Basic Dog Training Commands

            There are many reasons why a dog owner would want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. Obedient, well-trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or other dogs. Another good reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems-dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers. Then consider that having a well-trained dog makes a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children.

          Many studies have shown that having a properly trained dog has a big impact on cutting down the number of dog bites and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households. When training your dog or having someone helps you train him, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order to consider a dog truly trained. These basic commands include “Heel”-it is important that a dog learn to walk beside it’s owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind.  Responding to the word “No”-the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. This command can save a dog owner from a lot of trouble. “Sit”-Training your dog to “sit” on command is a vital part of any dog training. “Stay”- A well-trained dog should remain where he is on command and stay until given the release word. “Down” Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it’s a key component of any successful dog-training program.

            Training your dog does more than just create an obedient, willing companion; it actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader “Alpha” to tell them what to do. You must be “Alpha” in order to succeed in dog training. Failure to become “Alpha” will result in all kinds of behavior problems. A well-trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s (Alpha ) command, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of him and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.

           In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog’s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of him and a feeling of accomplishment as well as a good working relationship with it’s handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do and an important goal to reach. Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Humans originally bred dogs to do important work such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people, not to mention, hunting.

Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior. Basic obedience training and ongoing training sessions provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high-energy breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high-energy dogs to use up their extra energy and to simply enjoy themselves. Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both you and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all-important bond between you- the pack leader -and your dog. Look for more training tips on this web site.

           Thank you and God Bless