Some breeds will prove easier to train than others, but every dog can learn with enough practice, patience, and positive reinforcement. With these command tools, dogs and owners can build a respectful, trusting, and loving relationship. Remaining relaxed and calm during the training process is key for success. Also, it is a good idea for dogs to be exercised or played with before training so that their focus can solely be upon what is being taught by their human.
Watch Me
The "watch me" command teaches dogs to focus on their owners. A dog will have a difficult time learning any other command without first being able to pay attention to the trainer.
- To begin, the trainer should hold a treat and make the dog aware of it.
- Once the dog shows interest in the treat, it is brought up to the trainer's nose.
- When the dog looks up at the trainer's face, positive reinforcement (in this case, the treat) is given.
- Adding the vocal cue, "watch me," with this hand signal is the next step.
- This should be practiced for two to three minutes a day, giving the treat reward less and less until it is no longer needed.
Tip: Keeping training sessions between the two and ten minute mark will keep the trainer and dog from becoming frustrated and restless. Multiple sessions throughout the day will work as long as the dog is not distracted by other things during training, such as hunger, restlessness, or needing to eliminate.
Come
It is important that every dog learns this cue and performs it reliably, as it can reduce the risk of getting into danger. For example, a dog gets away from his/her owner and heads toward the street. If this dog has the "come" command conquered, he/she will come right to the owner when called, avoiding oncoming traffic and a potentially fatal situation.
- The trainer should wait until the dog is already headed in his direction and then call out, "(insert dog's name), come!"
- If the dog suddenly stops, use the vocal cue again and, if needed, lure him/her with a small treat.
- When the dog finally reaches the trainer, huge praise should be given. The idea is to make the dog think that coming when called and being by the owner's side is the best, most important thing he/she can do.
- Even the best behaved dogs get distracted and can fail from time to time. If the command fails, the trainer should not chase after the animal.
- This command should be practiced every time the dog is headed in the direction of the trainer until it sinks in. Ten minute sessions are perfect for this command.
Tip: Remembering to use a cheerful tone is important for the success of the "come" command. The more calm and happy the request, the more likely it will be that the dog will want to obey. This is especially important if the dog gets away from the trainer and into danger. During these scary times, the trainer must keep a cheerful tone in order to convince their pet that obeying is the best option.
Keep Practicing!
Properly training a dog takes a lot of patience and time, but the outcome is well worth the effort. With the "watch me" and "come" commands, long term practice is required in order to ensure the pet will be completely focused and reliable. The "watch me" command will make teaching all other cues stress-free, as the trainer will be sure to have the animal's full attention. The "come" command should be rewarded with the biggest praise, as this can keep the dog out of dangerous situations. Soon the dog and trainer will share a closer bond through learning and training together.
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