Teaching a New Dog Commands

Lucky is an intelligent dog.  Soon after we got him, we found he was following directions and mimicking the tricks our other dogs do.

When training a dog I generally find small pieces of moist meat work well.

Here are a few of the commands we use daily with our dogs.

STAY
I use stay when we are at the end of the drive to prevent Lucky from going into the street. I also use this at home in various locations like when he is being groomed and I do not want him to jump off the table. (My husband is near the table in case Lucky chooses not to listen to me.)

SIT
This is done by me cupping my hand. I have him sit in many places- near the table, at the door- prior to attaching the leash, before he jumps into the SUV, before he crosses the street, etc.

COME
When he hears this command, he should immediately come to my location.




Many times more than one dog will come when I say the word. In this case, Monroe and Lucky were home so both came and sat and placed their paw on my hand and proceeded to eat the small pieces of meat I have in my hand.

DROP IT  
This means that the dog should spit out whatever is in his mouth. I generally use this when it is playtime for their tennis balls.

DOWN
I usually hold my hand out flat and push in a downward direction and he will lie down.

OUTSIDE
This is the command for him to walk to the door to exit outside. Here Lucky is hanging outside with Buddy.

SPEAK
Find something to entice your dog, in this case, it was a piece of moist meat.
I got Lucky to bark by holding it up above and in front of him and stating SPEAK. As soon as he barks, I reward him with the meat.

GOOD BOY
This comes across in an upbeat tone so he knows I'm happy and want him to continue doing it.

Playtime with Lucky is great fun. We let him choose what his favorite toy is. Playtime is also a smart teaching tool as it allows your dog to engage with you.