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Teaching Your Dog to Heel.

Teaching your dog to heel is an essential command for your dog to learn, especially if you would like to enjoy walking with your dog. In the past this type of command was taught to dogs through negative reinforcement by jerking on their leash and pulling them into position. However there is a much more effective, kinder, way to teach your dog to heel.

Step 1:

Begin your heel lessons at home when your dog is in a calm frame of mind; for example right after a meal or after settling down from an energetic play time.

Step 2:

Place your dog on a leash; if your dog becomes excited once you put the leash on, wait a few minutes until your dog has calmed down. Pick the leash up, and begin to walk.

Step 3:

If your dog does not move with you, entice your dog with praise and a treat. Once your dog starts moving with you reward your dog with plenty of praise. If your dog jumps ahead of you and pulls on the leash, simply wait until your dog has stopped pulling and tugging; do not move, do not yell at your dog, simply wait patiently and ignore your dog. Once your dog settles down, call your dog back to you and then give a reward with praise and a treat.

Step 4:

Once you and your dog are moving together, say the word 'heel' over and over again. If your dog lags behind or jumps ahead stop, entice your dog back to your side, and begin again. When your dog is walking next to you while you say 'heel' reward the dog with plenty of praise and an occasional treat.

Step 5:

Keep the lessons up in your home or yard, and then slowly extend the distance you are walking your dog, and frequently switch directions that you are walking in. Every time your dog follows a heel position give plenty of praise and an occasional treat.

Source: PetWave

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Teaching Your Dog to Come

Teaching your dog to come is often considered to be one of the most difficult commands to teach, but it is also one of the most beneficial. Learning this command can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog and may even save your dog's life one day. Remember it will be some time before your dog learns this command; always use positive reinforcement, and never ever discipline your dog for not following through on the lesson.

Step 1:

Begin this lesson by associating a sound with a treat. Use a clicker, or some treats in a jar or can that you can shake. Make the noise, and afterwards give your dog a little treat. Follow this step multiple times a day, for many days in a row, until your dog associates the noise with a treat.

Step 2:

Standing a few feet away from your dog say the word 'come' and make the noise your dog associates with treats. Your dog will come to you to get the treat; once your dog comes to you follow up with plenty of praise, petting, and the treat. Repeat this step many times a day.

Step 3:

Keep increasing the distance between you and your dog; always follow up with a reward and the treat. Overtime start practicing the lesson in different settings and locations. If your dog does not progress with the lessons, then you will need to keep repeating the initial lessons until the association is really cemented in your dog's mind.

Step 4:

Once your dog is able to follow the 'come' command in different locations, settings, and at long distances, begin to slowly phase out the use of the noise and treat to associate 'come' with the command. Begin just saying the word 'come' and then rewarding with a treat and praise. Overtime stop using the treat and just praise and pet your dog.

Step 5:

You will need to consistently practice this command daily. Always follow the command and response with praise and petting.

Source: PetWave

Teaching Your Dog to Stay

Teaching your dog to stay is a very useful command for dogs to learn, but it requires a lot of patience, time, and continual reinforcement especially with smaller hyper dogs. Always use positive reinforcement methods when you are teaching your dog to stay, and try to turn the lessons into a fun game so that your dog will want to participate.

Step 1:

Teaching your dog to stay is easier if your dog already knows how to sit. Follow the lessons on how to teach your dog to sit, and then progress onto the stay lesson.

Step 2:

Place a few treats in a pocket, or hide them cupped in your hand. Tell your dog to sit, and when your dog sits take a few steps away from the dog while you say the word 'stay' over and over again. Only take a few steps away; if your dog does not move, quickly give a treat reward. If your dog begins to follow you, just say 'no', walk the dog back to the 'sit' area, then try again.

Step 3:

Repeat step 2 multiple times a day until your dog begins to associate 'stay' with not moving as you walk away. Begin by taking just a few more steps at a time; quickly follow up with a treat reward and a lot of praise when your dog stays.

Step 3:

Gradually increase the distance away from your dog while continually saying the word 'stay.' Increase the time that your dog is in a 'stay' position as well. If your dog breaks the stay command, simply say 'no', walk the dog back to the 'sit' area and begin again.

Step 4:

Perform the 'stay' lesson multiple times a day, every day. Once your dog has mastered the 'stay' position at home, and for long distances and increased time, practice the lesson in other areas that have more distractions. Keep rewarding your dog with plenty of praise as the lessons progress, and slowly phase out the treat rewards.

Source: PetWave

How to Teach Your Dog to Wave

Teaching your dog to wave is an advanced trick that is learned more quickly if the foundation of a solid "shake" exists. If your dog already knows how to "Shake" you are ready to begin, but if not, begin by training your dog how to "Shake".

Teaching your dog how to wave can be achieved by following these 5 steps. Remember the two most important factors in successfully training your dog are to make sure you have their attention, and to always use positive reinforcement upon getting the desired results.

Step 1:

Make sure your dog is focused. Get your dog's attention via a piece of food, snapping your fingers, a clicker, or just calling its name. Once you have your dog's focus, you can begin training.

Step 2:

The wave involves the same movement as a shake, so begin by extending your hand out as if you were going to shake your dogs' paw. Give the command shake, and your dog should reach out to shake your hand. As the dog extends its paw, don't accept it, but rather stop short and allow your dog to continue trying to shake. This will cause your dogs' paw to search around looking for your hand, but its also the foundation of the wave motion.

Step 3:

Get your dog to understand the command wave. As your dog reaches his paw out as if to shake your hand (reference step 2), give the command 'wave'. Let your dog know this is the exact motion you are requesting through the use of positive reinforcement (good, petting, treat, and/or whatever makes him/her happiest)

Step 4:

Use praise and rewards to reinforce the command 'wave'. Each time your dog starts to 'wave' reward him or her with its favorite treat to help repeat the behavior, or if the dog likes games and playing, play more with the dog after each time it performs the 'wave'. Remember it's important to associate positive reinforcement with the command, 'wave'.

Step 5:

Repetition is the key to success. Doing this activity several times during the day will help form a pattern and help make the dog know when to 'wave' upon request. It's an advanced trick, so make sure you practice, and are patient with your Dog not immediately understanding the command.

Source: PetWave

Teaching your Dog to Sit

Teaching your dog how to sit can be achieved by following these 5 simple steps. Remember, the two most important factors in successfully training your dog are to make sure you have their attention and always use positive reinforcement.

Step 1:

Make sure your dog is focused. Get your dogs' attention via a piece of food, snapping your fingers, a clicker, or just calling its name. Once you have your dogs' focus, you can begin training.

Step 2:

Give the command to SIT. Do not yell at the dog, rather use a firm, but reassuring tone with your dog to enforce the sitting behavior.

Step 3:

Get your dog to understand what the command SIT is asking. If your dog stairs at you with a confused look, it could mean they don't understand the command. To help your dog understand what you are asking, give the command SIT, and with your hand, gently push on the rear end of the dog until they are in a sitting position. Once in the sitting position, reaffirm their action with a Good SIT.

Step 4:

Use praise and rewards to reinforce the desired behavior. This can be done through using a reward system. Each time your dog sits feed him its favorite treat to help repeat the behavior, or if the dog likes games and playing, play more with the dog after each time it performs the sitting. Remember it's important to associate positive reinforcement with the command, SIT.

Step 5:

Repetition is the key to success. Doing this activity several times during the day will help form a pattern and help make the dog know when to sit upon request.

If you have little success with getting your dog to sit on your own, an obedience training school or program may be helpful. Obedience training schools or programs are normally available at your local pet stores.

Source: PetWave

Teaching Your Dog to Shake

Teaching your dog to shake can be a bit challenging at first, but performing this little trick can be a rewarding experience for you and your dog. When teaching your dog any new lesson, keep in mind that the more you make a fun game out of it the more your dog will want to participate. Follow these steps below, always use positive reinforcement, and you and your dog will be playing the 'shake' game for many years to come.

Step 1:

Begin this lesson by associating the word 'shake' with the action in your dogs' mind. Pick a time when you have your dogs' attention, and when your dog is in a calm mood.

Step 2:

Very gently pick your dogs' paw up, say the word 'shake' in a firm positive voice, and then gently place the dogs' paw in your hand. After you perform this action praise and pet your dog. No doubt in the beginning your dog will initially be confused by this action, but perform the action over and over again anyway and always follow up with praise.

Step 3:

Once your dog seems to understand the association it is time to advance the lesson. Hold a favorite treat or toy up in one hand, hold your other hand out, and say the word 'shake.' At first your dog may still not be able to understand what you want; gently pick the dogs' paw up again, perform the action, praise the dog and then give the dog the treat.

Step 4:

Overtime your dog will begin to associate 'shake' with the action, and a treat and praise. Consistently follow through with these steps at least 3 times a day, every day. Once your dog is able to place a paw in your hand numerous times when you say 'shake', stop using the treat and just stick to enthusiastic praise and petting as the reward.

Step 5:

Consistently perform the shake' routine at least once a day when your dog has learned it to continually reinforce the association.

Source: PetWave

Teaching Your Dog to Speak

Teaching your dog to speak is a fun way to interact with your dog and teach your dog a new command. Follow these simple steps, and you will have your dog speaking in no time. Remember to have patience, and always use positive reinforcement.

Step 1:

The trick to teaching your dog how to speak is to begin associating the word 'speak' with a bark. Begin this word association by holding up a favorite toy or treat that your dog loves, and say the word speak over and over again.

Step 2:

At first your dog may try to grab the toy or treat. If this happens firmly say 'no', if necessary gently push the dog back, and then say 'speak' again. In the excitement to have the toy or treat your dog will eventually bark. When this happens, praise your dog with a lot of enthusiasm and give your dog the treat or toy reward.

Step 3:

Perform the speak word association at least 2-3 times a day. Repetition will help to cement the word association in your dogs' mind.

Step 4:

Once your dog has associated 'speak' with a bark on numerous occasions successfully, stop using the treat or toy as a reward. Now begin to say the word 'speak' and when your dog barks praise the dog with a lot of enthusiasm and petting. If your dog does not seem to understand 'speak' without the toy or treat, than the word association has not been firmly connected in your dogs' mind; go back to the toy or treat method again, and practice with your dog frequently.

Step 5:

Continually reinforce the 'speak' and bark association to keep the word association fresh in your dogs' mind.

Source: PetWave

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Teaching Your Dog to Roll Over

Teaching your dog to roll over is a fun way of interacting and communicating with your dog. This popular doggy trick can take a lot of time and patience though. Some dogs pick it up right away, and some dogs take a bit longer to understand what roll over means. Gather up plenty of treats and patience, follow these simple steps, and your dog will be playing the roll over game with you in no time.

Step 1:

The roll over command should never be taught to a dog until the dog learns the lay down command. Make sure your dog knows lay down first, and then progress to the next steps.

Step 2:

Get down on the floor with your dog and give your dog the lay down command. Once your dog performs this command, gently roll your dog over yourself while you say the words roll over. After you do this, give your dog a reward through praise and plenty of petting. No doubt your dog will be confused at first, but stick with the routine until your dog starts getting comfortable with the game.

Step 3:

Once your dog is comfortable with being rolled over, give your dog the roll over command and wait for your dog to perform the command by itself. If your dog does not pick the command up, keep repeating Step 2 a few times a day, every day, and eventually your dog will roll over without your help.

Step 4:

Once your dog rolls over by itself, give your dog a treat reward and oodles of praise. Try to keep repeating the command, and do not forget an immediate reward, once your dog completes a successful roll over.

Step 5:

Continually reinforce the roll over command by using it at least once a day. Always give some type of reward when your dog performs this command. Use treats at first, and then slowly phase out the treats while you increase praise and affection rewards.

Source: PetWave

Teaching Your Dog to Retrieve

Some dogs will naturally retrieve objects, and other dogs seem to have no interest whatsoever in retrieving. Teaching your dog to retrieve may either be a quick lesson, or it may take a lot of time and patience; it just depends on the dog. Follow these steps below, always use positive reinforcement, and eventually you and your dog can have fun playing retrieving games.

Step 1:

Teaching your dog to retrieve is much easier if your dog already knows the "come" command. Take the time to teach your dog this essential lesson first, and then progress to the retrieve lessons.

Step 2:

Find something that your dog is interested in picking up. This could be a favorite toy like a ball or stuffed animal, or it could be a favorite rawhide chewy; whatever the object is, it should not be able to be quickly destroyed or eaten.

Step 3:

Throw the dogs' retrieving object just a few feet away from you. As you throw the retrieving object say the word, or words you want to use for the retrieve command such as retrieve or get it.

Step 4:

When your dog grabs the object immediately give the retrieve command; if your dog comes to you with the object in his or her mouth take the object, give a treat, and repeat the lesson. Some dogs will drop the toy and then come to you; if this happens with your dog you will need to repeat Step 3 a few times a day, no more than 10 minutes at a time, until your dog finally comes to you with the object in his or her mouth. As soon as this happens praise your dog with a lot of enthusiasm and then give your dog a favorite treat.

Step 5:

Practice the retrieve lesson at least twice a day at 10 minute intervals on a regular basis. Gradually increase the distance that you throw the object; once the retrieve command has been learned phase out the treats, and continue with verbal praise and petting rewards.

Source: PetWave

Teaching Your Dog to Lay Down

Teaching your dog to lay down is a useful command that can be beneficial in a number of settings; in the home, at the veterinarians', when visiting other people, or when you and your dog are around other animals. Follow these steps below, and your dog will learn how to lay down in no time.

Step 1:

It is particularly important that you have your dogs' complete attention when you are teaching this command. Your dog will not understand what you are doing at first, so be sure to use a positive happy voice and praise the dog continually throughout and after the lesson.

Step 2:

When you have your dogs' attention using a favorite treat, toy, or a clicker tool, say the words lay down in a firm voice. Follow through on the command by gently pushing the dog down in a laying position. Pet the dog many times, praise the dog, and then begin the lesson again. After you have repeated this step at least 3 times reward the dog with the treat or toy.

Step 3:

Repeat step 2 a few times a day, for many days in a row, and eventually your dog will associate the words lay down with the action. Once your dog has made this connection, keep the lessons up. Now you can hold up a treat or toy, say the words lay down, and when the dog follows up with the action immediately give the dog a reward with lots of praise.

Step 4:

Overtime stop using a treat or toy as a reward, and stick to verbal praise and petting as you continue with the lesson.

Step 5:

Perform the lessons at least 3 times a day until your dog has really learned it. Continually reinforce the lessons at least once a day, and always follow up with verbal praise.

Source: PetWave

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