If your pet dog recently gave birth to new puppies and you’re planning to raise them all it’s important that you understand basic dog training. Every pet owner knows that raising a puppy is like raising a child. You have to instill discipline so that your dog will behave properly as he or she grows older. There are several ways to train your dog. One of which is rewarding your dog if he or she exhibits good behavior like when he or she goes out of the house to pee or take a dump. You should also redirect bad behavior like offering a toy instead of giving him or her your shoes.

Before you start training your pups, you should know what to teach them because trust us, dog training can be a bit overwhelming especially if it’s your first time. These basic trainings will make it easier for your dogs to transition into advanced training later on. The secret to interacting with your pup is to make him or her pay attention to you. Teach them about the watch me and look command. It’s not a trick but it’s a good way to get your dog’s attention before training starts. How do you do this? First of all, you need to decide the words you are going to use and be consistent about it. Consistency will help your dog remember the commands. Therefore, before you start teaching your dog a new trick use the look or watch me command first and when your dog responds don’t forget to give him or her a treat. Once you’ve established that you can now start the training.

Command#1: Sit

The most basic command that all pets must master is the sit command. It’s easy to teach and it’s very basic. This command will help enhance your training session. How do you teach your dog to sit? First of all, prepare a treat and place it over your dog’s nose. Slowly lift your hand with the treat and wait for your dog to follow it. Your dog’s butt will lower to the floor and this is what you want to achieve – when your dog is in a sitting position. When your dog is in that position say the word “SIT” and praise your dog or give him or her a treat when he or she stays still and maintains that position. In order to master this command, repetition is the key.

Command #2: Come

Another important command that you need to teach your dog is to come. This can be a life-saving command especially when you lose your grip on your dog’s leash in the street or in the middle of a crowded place. How do you teach your dog the Come command? First, you must have someone to hold your dog in a different room while you go to another room. And then with an enthusiastic voice, call your dog using the “COME” word and when your dog comes to find you, praise your dog or give your dog a treat for a job well done. However, when you practice this command make sure it’s in a safe place without distractions. The only time you can use this command is when your dog has already mastered it.

Command #3: Lie Down

When dogs get excited they can’t help themselves. Most dogs can’t keep still and would usually jump on you or on your guests or at the dinner table. The “lie down” command would really come in handy to calm your dog down. How do you train your dog to lie down? First, tell your dog to sit and then persuade him to lie down by using your hand to move your dog towards the ground. This is effective if your hand has a treat. That’s your bait. Your dog will instinctively follow your hand and go into the down position. Once your dog has mastered this command you can then add more tricks like the roll over command.

When your dogs are able to master these tricks it will be easier for them to assimilate new and more advanced commands whether you’re the one training them or a professional dog trainer.