Dogs are wonderful creatures that bring so much joy into our lives. However, they can also be a handful if they are not properly trained. It is important to start training your dog as early as possible so that they can learn the basics and develop good habits.

Training your dog doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. With a little patience and some basic dog training techniques, you can have your furry friend behaving in no time.

Since February is Dog Training Education month, we thought we would share 14 tips for quickly and easily training your dog!

1. Sit

Teaching a dog to sit is one of the most basic training techniques. You can start by having the dog in a standing position. You can then gently press down on the dog’s rear or hold a treat in front of the dog’s nose, enticing them to look up and sit. Once the dog is in the sitting position, it’s important to give them a reward. This can be verbal praise, a treat, or a combination of the two. It is also important to be consistent with your commands and rewards so that your dog can learn quickly.

2. Down

Lay down, is another important command. Begin by having the dog in a sitting position. Put your hand with a treat in it on the ground and lead the dog in a crawling motion. Once the dog is in the down position, reward them with a treat and verbal praise. If your dog is having trouble, try rewarding them with a toy instead of a treat. You can also use the same command for both sitting and staying closely for this command.

3. Come

It is very helpful to teach your dog to come to you when you call for them. The first step is to make sure your dog is away from you. Call their name and make sure to say it in the same tone of voice each time. Wait for the dog to come and when they do, reward them with a treat and verbal praise. It’s important to keep the treats small and keep your vocal tone consistent so that your dog can quickly understand the command.

4. Loose Leash

This is a great way to help your pup learn how to walk properly. Start by keeping the leash loose and reward your pup every time they walk without putting tension on the leash. It may help to use a variety of treats and rewards to encourage your pup to keep walking without pulling. If your dog does start to pull, stop, and wait for them to return to the neutral position before continuing.

5. Leave It

Leave it, can be a very useful command when it comes to teaching your pup how to behave. Start by putting something your pup wants on the floor and then put your hand up and tell them to leave it. You can reward them with a treat if they turn away from the item. This can help to teach your pup that leaving an item that they want is an acceptable behavior.

6. Drop It

This command is similar to, leave it, but involves teaching your pup to drop something they are holding in their mouth. Start by putting a toy in their mouth and then put your hand up and tell them to drop it. If the item is dropped, reward your pup with a treat and verbal praise. It’s important to be consistent with your commands and rewards so your pup can learn quickly.

7. Stay

Stay is one of the most basic commands. Start by having the pup in a sitting or standing position and then holding up your hand with your palm facing them. When the pup stays in that position, reward them with a treat or vocal praise. It’s important to be consistent with your commands and rewards so your pup can learn quickly.

8. Go To Your Place

This command teaches your pup to go to their designated place, like their crate or their bed. Start by having the pup in a standing position and then point to their bed or designated spot. When they get there, reward them with a treat or vocal praise. Make sure to be consistent with your commands and rewards for this training technique.

9. Accepting Handling:

Getting your dog accustomed to being handled is a great way to help them develop good habits. Start by having them in a standing position and then gently petting them with your hand. You can also try playing and cuddling to get them used to being handled. Make sure to reward them with treats and vocal praise for any positive behavior.

10. Kennel Up

Start by showing your pup the kennel and giving them a treat when they go in. Once they are in the kennel, close the kennel door and give them a treat. You can then gradually increase the amount of time that your pup stays in the kennel until they are familiar with the command. Make sure to give them rewards and verbal praise for acting appropriately.

11. Touch

Teaching your fur-friend to touch you with their nose is a useful trick. Start by having the pup in a standing position and then holding up your hand with your palm facing them. When the pup touches your hand with their nose, reward them with a treat or vocal praise. You can also use a variety of rewards and treats to help your pup learn and understand this command quicker.

12. Nail Trimming

Helping your puppy to be still and have their nails trimmed can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Start by keeping your pup in a standing position and then gently rubbing their paws. Once the pup is used to you touching their paws, begin trimming their nails. Make sure to reward your pup with a treat and verbal praise when they allow you to trim their nails without a problem.

Training your pup can be a challenging but rewarding process. It’s important to be consistent with your commands and rewards and to be patient with your pup. Your pup will appreciate the extra effort you are taking to help them engage with you and their world more fully.

As always, paying attention to your dog’s well being is key. This article from the ASPCA goes into more detail about good training habits. After that, if you’re still hungry for more info on caring for your special fur-friend, head over to the Pet Stop Blog for lots of fun articles about our favorite, four legged family.