Training your dog is one of the most important tasks you will need to do at the early stages of the puppy’s life and the continuation of training throughout their life. Training in the early puppy stages will help them become accustomed to everyday life and make them happier and more obedient.

Lack of training in the early stages and throughout their life, will result in naughty behaviour and stress on both yourself and the dog.

Obedience training does vary amongst different dog breeds, so it's worthwhile researching your dog breed of choice and understanding their temperament and training needs.

Listed below are four basic commands you should be teaching your dog or puppy.

Come

This command will help you and your dog should they be in any kind of danger, or if they've walked too far away during their routine walk.

• Put the collar and leash on your puppy.
• Position yourself at their level and say the following; “ Come”, whilst gently pulling their lead towards you.
• When they eventually come towards you, reward them with lots of affection and a delicious treat.

Once your puppy has learnt this command, you can try it without their leash and collar in a safe, confined area.

Sit

This should be one of the easiest commands to teach your puppy and one of the most important.

• Place the treat close to your dog's nose.
• Move your hand upwards, making sure that their head follows your movement of the treat, whilst their bottom is firmly placed on the floor.
• Once they’re sitting in the correct position, you will need to give the command; “sit”and reward them with a treat and lots of affection.

Repeat this a few times until they become used to the command.

Stay

Before you begin with this training, you must ensure that your puppy is fully accustomed to the command “sit”

• Make your dog sit by giving the command.
• Open your hand, showing the palm in front of your body and say “stay”
• Move backwards by only a few steps and reward them with a treat, if they stay in their position firmly seated.
• Always reward your pup if they stay in the position for a few seconds.
• Repeat and repeat this command.

Down

This is probably one of the most difficult commands to teach, as you’re asking your puppy to be in a submissive posture. You can help prevent fear and anxious behaviour by being relaxed yourself and staying in control during the training.

• Find a nice smelling treat and hold it close in your hand.
• Hold your hand close to your dog's nose. When your dog sniffs the food move your hand closely to the floor, so they follow.
• Slide your hand back and forth in front of your puppy, whilst encouraging their head to follow.
• Once they are in the down position, give the command “down” and reward them with a treat and lots of affection.

These four simple commands will help your dog be better trained and keep them safe when needed. Teaching these four commands will take some time, so you must be patient.

Bio

Giedrius loves to write about pets of all kinds and is a regular pet advice blogger at Mypetzilla