Getting Started with Dog Training: The Foundations Every Owner Should Know
Training your new canine companion doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful. Whether you’ve welcomed a bouncy puppy or adopted an adult dog, these fundamental training techniques will help you build a wonderful relationship with your four-legged friend.
Why Training Matters from Day One
✔ Creates clear communication between you and your dog
✔ Prevents problem behaviours before they start
✔ Keeps your dog safe in potentially dangerous situations
✔ Makes your dog a pleasure to have around family and friends
“After just two weeks of consistent training, our rescue terrier transformed from a nervous wreck to a confident companion,” says Emma from Manchester.
5 Essential Commands Every Dog Should Learn
1. “Sit” – The Building Block of Good Behaviour
How to teach it:
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Hold a small treat near your dog’s nose
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Slowly move your hand up and back over their head
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As their bottom touches the floor, say “Sit”
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Immediately reward with the treat and praise
Top tip: Practice before mealtimes when your dog is most motivated.
2. “Stay” – For Safety and Self-Control
Start small and build up:
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Ask your dog to sit
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Show your palm like a stop sign and say “Stay”
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Take one step back, then return and reward
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Gradually increase distance and duration
3. “Come” – The Potentially Life-Saving Recall
Make coming to you always rewarding:
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Use extra special treats reserved only for recalls
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Never call your dog to scold them
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Start practicing in quiet environments first
4. “Down” – Encouraging Calm Behaviour
From the sit position:
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Hold a treat near their nose
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Slowly lower it to the ground between their paws
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Say “Down” as they lie down
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Reward immediately
5. “Leave It” – For Their Safety
Teach this in stages:
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Place a treat in your closed hand
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Say “Leave it” and wait until they stop trying to get it
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Reward with a different treat from your other hand
Golden Rules for Successful Dog Training
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Keep sessions short – 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily
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End on a positive note – Finish with a command they know well
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Use high-value rewards – Small pieces of chicken or cheese work wonders
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Be consistent – Everyone in the household should use the same commands
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Stay patient – All dogs learn at different paces
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Repeating commands (saying “sit, sit, SIT!”)
❌ Moving too fast through training stages
❌ Training when frustrated or tired
❌ Expecting too much too soon
❌ Only training in one location
Troubleshooting Typical Training Challenges
“My dog only listens when I have treats”
➔ Gradually phase out food rewards by alternating with praise
➔ Sometimes reward with play instead of treats
“He knows commands at home but ignores me outside”
➔ Practice in increasingly distracting environments
➔ Use higher-value treats in challenging situations
“Training feels overwhelming”
➔ Focus on mastering one command at a time
➔ Celebrate small improvements – they all add up
The Often Overlooked Secret: Capturing Good Behaviour
Beyond formal training sessions, reward your dog when they:
☑ Sit calmly instead of jumping up
☑ Lie down quietly during mealtimes
☑ Choose to check in with you on walks
This “passive training” reinforces good manners throughout the day.
When to Consider Professional Help
While most dogs respond well to consistent home training, you might need extra support if your dog:
✓ Shows signs of aggression
✓ Has severe anxiety issues
✓ Doesn’t respond to any rewards
✓ Makes you feel unsafe
Take Your Training Further with Doggy Dan’s Canine Reactivity Webinar
For owners dealing with:
• Lead pulling
• Jumping up
• Excessive barking
• Difficulty focusing
This automatic webinar provides:
✅ Step-by-step video lessons you can revisit anytime
✅ Gentle, effective methods suitable for all dogs
✅ Techniques that work in real-world situations
✅ Lifetime access to training materials
“As a first-time dog owner, I was completely lost. Doggy Dan’s webinar gave me the confidence and skills to properly train my spaniel,” shares James from London.
Enrol in the Canine Reactivity Webinar Today
Your 4-Week Beginner Training Plan
Week 1: Focus on “Sit” and name recognition
Week 2: Introduce “Stay” and “Come”
Week 3: Teach “Down” and begin “Leave It”
Week 4: Practice all commands in different locations
Remember – there’s no strict timeline. Go at your dog’s pace!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Training Journey
Training your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll share. It:
• Strengthens your bond
• Provides mental stimulation for your dog
• Makes everyday life more enjoyable
• Could one day save their life
When challenges arise (as they do for all owners), remember that resources like Doggy Dan’s webinar are available to provide extra guidance.
Which command are you most excited to teach your dog? Share your training goals in the comments below! 🐾