Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Here’s a fun way to spend some quality time with your new puppy. These five basic commands are not just about obedience; they’re about building a stronger bond with your pup while keeping things relaxed and stress-free.
Oh and by the way—it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks 😊. While puppies might seem like sponges for learning, older dogs are just as capable of picking up basic commands with a bit of patience and consistency, and remember, it’s just for fun! Who knows, maybe your older dog will be quite eager to learn, especially if there’s a tasty treat 🥓 involved! The key is to keep these sessions short, positive, and rewarding. Use plenty of encouragement and praise to let your furry friend know they’re doing a great job. With a little time and effort, you’ll be amazed at what your older dog can achieve!
Just like us humans, dogs have their own unique quirks and learning styles, some pups seem to pick up new tricks faster than others. It’s all good though, no need to worry—factors like breed, age, and personality play into it. So, whether your pup is a speed demon or more of a laid-back learner, a little patience and some tasty treats 🍪 go a long way in teaching them the ropes. Make sure to practice these commands in the comfort of your home or an enclosed area to keep your pup safe and free of distractions. Let’s have some fun!
“Sit” Back and Relax
The “Sit” command is one of the first and most basic commands to teach your dog. It’s fairly easy to teach and is the building block for many other commands. To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat close to their nose and say “sit” as you slowly move it above their head, which should cause their head to follow the treat and their butt to lower to the floor naturally. As soon as their butt touches the floor, it’s party time – treats and praise galore! If they back up instead, put your other hand on their butt and gently guide them to the floor. Repeat this process multiple times a day until your dog reliably sits on command.
Hang Loose with “Stay”
The “Stay” command will keep your dog sitting until you give them a release word like “ok” or “go”. To teach your dog to stay, begin with them in the sitting position on your left side then pivot around to face them and say “stay” while holding your hand out in front of them, palm facing towards them. Take a step back from your dog, after a few seconds return to your dog, give your release word and shower them with treats and affection like they just won the doggy Olympics🥇. Gradually increase the time and distance of the “Stay” command as your dog becomes more skilled.
“Come”, Chill with Me
When your dog’s off on their own little adventure, the “Come” command is your secret weapon. Whether they’re chasing squirrels or just exploring the backyard, a simple “come” brings them back to you faster than you can say, “Who’s a good boy?”🐶 To teach your dog to come when called, start in a low-distraction environment and say “come” while patting your leg or kneeling down to encourage them to approach you. When your dog reaches you, celebrate like it’s their birthday—treats, belly rubs, the works! Practice the “Come” command frequently, gradually increasing the distance and adding distractions as your dog becomes more reliable.
Chillax with “Down”
Now, it’s time to teach your pup to chill out with the “Down” command. It teaches your dog to lie down on command, which is useful for relaxation and calming excitable behavior. Start with your dog in the sitting position, then hold a treat in your hand and slowly lower it to the floor in front of them. As your dog follows the treat, say “down” and when they flop onto the floor like they’re auditioning for a doggy yoga class shower them with love and tasty treats🥓. Be patient and gentle, as some dogs may take longer to learn this command than others.
“Leave It” and Let It Go
The “Leave it” command is a lifesaver when your pup’s eyeing up that tasty snack they found on the sidewalk or approaching potentially harmful objects, or other animals. Begin by placing a treat in your closed fist and showing it to your dog. Say “leave it” in a firm tone, and when they look away like the responsible pup they are, reward them with tasty treats from your other hand and shower them with love and high-fives 😍.
And there you have it—five commands to turn your pup into the coolest dog on the block 😎. Remember, training should be fun and relaxed, just like hanging out with your furry bestie. So, grab some treats and get ready to embark on the ultimate bonding adventure with your pup. Peace, love, and paws up! 🐾
And by the way—if you’re eager to freeze-frame those adorable moments of your pup or just want to explore the possibilities of a photo session, I’m here to help. I can’t wait to hear from you and embark on this paws-itively delightful journey together! You can contact me here.