Dogs are creatures of habit. They learn through repetition and consistency (doing it the same way every time). Dogs are social animals and they see you as their pack or family.
They don’t learn sentences. They learn one word commands by tone inflections.
There are 3 different tone inflections which are:
❖ Commands: “Sit” You need to say this in a firm voice. You do not want to drag it out, “Siiiiiiiiittt” because you’re just asking instead of telling the dog to do a command. ❖ No needs to be short and firm also.
❖ Praise is always positive and happy. Practice with your dog for 30 minutes each day. Then always end it in play, so they see it as a positive.
Practice for either 3-10 minutes or 2-15 minutes
Down – First, you are going to put them in a sit. You are going to use a treat to lure them to go down but you are not going to give it to them. You need to pull down on the leash, while putting the treat near their face, then down to ground and say their name and down firmly.
*If the dog is a dominant dog, then it may be difficult because the down command is the most submissive stance. NEVER GIVE UP! If you give up then they know they can wait longer next time, so you will give up.
*You can put some pressure in the middle of their shoulderblades, while pulling down on the leash.
*As soon as they are down tell them to stay. Do not say their name. Be confident that they will stay. If they get up, say, “NO” firmly then repeat the process until they stay for 10 seconds first, then longer after.
