Having an obedient pup can significantly improve your relationship, which is why it’s important to practice proper dog training. The staff at JD Kennels in Royse City, TX, recommend starting with the basics and building off of those. Below are a few of the easiest commands to teach and how they can be taught.

7 Commands to Teach Your Dog

1. Name

Teaching your dog their name is the foundation for teaching other commands. Say their name. Once they look at you, give them a treat. They’ll associate their name with the reward. This will make it easier to teach them commands in the future.

2. Sit

To get your dog to sit, hold a treat close to their nose. Say “sit” and move the treat backward, and they will sit to stare at it. Once seated, say “sit” again and give them the treat. This is a great command for when you want them to remain calm.

3. Stay

Once your dog has mastered “sit,” teach them to “stay.” Once they’re seated, put your palm forward and say “stay.” Step backward and give them a treat if they do not move. Repeat, gradually moving further away, and reward them again. This teaches them self-control.

4. Down

Once you’ve mastered “stay,” move to “down.” Hold a treat in your hand near your dog’s snout. As they sniff, lower the treat to the floor and slide it in front of them. They’ll then begin to lay down to get closer. Once there, say “down” and serve the treat. This is another way to keep them calm.

5. Come

“Come” serves many purposes, mainly to keep your dog safe. To teach this, use a leash. Kneel to your dog’s level, say “come,” and tug the leash. When they come to you, give them a treat.

6. Heel

This command is especially important when walking. When out, pull your dog’s leash across your body and say “sit.” Then say, “heel” and give them a treat for sitting at your side. This will allow you to control them while walking and is helpful around strangers.

7. Wait at Doors

Dogs need to learn that they can’t run out open doors. To begin, bring them to the threshold on a leash and say, “sit.” Open the door, and if they stay, give them a treat. Work with them until they learn to exit only after you give the “come” command. This will ensure they never walk out without your permission.

Dog training will create a better life for you and your furry friend, and the staff at JD Kennels can help. They provide a variety of dog training services, as well as cat and dog boarding, and their pet care staff is committed to ensuring your pets are comfortable and healthy. Call (972) 636-9494 today to ask about obedience classes, and visit their website to learn more about their kennels. Also, follow them on Facebook for frequent pictures of their guests.