How to Obedience Train a Dog: Vet-Verified Steps & Tips
If you've only just brought a dog home, the prospect of obedience training can feel intimidating, especially if you've never done it before. The good news is that you do not need any prior experience to mold your pup into a model canine citizen. What matters most is being consistent and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the training period, along with having a dose of good humor. In this guide, we share simple steps and tips to get you started with basic obedience training.
Obedience Training Steps & Tips
What you'll need:
How to Obedience Train a Dog
1. Enroll in Obedience Classes
Even before you bring your new dog home, it would be ideal to get in contact with an obedience class group to get your pup signed up early and ask any questions you may have. This is strongly recommended because it offers you an extra support system while you're training your dog at home. It's also a good way to socialize your dog with other dogs in a secure environment.
2. Identify the Motivator
Rewarding your dog is key to motivating them during training. Dogs are motivated by different rewards; while some like treats, others like toys, play sessions, or even just a nice scratch behind the ear. Watch out for what your dog gets most excited about and use that as your training motivator.
3. Start With Basic Commands
Basic commands are essential because they give you more control in a variety of situations. For example, if your dog is about to eat something they shouldn't, a command like "leave it" could make all the difference. It's best to start teaching basic commands at home in a distraction-free environment. Here are a few of the most basic commands (not an exhaustive list) and simple tips for how to use rewards to train your dog to do them:
- Sit
4. Work on Leash Behaviors
You can also work on good leash behavior both inside and outside the house. Teaching your dog to "heel" (walk at your side) is an important leash behavior because it is more comfortable than being pulled and gives you greater control. There are various ways to teach "heel," but a common way is to start by calling your dog to your side and rewarding them when they do. You can then advance to showing them the treat and having them follow it as they walk alongside you. Gradually increase the length of time they have to wait to get the treat, from a few steps to several steps.
5. Keep Practicing
Although some dogs learn quickly, training is not an overnight job, and it's never something that's "done and dusted." Training needs to be consistent. Even if your dog has started to get really good at a specific command, keep instilling it every day. If your dog takes a while to pick something up, that's fine—give them time. Keep practicing, keep being consistent, and you'll soon start to see the rewards.
6. Stick to Short Sessions
Avoid overwhelming your dog with lengthy training sessions: 10–15 minutes per session is just enough to work on a command or routine. It's better to do several short sessions than big, long ones, as dogs can only stay focused for so long.
7. Reach Out for Help If Necessary
If training is not going as you expected, there's absolutely no shame in reaching out to a professional dog trainer for help. It doesn't mean you're doing a bad job; it just means your dog may respond better to a different method of training that you haven't considered. If you're finding things a challenge, drafting in a professional that uses positive reinforcement techniques is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
How you approach training your dog can make all the difference. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will help keep your bond with your pup strong and build up that all-important respect. Conversely, harshness, punishments, and an inconsistent approach will only teach your dog to lack respect for you or even fear you, which is devastating for training and socialization efforts.
See also:
How to Train a Dog to Go Down Stairs: 5 Vet Approved Tips & Tricks
How Long Will It Take to Train a Duck Dog? Expert Tips & FAQ
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Westend61, Getty Images
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Kit Copson is a freelance writer and lifelong animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented many furry beings over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with pets, Kit can be found drawing in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
