Training Tips
Three Basic Training Commands That Every Dog Should Know
These three basic obedience commands (sit, down and no) may sound easy but they are so needful to a dog's success since a well behaved dog is much more likely to stay in a home rather than going to a shelter. Also, a dog that knows basic commands can do better when learning other exercises that are good for their health, such as walking on a treadmill.
Before the training starts, it really helps to have a leash on the dog that is secured to something, such as a wall so the dog only has a certain distance it can reach. Then, stand in front of it. Have another leash attached to the dog that you (the trainer) can hold in order to have more control of the dog.
SIT
Chose a treat the dog really likes for the reward. If you chose a treat the dog likes, it may sit but if the dog loves the treat, the chances of the dog sitting is greatly increased. Of course, think health wise when choosing a treat for any dog. (Reward the dog with treats for good behavior often).
Hold the treat just above the dog's head, just out of sight of its view. If you hold it in front of the dog's face then chances are it will look straight forward at the treat. If you hold the treat above its head, it can't see the treat unless the dog sits (looking up).
If the dog is almost sitting but starts jumping for the treat don't give the treat when the dog's on its hind legs. Step on the front leash and say "sit" which should stop it in its tracks. Repeat "sit" again and hold the treat above its head. If the dog is responding well then compliment the dog, such as saying "perfect". Hold it for a couple seconds and say "good"...that's a good sit. "perfect"... "perfect"..."cool"..."that's a sit" ..."beautiful".
Again, hold the treat out of the line of sight until it sits in order to be able to see the treat. Then, pay the dog with a treat. If a little bit of jumping starts then use your own judgment as to whether or not you think stepping on the leash exercise is justified. If you think the dog is conditioned then give full slack on the front leash and say "sit"..."good"...then wait out the dog to see if it jumps. Implement the sitting exercise several more times by holding the treat above the dog's head. See if the sit command is complete and remember to compliment the dog when it performs well at your commands.
Teaching a dog to sit is one thing but holding the dog on the sit position is a whole other scenario because you want the dog to learn to stay in that position.
If the dog won't look up, swipe the treat under the snout and then keep moving it upward. Talk to the dog by using the word "sit" over and over with compliments in between..."good sit"..."beautiful sit", etc.
DOWN
Now, transition from the 'sit' command to a "down". Firstly, have the dog sit again...using compliments: "good"..."that's a sit"..."beautiful". Then take your hand that is holding the treat and hold the treat right under the dog's snout while bringing your hand to the ground and dragging it toward you making an "L" shape. Once a dog has the sit command, the down command is a breeze.
Once again, take a treat and hold it right up to the snout but don't give it to them. Do an "L" shape with your hand by bringing the treat to the ground while holding it in your hand and slide it toward you (away from the dog) completing the "L". (Tip: It helps to have the dog at eye level, such as on a platform (table) when performing this exercise).
As you are doing that exercise say the word "down"...then compliment..."good"..."that's a down"..."beautiful". Many dogs will do kinda of like a yoga pose and kinda sit there hovering over the treat not dropping their elbows, so wait them out. This is very common, normal and very expected behavior . The second they put their elbows down, give the treat.
Most dogs after a couple of minutes will realize the second they put their elbows down that they will get the treat. Timing is so important in helping making this exercise work, so give the treat right away when the elbows go down.
NO
After the 'sit' and the 'down' command, transition to a "no" command. Begin by putting the treat right in view and just say "nope" and put your hand over it saying, "nope...nope...nope"...no. Just keep saying nope and no. All you need to look for the dog to do is back its head off a little bit. The first minute or so, the dog will more than likely nudge it...you say "nope, nope".
Most dogs learn the technique this way but some are different, perhaps a little more stubborn. If that's the case, put the treat just out of reach. The dog may be able to get its snout and tongue close to it. So, put the treats out of reach but not too far. Just wait them out with no tension on the leash. If there is resistance, say "nope". Let the dog relax and wait. Then say, "Give me a sit..."give me a sit" and "we lie down"..."good"...and pay for that (give the treat). Then say, "Nope...no...no".
From using this type exercise on thousands of dogs, chances are the dog won't fight for more than a few minutes. They may keep going for the treat...and keep going for it. Eventually they just give up. Giving up is the goal because the second they give up, they get the treat. Always compliment the dog over and over when it does the command.
Now, make sure when you give the treat to the dog that you say a 'release' command. That command is the word "okay". So, once again, drop the treat out of reach of its snout a few inches and say "no".
Wait a few seconds...when the dog starts to comprehend what is going on, it should understand the less it does the more it will get paid. Give the treat and say the release command of "okay". Remember to give compliments, such as "perfect".
Now, the dog should have learned the "sit", "down" and "no" commands which should help when learning the other commands.
(This content was transcribed with editing from the video of Brandon McMillan featured with the Charleston Animal Society).