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1. Sit Command
Stand straight in front of your dog. Hold a treat in your fingers close to your dog's nose. Say the command "Sit." Move the treat slowly back over his head. As he watches the treat go over his head, his rear end should naturally go down. Immediately praise him and give him a treat.
If he remains in that position, give him a release word, like "okay," "release," or "all done."
2. Stay Command
This command is used to keep your dog in the sit, down, or stand position. When your dog is that position, stand in front of him. Keep treats in your left hand. Put your right hand in front of his face while saying, "Stay" in a firm voice. Wait a few seconds. When your dog stays, calmly praise him and reward him with a treat from your left hand.
Give him the release command. Encourage him to move around. Do not reward your dog after the release command. You want to reward the stay, not the release.
3. Come Command
Begin teaching your dog to come before mealtimes, when your dog is alert and hungry. Crouch down a few feet away from your dog. Show him the food bowl, say his name, and as he begins to move toward the food, give the command "Come." As your dog approaches, lavishly praise him and give him the meal.
Between meals, practice using a small treat.
Graduate to standing upright while getting his attention by calling his name, then saying "Come," as he approaches. Eventually, your dog will come to you willingly when he hears his name and the word "Come."
Gradually increase the distance. Coming should always have a positive result. Never associate "Coming" with an unpleasant consequence like scolding.
4. Down Command
With the down command, your dog lies down with his elbows and belly on the ground with his with his back legs tucked under his body. This command is useful for calming down your dog when he is excited.
Start with your dog in the sit position. Hold a treat right in front of his nose. Say the command "Down" and lower the treat to the floor. Your dog's head should follow the treat to the floor.
If your dog does not bring his abdomen to the floor, move the treat forward along the floor and his body should naturally follow.
If your dog stands up to reach the treat, push the treat along the floor toward his chest. Reward your dog only when his elbows and abdomen are on the ground with his back legs tucked under his body.
5. Heel Command
Use the heel command when you want your dog to pay close attention to you and walk close to your side. This command is useful when you are walking in a crowd, crossing a busy street, or passing another dog.
Begin with your dog on your left side with his ear even with your side seam of your pants. In your right hand, hold a shortened leash (not taut). In your left hand, hold a treat directly in front of your dog's nose. Say the command "Heel," and walk forward with your dog. After a few steps in the heel position, reward with a treat. When you are ready to stop, give the "Sit" command. Give your dog a treat and praise.
Your dog will automatically learn to sit when you stop. Remember to use a treat instead of the leash to keep your dog in the heel position.
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