog needs to learn. Whether you're working with a new puppy or an adult dog with house training issues, these techniques will help you establish good habits and prevent accidents in your home.
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime, and before bedtime. For puppies, a general rule is they can hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age (up to 8 hours).
Choose a Designated Spot
Take your dog to the same spot each time. The scent will trigger them to eliminate. Use a specific phrase like "Go potty" that they'll associate with the action, and reward them immediately after they eliminate outside.
Supervise and Confine
When indoors, keep your dog in the same room with you so you can watch for signs they need to go out (circling, sniffing, whining). When you can't supervise, confine them to a crate or small area. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
Handle Accidents Properly
If you catch your dog in the act, interrupt them with a noise (not yelling), then quickly take them outside to finish. Never punish after the fact - dogs won't connect the punishment with an earlier accident. Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors.
Gradual Freedom
As your dog demonstrates reliability, gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start with one room and expand as they prove trustworthy. Even house-trained dogs should be reintroduced slowly to a new home.
Consistent Feeding Schedule
Feed your dog at the same times each day and remove food between meals. This creates predictable elimination times and helps prevent accidents. For puppies, feed 3-4 times daily; for adult dogs, 1-2 times daily.
Troubleshooting Common House Training Problems
- Regression in training: Often caused by a change in routine, moving to a new home, or health issues. Return to basics and consult your vet if the problem persists.
- Marking behavior: Different from regular elimination, this is territorial behavior. Neutering/spaying can help, along with preventing access to previously marked areas.
- Anxiety-related elimination: Some dogs urinate when excited or anxious. Avoid punishment and work on building confidence through positive training.
- Nighttime accidents: Ensure your dog eliminates right before bedtime and consider limiting water intake in the evening (but never restrict water during the day).
Recommended House Training Products
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
Professional strength enzymatic cleaner that eliminates pet stains and odors completely, preventing your dog from returning to the same spot.
View on AmazonSimple Solution Puppy Training Pads
Super-absorbent pads with built-in attractant to help train puppies where to eliminate when outdoor access is limited.
View on AmazonMidWest iCrate Dog Crate
Durable, foldable wire crate with divider panel that grows with your puppy, perfect for house training and providing a safe space.
View on AmazonLeash Training Techniques
Leash training is essential for your dog's safety and your enjoyment of walks together. A well-leash-trained dog walks calmly by your side without pulling, lunging, or becoming distracted. These techniques will help transform chaotic walks into pleasant experiences for both you and your dog.
Choose the Right Equipment
Start with a 4-6 foot leash (not retractable) and a properly fitted collar or harness. Front-clip harnesses can help discourage pulling without causing discomfort. For some dogs, head halters like the Gentle Leader provide excellent control.
Introduce the Leash Positively
Let your dog sniff and investigate the leash before putting it on. Pair the leash with treats and praise so they form positive associations. Practice inside first, letting them drag the leash under supervision before you hold it.
Teach Loose Leash Walking
Start in a low-distraction environment. When your dog walks without pulling, reward them with treats and praise. If they pull, stop walking immediately and wait for slack in the leash before continuing. Consistency is key - never allow pulling to be rewarded by forward movement.
Use the "Be a Tree" Technique
When your dog pulls, become completely still like a tree. Don't jerk the leash or scold them. Wait until they create slack in the leash, then reward and continue walking. This teaches them that pulling achieves the opposite of what they want.
Practice Direction Changes
Randomly change direction during walks to teach your dog to pay attention to you. Use a cheerful voice to call them along with you when changing direction. This helps them learn to focus on you rather than pulling toward distractions.
Gradually Increase Distractions
Once your dog walks well in quiet areas, slowly introduce more challenging environments. Practice near other dogs, people, and interesting smells. Return to easier environments if they struggle, then gradually work up again.
Troubleshooting Common Leash Problems
- Lunging at triggers: Identify what causes lunging (other dogs, squirrels, etc.) and work on counter-conditioning by rewarding calm behavior in the presence of triggers at a distance.
- Pulling toward people/dogs: Teach an alternative behavior like sitting when approaching others. Reward calm greetings and remove attention if they get too excited.
- Refusing to walk: Some dogs freeze or refuse to move on leash. Make walking fun with treats, toys, and enthusiasm. Try walking with another confident dog if possible.
- Leash biting: Redirect to an appropriate toy and reward when they leave the leash alone. For persistent cases, try a chain leash or bitter apple spray on fabric leashes.
Recommended Leash Training Products
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
Front and back clip harness that prevents pulling without choking, with adjustable straps for a perfect fit and reflective strips for night safety.
View on AmazonPetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
Head halter that gives you gentle control of your dog's head, stopping pulling behavior immediately without causing pain or choking.
View on AmazonThunderLeash No-Pull Dog Leash
Innovative leash that can be used as a standard leash or wrapped around your dog's torso to apply gentle pressure when pulling occurs.
View on AmazonEssential Training Tips
Consistency is Key
Use the same commands and rewards consistently to avoid confusing your dog. Everyone in the household should use the same training approach.
Positive Reinforcement Works
Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Dogs respond much better to positive reinforcement than punishment.
Short Training Sessions
Keep training sessions to 5-10 minutes several times a day. Dogs, especially puppies, have short attention spans.
Master the Perfect Sit Command
The "sit" command is the foundation of all dog training. It's often the first command taught and serves as a building block for more advanced training. A reliable sit can help in countless situations - from waiting at crosswalks to greeting guests politely.
Preparation
Choose a quiet area with minimal distractions. Have small, high-value treats ready in your treat pouch. Make sure your dog is calm and attentive before beginning.
The Lure Technique
Hold a treat close to your dog's nose. Slowly move your hand up and slightly back over their head. As their head follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. The moment they sit, say "Sit" clearly, then immediately give the treat and praise.
Adding the Verbal Cue
Once your dog is reliably following the hand motion into a sit, start saying "Sit" just before you give the hand signal. This helps them associate the word with the action. Always reward successful sits with treats and praise.
Fading the Lure
Gradually transition from using a treat as a lure to using just your empty hand in the same motion. Eventually, you'll be able to give just the verbal cue without any hand signal. Continue to reward successful sits, but you can begin to use treats intermittently.
Proofing the Behavior
Practice the sit command in different locations with increasing distractions. Start in your quiet living room, then move to the backyard, then try at a park. This helps your dog generalize the command to any environment.
Duration Training
Once your dog sits reliably on command, work on duration. Ask them to sit, then wait a few seconds before rewarding. Gradually increase the time they must remain sitting before getting the reward. Use a release word like "OK" or "Free" to let them know when they can get up.
Watch the Perfect Sit Technique
This video demonstrates the proper technique for teaching the perfect sit command:
Video demonstration would be embedded here in the final website.
Troubleshooting Common Sit Problems
- Dog won't stay seated: You may be progressing too quickly with duration. Go back to basics and reward more frequently for shorter sits.
- Dog sits but immediately gets up: You may be holding the treat too far above their head, causing them to jump up. Keep the treat closer to their nose.
- Dog backs up instead of sitting: Try training against a wall or in a corner to prevent backing up.
- Dog seems confused: Your timing might be off. Make sure you're marking the exact moment their bottom touches the ground with your verbal "Sit" cue and immediate reward.
Recommended Training Products
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PetAmi Dog Treat Pouch
Versatile treat bag with multiple pockets, built-in poop bag dispenser, and 3 ways to wear. Perfect for training sessions and walks.
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PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker
Positive behavior reinforcer for pets with consistent sound. Essential tool for training all commands with included training guide.
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Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
No-pull harness with front and back attachment points, fully adjustable straps, and reflective material for night safety.
View on Amazon
Zak George's Dog Training Revolution
Complete guide to raising the perfect pet with love. Covers everything from basic commands like "sit" to advanced techniques.
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