When it comes toobedience training, new pet parents may find it confusing and overwhelming as towhat to teach a puppy first. In any type ofdog training process, commands play an important role because they not only help your dog to understand what you want them to do but also how you want them to behave. Overall, commands taught and learnt will help to encourage gooddog behaviour and ultimately shape your dog’s behaviour.

1. The 'Sit' Command

One of the simplest and most basic commands that new pet parents are always figuring out ishow to train a dog to sit. What you would need to do is to firstly grab and hold your dog’s attention - this can be done by using a treat. Next, move the hand holding the treat upwards such that your dog has to raise his/her head and give the command to sit - most dogs would end up in a sitting position. However, if your dog is not in a sitting position, repeat the same action and verbal command while slowly and gently pushing his/her lower back down. Once, you see your dog in a sit position, reward your dog with the treat.

2. The 'Down' Command

The‘down’ command for dogs is also an easy and simple command to teach your dog. Similarly to the ‘sit’ command, you would need to first grab and hold your dog’s attention - again this can be done by using a treat. Get your dog into a sitting position, once you have done so, lower your hand towards the ground while giving a verbal ‘down’ command. Your dog should follow your hand and end up in a down position. However, if your dog is still in a sitting position, repeat the action and verbal command, until your dog learns to associate the action as the ‘down’ command. Remember to reward your dog after he/she has successfully gone into a down position.

3. The 'Stay' Command

The ‘stay’ command just like the ‘down’ and ‘sit’ command is relatively simple. Totrain your dog to stay, you would first need to get your dog into a seated position or a down position. Once your dog is in position, stretch your arms out with your palm facing him/her, give the command to stay and take 1-2 steps back. If your dog gets up or starts to follow you, bring him/her to the starting point and start the process again. Do this until your dog knows to associate the action and verbal command as the‘stay’ command. Don’t forget to reward your dog!

Because commands play a vital role in all types ofdog obedience training, it is important to remain consistent in how a command is given and revisit the commands taught every once in a while. Ensuring that your dog remembers what has been taught and knows how to accurately respond.

ALICIA YAP

Alicia enjoys singing, binging on Netflix series and watching detective movies but she loves nothing more than just cozying up with her dog on a rainy day.