Boot Camp for Your Working Dog

Building a Strong Foundation for Effective Communication with Your Dog

Basic Training Techniques

Calling all dog lovers! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with your furry friend? Look no further, because we’re diving into the world of basic dog training. Whether you’re a new pet parent or looking to strengthen your bond with your canine companion, foundation dog training is the key to success.

Imagine having effective communication with your four-legged pal. Picture a well-behaved and obedient pooch who listens to your every command. With the right tools and techniques, this dream can become a reality.

Enter canine obedience training – the secret sauce that transforms rambunctious pups into well-mannered companions. Through positive reinforcement and consistent guidance, you’ll be amazed at what your dog can achieve.

But where do you begin? Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. From teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come, to curbing unwanted behaviors like jumping or chewing, our comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the way.

Teaching Your Dog the Essential Commands

Training your furry friend can be a joyous and rewarding experience, but let’s face it, it can also be a bit challenging at times. That’s where I come in – your trusty assistant – armed with tips and tricks to make this process a breeze.

Let’s start with the basics: The “Watch Me” command.

First things first, make sure you have some tasty treats on hand. Dogs are food-motivated creatures (aren’t we all?), so using positive reinforcement during training is key.

The Watch Me Command

One of the most important commands you can master and should hold be used during training, out in public, at home etc. You want your dog to be easily redirectable in any situation and this makes training easier with more advanced techniques later on. When you ask for them to “watch you” your pup will begin to learn your communication cues, your changes in body language and most importantly begin to respect you as their pack leader. The clearer the communication with consistent training techniques the quicker you build the foundational skills of basic training for transitioning into more advanced skills. Gaining that trust through clear communication is the cornerstone to any training program.

The “Watch Me” Command

Step 1: You must be confident in what you are teaching. Your Goal: Clear, effective communication of what is wanted.

Step 2: Call your dog over to you and immediately reward. They are becoming engaged and want to work with you.

Step 3: Take a treat, swipe it upwards by their nose and hold directly at the tip of your nose. in an upward motion towards your nose. Now use the word “Watch Me”.

Step 4: Wait until that millisecond of eye contact, immediately reward. Verbal praise and treat reward.

Step 5: Repeat the same action, take the treat swipe up by their nose and upwards towards your nose with command. Reward!

Step 6: Now move around the room, call your dog over to you. Reward.

Step 7: Continue to repeat the steps. By this time your dog most likely is super excited and following you around the room like you are a pez dispenser.

Step 8: Continue practicing this daily for a few repetitions a day. (Pro-Tip: Keep training sessions to 15 minutes or less at a time. Do not try to add on to the initial training until you have a solid understanding and mastery of the first command.)

The “Sit” Command

(Pro-Tip: Only use a command once. You are not asking your dog if they want to sit, if they will sit or if they can sit! You are being confident and assertive telling them you want them to “sit”.)

Step 1: Start by using the “Watch Me” command you have already mastered. Reward the “Watch Me” if performed correctly.

Step 2: Once they are making good eye contact and you have their attention, take a treat above their head pushing them back until they fall into the sit position. Reward and use verbal praise with “Good Sit”.

Step 3: Repeat the “Watch Me”…..now wait for it….

Step 3: The pup will want to figure out how to get rewarded again. Your pup will begin throwing behaviors until they win again inevitably sitting.

Step 4: As soon as they sit, immediately reward and give verbal praise, “Good Sit”.

Step 4. Repeat the “Watch Me”, then reward. The “Watch Me” is only to get their attention. So move around the room and repeat . If the pup is having a hard time falling into the sit position you may gently put pressure over their low back near tail to assist them into a sitting position. Immediately use the command “Sit” with a tasty reward!

(Pro-Tip: The reward must be immediate and your timing is everything!!!)

Step 5: After mastering the beautiful “Sit” command you are ready to add on to your basic training.

Decorative Dog Crate

Dog Bed

15 Foot Training Leash

Stainless Dog Bowls with Stand

Puppy Food

Urine Stain Remover

Nylabone Puppy Chews

Chew Toys

Puppy Shampoo

The “Lay-Down” Command

Step 1: Start by using your “Watch Me” command you have so brilliantly mastered. Reward the “Watch Me”.

Step 2: Once they are making good eye contact and you have their attention, take the treat by their nose straight to the floor. They will move into a bowing-type position until lying down. Immediately reward and give verbal praise, “Good down”.

(Pro-Tip: Most likely the pup has moved into the “Watch Me” position and is in a sit.

If So, Well Done, Kudos to you! You are doing a great job of effectively communicating with your pup!!

Step 3. Repeat the steps using the command only once with using the word “Down” and rewarding.

Step 4: Move around the room now and try to repeat the same actions.

Step 5: “Call Pup Over”, “Watch Me” then pause, reward.

Step 6: Use a treat to lure into a “Down Position” coupled with the command and immediately reward.

As you and your furry companion continue to build this trusting relationship with clear communication take the training to unfamiliar areas where the commands have not been practiced. Example: Outside while on a walk, a hardwood store, a pet store, etc. You will master these three basic commands and be ready to add more before you know it. Stay tuned for more basic training techniques that even the most new pet owner can master. The next basic training article will include establishing a reliable recall, dropping it, leaving it, and troubleshooting some of the common challenges in basic training.

If you would like to see more advanced training techniques just leave a comment on our Facebook or Instagram page and we will be sure to include it in upcoming articles.