Page 327 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

BASIC TRAINING

Handout
Offering your dog a treat on the DOWN
flat of your hand prevents him
from accidentally nipping you with
his teeth. Using a variety of treats After your dog has mastered the sit and stay,
keeps your dog motivated during gradually teach him “down” (below). From a
training and allows you to create a sitting position, first lure him by bringing the
hierarchy of rewards.
hand with the treat in it all the way to the floor
so that your dog follows it. As soon as his
elbows are both on the ground, reward him
immediately. Once he is reliably going straight
down, introduce a clear hand signal—a
downward motion with palm facing down—and
broken down and
again lure him into the down position. The next
rewarded in stages, step is to train him to respond to your voice.
in a method called Say “down” and then give your hand signal.
“shaping.” So if you
want your dog to sit,
every time he moves
closer to the ground and
you reward him, he will realize what he is or it breaks, it will be the good training you
being asked to do. Getting rewarded for have done that will prove most important.
each small effort will make him repeat it. Keeping your training sessions short, and
There is also a lot of equipment, such as ending with a fun game, will ensure your
collars, leashes, and harnesses, that can help dog stays engaged and is eager to continue
you during training. Choose equipment that next time. If he is having trouble learning a
is comfortable for both you and your dog to new task, it is important to be patient. Try
use and ask a professional to help you fit and breaking the task into smaller chunks and
use it correctly. However, avoid relying on do not progress to the next stage of training
tools too heavily—if you forget the equipment until your dog is confident.

STAY Once your dog has learned to sit on command, teach him to “stay,” with your hand flat and
palm facing down. Both “sit” and “stay” commands help control unwanted behaviors. Unlike
most basic training, teaching your dog to stay for long periods is best practiced when he is tired,
since he will be happy to rest in one position and more likely to remain still.

Ask for sit Ask your dog to sit, then hold Insert movement When your dog has learned Add distance Move around your dog while he
1 your palm face down and say “stay.” 2 to stay reliably, slowly move away from him by 3 is sitting. If he moves to you, calmly reposition
Praise him immediately but take your time taking a step back and leaning your weight on to him and repeat. Gradually build up the distance
to reward him. your back leg. between you and your dog.

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