Teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” is essential for building good behavior and obedience. These foundational commands help establish communication between you and your puppy and are the building blocks for more advanced training obedience school for dogs houston. Here’s how to teach your puppy these important commands:
1. Teaching “Sit”
The “sit” command is one of the easiest and first commands to teach your puppy. Here’s how to do it:
- Get your puppy’s attention with a treat.
- Hold the treat just above their nose and slowly move it upward over their head. This will encourage your puppy to sit naturally.
- Once your puppy’s bottom touches the ground, immediately say “sit” and reward them with the treat.
- Repeat this several times until your puppy associates the action of sitting with the command and the reward.
2. Teaching “Stay”
Once your puppy has mastered “sit,” the next step is teaching “stay.” This command helps your puppy learn impulse control.
- Start by getting your puppy into a sitting position.
- Show the treat in your hand and slowly move it away from their face. Say the word “stay” in a calm, firm voice.
- If your puppy stays in place, reward them with the treat and lots of praise.
- Start with short durations and gradually increase the time your puppy stays in place before rewarding them.
- Practice in different environments to help your puppy generalize the behavior.
3. Teaching “Come”
The “come” command is vital for your puppy’s safety. It helps you call them back to you when needed.
- Begin with your puppy on a leash in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Kneel down to your puppy’s level, and say “come” in an excited, happy voice.
- Use a treat to encourage them to come toward you, holding it close to your body to guide them.
- When they reach you, praise them and reward them with the treat.
- Practice in different settings and gradually increase the distance between you and your puppy.
4. Consistency and Patience
The key to successfully teaching these commands is consistency and patience. Always use the same words and hand gestures, and keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to prevent your puppy from becoming bored or overwhelmed. End each session on a positive note, and remember that puppies learn at their own pace.
Conclusion
Teaching your puppy to sit, stay, and come sets the foundation for a well-behaved dog. With consistent training, positive reinforcement, and plenty of patience, your puppy will quickly learn these essential commands. As they grow, these skills will help you communicate better with your dog, keep them safe, and strengthen your bond.