How many commands can a dog understand?
Dogs can be trained through hand signals, verbal cues, or a combination of both. In most cases, dogs find hand signals easier to learn than verbal commands. It is believed that an average dog is capable to comprehend around 165 words and can have more with training.
How do you teach basic commands to a dog? This article will teach you basic commands to get started in having a happy and obedient canine. These are words to use for dog commands and how to train him in a kind and effective way.
Come
An effective command of ‘come’ or ‘come back’ will save you from unnecessary struggles or delays in your walk when something catches his attention. Even a well-behaved dog will sprint away in an attempt of chasing something that catches his interest.
How do you train your dog to come when called? Introduce this command by following these steps:
- Let your dog walk on a leash next to you. It is better to let her come to you whilst she is moving.
- Then take a sudden step backward and call your dog’s name, to be followed by ‘come!’
- Whilst saying the voice command, gently pull his leash in your direction.
- Once you have his attention, keep walking backwards and encourage him to walk towards you.
You may use the leash if he needs further encouragement. This should be repeated until the desired execution is accomplished. Do not forget to treat him with rewards or affection.
Sit
Imagine a scenario where you are walking with an excited pooch and he is jumping, prancing, and barking at strangers. This is normal behaviour as a reacting animal. With the use of the ‘sit’ command, you may help your dog back to his ‘thinking’ state of mind.
How do you train your dog to sit?
- Firstly, have your dog in a standing position in front of you.
- Next, show him a treat in your hand.
- Then slowly raise your hand above and over his head as you say the command ‘sit.’
The goal is to have his head raised until his bottom is in a sitting position. Keep doing the command in repetitions and do not forget to reward him with treats or affection once the desired execution is accomplished.
Down
Most canines would feel so much excitement upon greeting their owners to the extent of jumping on people. One effective way to change this is to train him with the ‘down’ command. This is helpful as well when he is on top of good or new furniture or near fragile objects.
However, teaching this can be a bit challenging as they are forced to be in a passive position. How do you train your dog to get down?
- Start by telling him to sit.
- Once seated, slowly reposition your hand with a treat down to the ground in front of him.
The goal is to let him follow your hand using his nose to lie down. The trick is to use treats with a pleasant smell for faster progress. If it remains hard to teach, you may put an object in between you and your pooch, and then try to do the steps again. In this way, he will have to reach down under the barrier in pursuit of the treat. You may remove the barrier once the desired execution is achieved. Do not forget to praise him with rewards or affection.
No
This is a command that is equally important as letting him know that he did the right thing. It is important for him to understand when he is misbehaving or executing unacceptable actions. In fact, this is a cue that can be used in a wide variety of situations.
How do you train your dog to follow the ‘no’ command?
- Introduce it by having a treat placed on a certain area whilst you are walking him on a leash.
- When the dog starts to grab the treat, say the command whilst gently pulling the dog away from the treat’s direction.
- As he begins to follow you, give him a treat and affection that he deserves. Do this in repetition until the desired execution is achieved, and do not forget the treats.
Heel
Does your dog pull on his lead during outdoor walks? Apart from the tricks mentioned from our previous blog, the ‘heel’ command is another effective way to peacefully walk on a lead without pulling him. Remember to introduce this cue only when he is placed right close to your side.
How do you train your dog to heel?
- Choose a side where you would want your dog walking and consistently use the chosen position.
- Hold the lead but keep it loose. Hold a treat in the hand nearest to your dog.
- Show him the treat whilst walking onwards.
- As his attention is on your hand, say the command ‘heel’ and provide him with bits of the treat.
- Keep doing this but do not stop walking.
- If he loses his interest and tries to pull in a different direction, change the route and cheer him to follow you.
- Keep doing this until he fully understands the command, and do not forget to praise him with treats and affection.
Further, remember that it is part of their nature to be inquisitive when out in a new environment. Once the execution is fully grasped, you may reward him by giving him the freedom to walk and sniff around the environment.
Do you find these tips effective? Don’t forget to share it with your pet owner friends!
