G’day Dog Owners! Let’s Turn Your Rascal Into a Good Bloke
Training your dog doesn’t need to be a chore – in fact, it should be fair dinkum fun for both of you! Whether you’ve got a cheeky puppy or an older dog who needs some manners, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dog training the Aussie way.
Why Proper Training Matters for Aussie Dogs
✔ Keeps your dog safe in our unique environment (snakes, busy roads, wildlife)
✔ Makes them welcome at beaches, parks and cafes
✔ Strengthens your bond through positive experiences
✔ Prevents common behaviour issues before they start
“After following these methods, my kelpie cross went from an out-of-control bushie to the best-behaved dog at the local pub!” – Sarah, NSW
The 5 Essential Commands Every Aussie Dog Should Know
1. “Sit” – The Foundation of Good Manners
How to teach it:
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Hold a treat near your dog’s nose
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Slowly move it up and back over their head
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Say “Sit” as their bum hits the ground
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Immediately reward with praise and the treat
Pro Tip: Practice before meals when they’re most motivated.
2. “Come” – The Lifesaving Recall
Make coming to you the best part of their day:
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Use extra special treats (little bits of cheese or sausage)
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Never call them to scold – always make it positive
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Start in low-distraction areas like your backyard
3. “Stay” – For Safety Around BBQs and Beaches
Build up gradually:
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Start with just 2 seconds
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Increase time slowly
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Always return to reward before releasing
4. “Drop It” – For When They Find Something Nasty
Essential for:
✖ Dead things on walks
✖ Kids’ toys in the yard
✖ That mystery object they just dug up
5. “Leave It” – For Snakes, Toads and Other Dangers
Teach this potentially life-saving command:
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Show a treat in your closed hand
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Say “Leave it” and wait until they stop sniffing
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Reward with a different treat from your other hand
Top Training Tips From Australian Dog Experts
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Keep Sessions Short – 5 minutes, 2-3 times daily works best
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Use High-Value Rewards – BBQ chicken works a treat!
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Train Before Meals – Hungry dogs are more focused
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Be Consistent – Everyone in the household should use same commands
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Make It Fun! – If you’re not enjoying it, your dog won’t either
Common Training Challenges and How to Solve Them
“My dog knows commands at home but ignores me at the park”
➔ Practice in increasingly distracting environments
➔ Use higher-value treats in challenging situations
“He only listens when I have food”
➔ Gradually phase out treats by alternating with praise
➔ Make sure to sometimes reward with play instead
“Training feels overwhelming”
➔ Focus on one command at a time
➔ Celebrate small improvements
The Secret to Success: Capturing Good Behaviour
Beyond formal training sessions, reward your dog when they:
☑ Sit calmly instead of jumping up
☑ Lie down during family meals
☑ Choose to check in with you on walks
This “passive training” reinforces good manners all day long.
When to Consider Extra Help
While most dogs do well with consistent home training, you might need professional guidance if your dog:
✓ Shows aggression (growling, snapping)
✓ Has severe anxiety or fear issues
✓ Doesn’t respond to any rewards
✓ Makes you feel unsafe
Take Your Training to the Next Level with Doggy Dan’s Canine Reactivity Webinar
For Aussie dog owners dealing with:
• Pulling on the lead
• Jumping on visitors
• Barking at passers-by
• Difficulty focusing outside
This automatic webinar teaches you:
✅ How to get your dog’s attention instantly
✅ Gentle ways to correct unwanted behaviours
✅ Techniques that work in real-world Aussie environments
✅ Solutions tailored to common local challenges
“Living rural, I didn’t have access to good trainers. Doggy Dan’s webinar changed everything for me and my cattle dog!” – Tom, QLD
Click Here to Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour Today
Your 4-Week Training Plan
Week 1: Master “Sit” and “Watch Me”
Week 2: Add “Stay” and “Come”
Week 3: Introduce “Drop It” and “Leave It”
Week 4: Proof commands in different locations
Remember: Every dog learns at their own pace – be patient!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Mate!
Training your dog is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do together. It:
• Creates an unbreakable bond
• Keeps them safe in our unique environment
• Makes them welcome everywhere you go
And when you hit a rough patch (we all do), remember help is available through resources like Doggy Dan’s webinar.
What’s the first thing you’ll teach your dog? Share your training goals below! 🐕💙