How to Train a Dog to Lie Down

Training your dog to lie down is one of the most used commands that you will use. The lie down command is often a prerequisite your dog should learn before moving to more advance commands such as the stay command. Before training your dog to lie down your dog should be familiar with the sit command by reading how to train your dog to sit.

Things You'll Need:

• A quiet room with little distractions to help your dog focus.
• A handful of your dogs favorite treats.

How to Train Your Dog to Sit:

1. With a treat in hand, get your dogs attention.
2. Have your dog sit in front of you. Having your dog sit first will help prevent him from just walking to the treat in your hand rather than lying down.
3. Hold the treat in front of your dog's nose and slowly lower it to the ground in front of him.
4. As your dog begins to lower say your dog's name followed by the command 'down' (You are free to choose the down command to your preference as long as it is not overly long or confusing)
5. Once your dog has lied down, praise him enthusiastically and reward him with the treat.
6. Practice these steps several times, the goal is to have the dog lie down with just the use of the command or hand movement.

One thing to keep in mind, avoid pushing your dog down. If he doesn't lie down on his own, try again later. If you catch him laying down on his own, say your down command and praise him. Training your dog to lie down is one of the easiest commands to teach and sets up the foundation for further obedience training.

If this is your first time training a dog, you should review the Dog Training Basics before starting.

Posted in: Train a Dog to on 12.7.09 at at 9:17 PM 88 comments

Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

Taking a walk with your dog should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog. Allowing your dog to pull you around by the leash enforces his bad walking behavior and can also be dangerous. An improperly leashed train dog can be a hazard to you, other people and quite often the dog himself which is why it is essential to train a dog to walk on a leash.

Choosing a Leash for Training Your Dog

• A plain nylon or leather leash is ideal to train your dog. Avoid using a retractable leash until your dog is trained to walk on a regular leash. The reason is that retractable leashes give you less control over your dog as well as gives your dog mixed signals on how far ahead he is allowed to go. A plain collar leash no longer then 5 feet is the optimal tool to leash train a dog.

How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash

1. Eliminate all possible distractions. If your dog is not fully focused on you and the training then only part of the message will get through. Try to pick a quiet, secluded area to practice. Once your dog begins to show progress walking on a leash, slowly introduce more distractions.
2. Make sure you have your dog under control before starting to walk. When dogs feel pressure on the leash, they tend to pull away themselves. This is called opposition reflex.
3. Give your dog the 'let's go' command and begin walking.
4. When you start walking, your dog will start pulling on leash. Release the tension in the leash and walk in the opposite direction.
5. Once your dog notices you walking in the opposite direction, he will come to you. Once he comes to your side, praise and reward while gathering up the slack on the leash.
6. The idea is to make your dog comfortable on the leash and encourage him to walk with you naturally without feel like he is being forced to do so.
7. Reward and praise enthusiastically as much as possible. Your do g is more inclined to listen and do what you ask when there is treats involved.
8. Practice this routine several times until it becomes second nature to you dog. Your dog will soon learn that being next to you is the best place to be.

Once you have trained your dog to walk on a leash properly you will find that walking your dog will more enjoyable and even relaxing!

If this is your first time training a dog I suggest that you should also check out Dog Training Basics - Do's and Dont's

Posted in: Train a Dog to on 9.7.09 at at 7:53 PM 8 comments

How to Train a Dog to Fetch

All dogs can be trained to fetch. It can come more naturally to some dogs depending if their breed is known for retrieving. Training your dog to fetch is a great way to exercise your dog while you do not have to retrieve the ball yourself!

What is needed to train a dog to fetch?

• Many dog owners start off with a stick to fetch or a favorite toy. The stick resembles a bone which they may already be familiar with, plus it can be easier for your dog to pick up off the ground as opposed to a ball. Using their favorite toy also promotes familiarity and increases the chances that your dog will care enough to retrieve it.
  
• Treats! Dogs love treats and will do just about anything to get their reward!
• A long leash, preferably 8 feet or longer. This allows for you to maintain control and let the dog to fetch at the same time. A leash is can be optional, it all depends on how comfortable of confident you are with your dog.
  

How do I train my dog to fetch?

Follow the following steps below to train your dog into a fetching machine!

1. Start training in an area with little to no distractions. We all know how nosy dogs are, so try to remove all distractions by training in an empty backyard or field.
2. Get your dog to focus on the toy/stick and toss it a few feet away. Say "fetch" in a calm firm voice and let your dog chase after the toy.
   
3. Once the dog has picked up the toy, use the leash to gently guide him back to you. When the dog is within arm's length say "give" and take the stick/toy from their mouth. Your goal is to not fight the dog for the toy, you are trying to train your dog to fetch not play tug-of-war.
4. Praise and reward once toy is released. This is the most important step when training a dog. Plenty of praise and reward lets your dog know that he has done what you wanted him to do.
5. Repeat and be consistent. Continue to practice fetching and giving by using the same method each time. Changing your training methods midway through training can cause unneeded confusion.

Before you know it, you will have successfully trained your dog to fetch!

Posted in: Train a Dog to on 7.7.09 at at 9:31 PM 7 comments

Boot Camp for Dogs

Is it for your dog?

A relatively new training technique has been gaining popularity in the dog training world. Intense training programs that are commonly refereed to as dog boot camp. As the name suggests, these programs are aimed at dogs that are difficult to train and promise to correct behavioral problems. Dog boot camp programs, curriculum and costs vary from school to school.


Most doggie boot camps focus on the basic commands such as sit, stay, and coming when they're called. Their curriculum is also likely to include teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash as well as good manners: not jumping on people, taking food/treats gently, etc. For the dog that requires special attention, custom programs to suit your dogs needs are often available.

There is often a debate on the effectiveness on dog boot camps. One of the reasons why dog owners do not approve of boot camp programs is that some schools have been known to use punishment-based techniques instead of positive reinforcement training. It is also argued that due to the intense boot camps cover too much with too little time and not enough focus on the core fundamentals. Perhaps the biggest reason why dog boot camps do not work for every dog is that some owners expect miracles and that their dog problems will be fixed over night. Dog training requires time and repetition, which is something that a dog boot camp may not be able to provide.

Many dog owners seek out obedience training and dog boot camps as a solution to training their dog. It is up to the dog owner to decide what is best for their dog, boot camp is not for every dog. Before enrolling in any sort of dog training, research the dog training school. Is the trainer qualified to conduct the training? Learn about the training methods used by the trainer, or if possible sit in for a few classes yourself. For good measure, ask for a list of references.

While professional obedience training can make a huge difference in your dog's behavior, you are perfectly capable of training your dog yourself for free! Your dog and wallet will thank you!

Do you have experience with or an opinion about dog boot camps? Please share!

Posted in: Dog Training Tips on 30.6.09 at at 10:13 PM 9 comments