Back to School, Back to Basics! How to Train Your Dog to Sit, Stay, and Lay Down
Teaching fundamental commands like sit, stay, and lay down not only establishes strong communication with your dog, it ensures builds trust and connection which are the foundations for safety and obedience. In this post, we'll walk you through the steps to master these basics and hopefully inspire you to start your training journey or refresh your skills.
Basic commands are the foundation of dog training. As a trainer, I always make sure a dog knows these commands because they are so useful in day to day existence. They provide a means of communication and can enable control in various situations. Good behavior starts with these simple commands.
Regardless of if you are working with a fresh puppy, a newly adopted pup or simply want to sharpen your dog’s skills, using positive reinforcement is the most effective and consistent way to teach. I suggest you find a quiet, controlled area to start. Make sure you've got your sexy treat pouch filled with tasty goodies and begin!
How to teach your dog to SIT:
Get Their Attention by holding a treat close to your dog's nose, allowing them to smell it.
Slowly lift the treat upwards, encouraging your dog to follow it with their head. As they look up, their bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position. Remember to go VERY slow with your lure. Like really slow.
Once your dog sits, use a maker (like a clicker or the word YES!) then reward with praise and a treat.
Repeat this process 3 times then add the word “sit” when you lift your hand over the dog’s head.
Fade the lure, meaning take the treats out of your hands! Cue the dog with verbal command and hand signal. When the dog sits, reward!
Sit is one of the best things you can ever teach your pup. Make it a default position! It is a behavior you can ask for over and over in lots of locations and situations. Its also a really great way for your dog say please when they want something.
Training Your Dog to Lay Down:
Begin with your dog in a seated position. Put a treat close to your dog's nose and gradually lower it to the ground by their front paws.
Your dog’s head will follow the motion down then slowly move the treat along the floor towards you. The treat is taking an L shaped path.
As your dog lays down along the floor, provide praise and offer the treat.
Continue luring for the first few repetitions then try with just the hand motion and reward after.
Teaching Your Dog to STAY: An important step to impulse control.
Start with the dog sitting on something comfortable. (If they are going to hold still we want them comfy)
Give a hand signal with an extended open palm and use the verbal cue "stay"
Take a step or two backward. You don’t have to rush and DO NOT maintain eye contact. A lot of people assume staring at your dog will help, but it actually is counter productive.
Return, mark with “Yes” or a click and reward!
Gradually Increase Distance by walking a few feet away. Do this in multiple directions. With each successful stay, gradually increase the distance you step back.
Add Distractions like turning your back, opening a door or going out of sight. Always go back to the dog to reward.
Start with these basics, and soon you'll be on your way to a well-trained and obedient canine! Mastering commands lays the groundwork for more advanced training, good communication and mental stimulation. Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key. Training should always be an enjoyable experience for the dog and the human!
Read. Do. Reward.
