Proper training and socialization are among your dog’s basic needs. It’s important to start training your dog as soon as possible to sit, stay, come, go to their crate, and go potty outside. And believe it or not, it’s something you can do yourself as a beginner.
Using positive reinforcement to train your dog means you reward the behaviors you like and ignore the behaviors you do not like. Rewards can be treats, playing with a toy, pets, or anything the dog responds to.
Make Training Fun! Why would you or your dog want to learn if neither one of you is enjoying the process? Keep training sessions short to prevent frustration, keep your tone light, and be fair to your dog. If you’re both enjoying yourselves, your training sessions will be much more effective.
Here are tips to teach your dog its first command.
How to Teach a Dog to Sit
Stand in front of your dog holding some of their dog food or treats.
Wait for them to sit. Then say “yes” and give them a treat.
Then step backwards or sideways to encourage them to stand and wait for them to sit.
Give another treat as soon as they sit.
After a few repetitions, you can begin saying “sit” right as they begin to sit.
Remember to go at your dog’s pace, to stay patient and consistent, to reward them, to set them up for success, and most importantly to never punish them.
Happy training and Happy 2024!
