Training: The basic commands

You can train your dog many different ways using basic obedience commands to teach him how to be well behaved in everyday situations. You should have a training collar and a six foot lead before you begin.

Heel: Begin with the dog sitting beside your left leg. With him sitting and facing forward, command "Fido heel," as you step briskly forward with your left leg. Give the leash a gentle tug to remind the dog to pay attention. Allow the leash to go slack and wait for the dog to jump ahead or fall behind. Then jerk him back into position just hard enough to get him in place as you repeat "heel." Remember your dog has to learn you want him to walk beside you, so keep at it. Every time you stop, hold the leash above his neck and push on his rump to sit. Eventually, he will sit without the command. Practice heeling in all directions and at all speeds.

Sit: Say "sit," push his rump down with your left hand and pull the leash straight up with your right hand. The dog should sit squarely next to your left leg. This should be easy after all your heel work. You can also hold a treat above his head slowly moving it backwards while saying "sit." As he watches the food he will eventually have his head so far back that he will be forced to sit. Immediately give him the treat and lots of praise.

Stay: Have the dog sit at heel. Give the command "stay." As you say "stay," bring your right hand in front of the dog's face. Step immediately in front of your dog leading with your right foot. If the dog moves, put him right back in position. Eventually move farther and farther away until you are six feet away at the end of your leash.

Down: Put the dog in sitting position at your left heel. Kneel by the dog. For a medium to large dog, lift the right leg in your right hand and push down on his left shoulder with your left hand. Say "down," with your right hand palm open and slightly above the dog's head. At the same time give the hand signal for "down." For large dogs or dogs that do not respect the down command, hold the dog's muzzle with your left hand, turn the dog's head gently to the left with your right placed directly behind the dog's shoulder blades and push down while saying "down."

Come: Put the dog in sitting position at your left heel, then command to "stay." Walk away, leading with your right foot. At the end of the leash, turn and say "Fido, come." As he comes, move backward quickly and gather in the leash until he is in front of you. Say "sit." If your dog is slow at coming or does not respond on first call, try using a treat. Show the dog the treat while you call and give him the treat as soon as he is sitting squarely in front of you.