Why Home Training Works Better Than You Think
You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive classes to train an obedient dog. In fact, home training offers unique advantages that professional trainers wish more owners knew about:
✔ Your dog learns in their natural environment
✔ You can practice throughout the day in short bursts
✔ No distractions of group classes during early learning
✔ Builds a stronger bond through daily interaction
I’ve helped thousands of dogs (and their humans) transform behavior at home – and I’m sharing all my best tips with you today.
The 5 Essential Commands Every Dog Should Know
1. “Sit” – The Foundation of Obedience
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 bottom touches the ground
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Immediately reward!
Pro Tip: Practice before meals when your dog is most motivated.
2. “Stay” – For Safety and Self-Control
Start with these steps:
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Have your dog sit
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Show your palm like a stop sign
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Say “Stay” and take ONE step back
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Return and reward before they move
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Gradually increase distance and duration
3. “Come” – The Lifesaving Recall
Make this command irresistible by:
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Using extra-special treats only for recalls
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Never calling to scold (always make it positive)
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Practicing in low-distraction areas first
4. “Leave It” – For Dangerous Situations
Teach this in stages:
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With a treat in closed fist, say “Leave it”
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Wait until they stop sniffing/licking
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Reward with a DIFFERENT treat
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Progress to floor exercises
5. “Down” – The Calm Position
Lure your dog from a sit:
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Treat at nose, slowly move straight down to floor
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Then slightly forward between their paws
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Say “Down” as elbows touch ground
The Golden Rules of Home Training Success
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Keep sessions short – 5 minutes, 3-5 times daily
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End on a success – Finish with an easy command they know
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Use high-value rewards – Real meat > kibble for motivation
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Be consistent – Same command words every time
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Make it fun! – If you’re frustrated, your dog will be too
Troubleshooting Common Home Training Challenges
“My dog won’t listen when there’s distractions”
➔ Practice in increasingly distracting environments
➔ Use higher-value treats around triggers
“He knows commands but ignores me sometimes”
➔ Ensure you’re not overusing commands
➔ Go back to basics with higher rewards
“Training feels overwhelming”
➔ Focus on ONE command at a time
➔ Celebrate small victories
The Secret Weapon: Capturing Calmness
Beyond formal training sessions, reward your dog for:
☑ Sitting quietly instead of jumping
☑ Lying down calmly during dinner
☑ Making eye contact with you spontaneously
This “passive training” builds incredible real-world obedience.
When to Consider Additional Help
While most dogs thrive with home training, you might need extra support if your dog:
✓ Shows aggression (growling, snapping)
✓ Has severe anxiety or fear
✓ Doesn’t respond to any food rewards
✓ Makes you feel unsafe
Take Your Training to the Next Level with Doggy Dan’s Canine Reactivity Webinar
For owners dealing with:
• Leash pulling
• Jumping on guests
• Barking at distractions
• Difficulty focusing
Doggy Dan’s automatic webinar teaches you:
✅ How to create instant focus
✅ The right way to correct unwanted behaviors
✅ Techniques to proof commands anywhere
✅ Solutions for common obedience challenges
“This program finally helped me understand why my smart dog was being ‘stubborn’ – turns out I was the one who needed training!” – Sarah K., webinar member
Click Here to Access the Life-Changing Webinar
Your 4-Week Home Training Plan
Week 1: Master “Sit” and “Watch Me”
Week 2: Add “Stay” and “Down”
Week 3: Introduce “Leave It” and proof commands
Week 4: Work on distance and duration
Remember: There’s no deadline. Go at your dog’s pace!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Training at home creates:
• A stronger bond with your dog
• Better real-world obedience
• More opportunities for practice
And when you hit snags (everyone does), remember help is available through resources like Doggy Dan’s webinar.
What’s the first command you’ll work on with your dog? Share your home training goals below! 🐕💕
