Bellwether Standard Poodles

Basic Dog Obedience

There are as many styles of dog obedience as there are trainers.  My best advice for the first-time dog owner is to research several methods and pick the one that works best for you and your dog.  What I have to share with you here is my training method.  

- Come:

With your dog on a 6 ft. lead but some distance from you, say "come!" and then gently pull her toward you.  As you do so, praise her.  When she is directly in front of you, give her a treat and say "good girl!" Soon, your dog will learn to come voluntarily when you give the command. Work with a longer leash next (15 or 20 ft.).  After your dog masters the come with a longer lead, you are ready to try the exercise off-lead.  For the first couple practices, stay in and enclosed place with no distractions. 

 

- Heel:

With leash and collar on your dog, position her on your left.  Say "Heel!" as you step off with your left foot. If your dog lags behind as you walk, give encouragement.  If your dog surges ahead, turn sharply around and begin to walk in the opposite direction.  Your dog will find that she is behind instead of out front.  Several turns will make her pay more attention to you.  When your dog comes to heel beside you, give her a treat.  She will soon learn that she is rewarded when she walks by your side.

 

- Sit:

With leash and collar on your dog, say "Sit!", while pushing lightly downward on your dog's rump. At the same time pull the leash up or hold the dog's head up.  Once your dog is in the sit position, praise her and give her a treat.  Your dog will soon learn to associate the command with the correct action.

- Stay

With your dog in sitting or down position on your left side, place your hand flat in front of her face and say “stay.” Step away with your right foot first and stand directly in front of your dog. If she moves any time after you say this, tell the dog, "no", and then put her right back where she was. When your dog stays after half a minute praise her vocally, only. Petting may cause her to move. Once your dog is able to stay with you right in front of  her, then gradually work out further standing in front of  her until you reach the end of the leash.

- Down: 

With your dog in heel position, say "Down!" At the same time take her front paws and put your other hand under your dog's chest for support as you move your dog slowly into down position. After a while, your dog will learn what down means and should do it on her own when you give the down command. Be sure to praise your dog for successfully completing this exercise.