Sit → the polite default
Hold a treat above the nose; move it back toward the ears until the rump touches ground. Mark "Yes!", reward. Five reps, then ask for eye contact before releasing.
By System | Published on May 17, 2025 | Updated on May 17, 2025
Training as a Shared Language
Good training is less about domination and more about dialogue. When your dog understands what earns rewards, anxiety fades and focus blooms. The exercises below use positive reinforcement— the gold standard endorsed by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
1 Foundational Cues
Come → the life-saving recall
Start on a 5 m line. Crouch, open arms, say "Come!" once. Reward with high-value food + play. Gradually add distance, then distractions.
Leave It → impulse brake
Place kibble under your shoe. Dog sniffs? Stay silent. The moment they look away, mark and reward with better treat from your hand. Dogs learn that disengagement pays more than grabbing.
2 Method Over Muscle
- Marker word or clicker: Bridges the 0.5 s gap between action and reward.
- Rate of reinforcement: 10–12 treats/min keeps novice dogs engaged.
- Generalisation drills: Practise "Down" on carpet, grass, pavement, vet scale.
3 Solving Everyday Frustrations
Leash pulling? Become a tree the instant tension appears; move again only when the line slackens. Consistency > strength.
Excess barking? Identify the trigger (doorbell, boredom) and pre-empt with a "Go to mat" cue plus stuffed Kong before the mail arrives.
House-soiling? Reinforce outdoor elimination within three seconds every time for two weeks— most adult rescues master it faster than you expect.
4 Next-Level Challenges
Trick chaining: Combine "Spin" + "Bow" + "Roll" into a dance routine— improves body awareness and deepens bond.
Nose work: Hiding cloves or tea leaves around the house taps into 200 million scent receptors, providing mental marathons on rainy days.
Canine-good-citizen certification: A fun goal that tests loose-lead walking, polite greetings, and basic obedience in a distracting environment.