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Originally Posted by Orca-man
Hey thanks aton Ames! I really appreciate the advice and help. I'm gunna follow that advice thoroughly. So yall think its best to use simple one and two word commands when addressing a dog?
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Yes. While it may seem that they (dogs) understand full sentences when we talk to them, it's based more off our facial expressions and tone of voice when we're addressing them.
Simple one or two word commands are perfect, and you should keep in mind also that before giving the command and expecting them to know and understand it, you need to show them what it is you want from them when using that command.
Example, when teaching sit, you'll need to gently push their butt onto the ground and give the command "SIT", and then praise them. It usually helps to use a treat of high value (a piece of cheese or chicken or roast beef or liver), something they don't get on a regular basis to entice them to respond quicker.
My two have such a high food drive, that I can use pieces of their every day kibble and have great results.
Here's an example of how I teach Sit/Down with my dogs...
Unfortunately, I didn't get the first attempt at teaching her these commands b/c the camera man was busy yelling at children, lol. But this is right after I put her in a sit and then pulled her front legs out from under and gently pushed down on her shoulders giving the down command.
The most important thing in training, aside from being consistent and vigilant with it, is to ALWAYS make a big fuss when they do what it is you're wanting them to do. Some may call this positive reinforcement/positive training; this just reinforces that little thing in their brain that makes them so eager to please us. Use your dog's desire to please you to your advantage. Notice how happy Ices is when I tell her she's done a good job? Let your dog celebrate the fact they've done something right, instead of scolding them for doing it wrong.
Keep in mind, you also need patience, especially with a young pup. If you get frustrated, your dog will sense that, and will not respond as well to you. I admittedly have waited a little later than I normally would to train Ices. She's almost 10 months old, and I'm just now teaching her obedience. I have honestly let her just be a puppy til now. Since we're going to attempt to do our first show at Nationals in October, I feel that she needs to know some basic obedience, even if she's not stellar at it, so that's why we're training now.
Just for fun, here's my mutt boy, Roller doing down this past winter...
Again, I just used pieces of their every day kibble, but both my dogs are overly-eager to please, and I use that to my advantage to get what I want out of them.