Training your dog is one of the most important investments you can make in your relationship. A well-trained dog is happier, safer, and more enjoyable to live with. This guide covers essential training techniques and addresses common behavioural challenges.Tip: your dog is never too young (or too old) to learn, so start training your dog today.
5 Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know
Teaching these fundamental commands will create a strong foundation for all future training:
1. Sit
How to teach: Hold a treat close to your dog's nose, move it over their head. Their bottom should naturally touch the ground. Say "sit" as they do this, then give the treat and praise.
When to use: Before meals, crossing roads, greeting people, or any time you need your dog to be calm.
2. Stay
How to teach: Start with your dog in a sit position. Hold your hand up in a "stop" gesture and take a small step back. Say "stay." If they stay, return and reward. Gradually increase distance and duration.
When to use: At open doors, when visitors arrive, or in potentially dangerous situations.
3. Come
How to teach: Start indoors with minimal distractions. Say "come" in a happy voice while backing away. Reward enthusiastically when they reach you. Practice in increasingly distracting environments.
When to use: This recall command is crucial for safety and should be rock-solid before allowing off-leash time.
4. Heel
How to teach: Start with your dog on your left side. Hold treats at your side. Walk forward, rewarding when they stay beside you. Say "heel" when they're in position.
When to use: During walks, especially in crowded areas or when passing other dogs.
5. Down
How to teach: From a sit position, hold a treat to the floor near their paws. Pull it along the ground away from them. Their body should follow into a down position. Say "down" as they lie down.
When to use: For extended stays, during meal times, or to help calm an excited dog.
House Training (Toilet Training)
House training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here's a proven approach:
Establish a Schedule
- Puppies (8-12 weeks): Every 1-2 hours, plus after meals, naps, and play
- Puppies (3-6 months): Every 3-4 hours
- Adult dogs: 3-4 times daily minimum
House Training Steps:
- Choose a specific outdoor spot for toilet breaks
- Use a command like "go toilet" consistently
- Stay with them until they finish
- Reward immediately with praise and treats
- Clean accidents with enzyme cleaner to remove scent
- Never punish accidents - simply clean up and continue training
Common Mistake: Rubbing a dog's nose in accidents or shouting will only create fear and confusion. Only use positive reinforcement.
Puppy Socialisation
The critical dog socialisation period is between 3-14 weeks of age, but socialisation should continue throughout your dog's life.
Socialisation Checklist:
People
- Men, women, and children
- People wearing hats, uniforms, sunglasses
- People using wheelchairs or walking aids
- Delivery personnel
- Veterinary staff
Animals & Environments
- Other dogs (various sizes and breeds)
- Cats and other pets
- Cars, buses, and traffic
- Different surfaces (grass, concrete, gravel)
- Household noises (vacuum, doorbell)
Leash Training
Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash makes outings enjoyable for both of you:
- Start indoors: Let your puppy wear the collar/harness for short periods
- Introduce the leash: Attach it and let them drag it around supervised
- Practice following: Hold the leash and encourage them to follow you with treats
- Stop when pulling: Stand still when they pull, only move when leash is loose
- Reward good behaviour: Treat and praise when walking nicely beside you
- Be consistent: Never allow pulling to be rewarded by moving forward
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is common but can be managed with patience:
Prevention & Treatment Steps:
- Start small: Leave for just seconds, gradually increase duration
- Create positive associations: Give special toys/treats only when leaving
- Stay calm: Don't make a fuss when leaving or returning
- Exercise first: A tired dog is more likely to rest
- Consider crate training: Can provide security for some dogs
- Seek help: Severe cases may need professional behaviourist support
Stopping Destructive Behaviors
Excessive Chewing
- Provide appropriate chew toys
- Puppy-proof your home
- Redirect to appropriate items
- Ensure adequate exercise and mental stimulation
- Use bitter apple spray on furniture
Digging
- Provide a designated digging area
- Increase exercise and playtime
- Supervise outdoor time initially
- Make favorite digging spots less appealing
Excessive Barking
- Identify triggers (boredom, alerting, anxiety)
- Teach "quiet" command
- Remove or desensitize to triggers
- Ensure adequate exercise and mental stimulation
- Never yell - this sounds like barking to dogs
Training Tips for Success
- Keep sessions short: 5-10 minutes for puppies, 15-20 for adults
- End on a positive: Always finish with success
- Be consistent: Everyone in household should use same commands
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behaviour immediately
- Train before meals: Hungry dogs are more motivated
- Practice daily: Regular short sessions beat occasional long ones
Professional Training Resources
Sometimes professional help is beneficial. Consider these options:
- Puppy classes: Great for socialisation and basic training
- Private trainers: One-on-one help for specific issues
- Online courses: Convenient for busy schedules
- Behaviorists: For serious behavioural problems
Look for trainers certified by organizations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Ireland (APDT) who use positive reinforcement methods.
Remember
Every dog learns at their own pace. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. Celebrate small victories and enjoy the bonding experience that training provides! Remember it should be fun for both the dog and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Training can begin as early as 7-8 weeks old. Start with basic commands like sit, come, and their name. The critical socialisation period is between 3-14 weeks, so expose them to various people, places, and experiences during this time. However, dogs can learn at any age - it's never too late to start training!
Most puppies can be reliably house trained by 4-6 months old, though some may take up to a year. Consistency is key - take them out every 1-2 hours when young, always after meals, naps, and play. Smaller breeds often take longer as they have smaller bladders. Never punish accidents; simply clean up and continue with positive reinforcement.
Stop walking whenever your dog pulls and only move forward when the leash is loose. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they walk nicely beside you. Consider using a front-clip harness which naturally discourages pulling. Be consistent - never allow pulling to be rewarded by moving forward. This takes patience but is very effective.
Start socialisation early (3-14 weeks is critical) but continue throughout life. Expose your puppy to various people, dogs, environments, sounds, and surfaces. Keep experiences positive - pair new things with treats and praise. Puppy classes are excellent for controlled socialisation. Go at your puppy's pace and never force interactions if they're fearful.
Ignore jumping behaviour - turn away and avoid eye contact. Only give attention when all four paws are on the ground. Teach an alternative behaviour like 'sit' for greetings. Ask visitors to follow the same rules. Consistency from everyone is crucial. Reward calm greetings enthusiastically to reinforce the desired behaviour.
Start with very short departures (seconds) and gradually increase duration. Create positive associations by giving special toys/treats only when leaving. Stay calm during departures and returns. Ensure adequate exercise before leaving. Consider crate training if it provides security. For severe cases, consult a certified behaviourist as medication may be needed alongside behaviour modification.
Treats are excellent for teaching new behaviours as they provide clear, immediate feedback. Use small, soft treats that can be eaten quickly. Once a behaviour is learned, gradually reduce treat frequency - reward intermittently rather than every time. Replace food rewards with praise, play, or life rewards (like going for walks). Never completely stop positive reinforcement; dogs need ongoing motivation.
Start training in a quiet, enclosed area. Use a happy, excited voice and reward generously when they come. Never call your dog for something they perceive as negative. Practice in increasingly distracting environments. Use a long training lead for safety in open areas. Make yourself more interesting than the environment with toys, treats, and enthusiasm. This command can save your dog's life, so practice regularly.
