Julie’s Training Guide
Golden Rule: Every dog must give something to get something
Basic Commands
Sit – Hand signal, fingers slowly move from low to high just in front of dog’s nose.
*ask only one time and wait for result
This command is a foundation for all other commands. It is great for impulse control. Use on walks before crossing streets, before feeding/treats and in situations where dog is getting out of control. Great reset button!
Come - Hand signal, hand motioned to come
This command is for recall. This command is the only command that can be repeated. If dog doesn’t listen to your command of “come” on first couple requests, get treats to lure him in and praise. Practice often! Important not to scold him when he does return after several failed attempts. That will only reinforce his not listening, a very common issue.
Stay – Hand signal, flat hand aimed at his face
*ask only one time and wait for result
Use at street crossings, before walking out doors (so you can go first) and for general control.
Down – Hand signal, two fingers slowly moving downward in front of face
*ask only one time and wait for result
This command is great for impulse control. Use to keep dog in controlled position or when trying to get him to relax.
Off – Hand signal, pointer finger pointing down and away
This command is for getting dog off furniture and people. If he doesn’t listen after two requests to get off of furniture, get leash and gently pull him into correct spot, ask him to sit and praise him once in correct place.
Leash Training
Heal –This command asks dog stay by your side and follow your feet on walks.
Release – Use when you want to release dog from commands such as sit, down, heal (free to roam, pee and smell things)
20 % of walk – use “heal” (use when walking out/in front door, passing people)
80 % of walk – use “released” (dog gets to smell, pee and enjoy the walk when safe)
Common Behavioral Issues and Answers
- Jumping On You/Guests
Lift knee towards dog to claim space. Once dog is calm, ask to sit and give praise (say in calm way “good dog,” pet under chin and under neck
March toward jumping dog. They hate to be up on back legs going backward. Once dog is calm, ask to sit and give praise (say in calm way “good dog,” pet under chin and under neck
Leash dog and place handle under heavy furniture. As person approaches and dog gets over excited, person steps backward. Once dog sits calmly, person walks forward. Repeat until person can approach a calm dog, then praise for calm behavior. If dog gets excited again, walk backward again. Repeat as necessary.
- Dashing Out Door
Teach dog to “go to place.” Place towel or folded blanket on floor away from door. Say “go to place” and teach dog to put all four feet on towel/blanket. Once there, praise and reward with treat. Repeat this often to train. When guest come, give command “go to place” and “stay” to have dog stay there until guests enter door. Great to prevent jumping on guests as well.
- Barking
- Pulling/Lunging
- Mouthing/teeth on humans
If biting continues, carefully curl dog’s upper lip into upper tooth and gently push saying “no bite.” This will always make dog release whatever is in dog’s mouth.
- Potty Training
If accident inside, be sure to clean all well with Nature’s Miracle or other enzymatic to be sure all molecules of scent are gone.
- Marking
Other Tips
- Always have dog sit before feeding – establishes leadership
- Always go through doors first – establishes leadership
- Don’t allow dogs to go up on things without invitation. If they do, say “off” praise when they do and then invite back up if that is what you want. The idea is they can’t take, it must be given.
- Use calm voice and energy to calm dog. Use excited voice and energy to get dogs excited.
- Use two finger poke to the neck muscle as a strong negative reinforcement. This signals dog brain to stop whatever behavior they were just doing.
- Make use of game of fetch to teach: Recall, Sitting, Staying and Fetching. Great game to play and teach at same time. Wonderful way to teach impulse control.
Recommended Tools
- Crate – to sleep in. This is great for helping nervous dogs relax, potty training and keeping dog safe from household hazards. Can be used when traveling as a home away from home”
- XPen – for new dogs, puppies. Keeps dogs safe and helps reinforce potty training
- Martingale Collar - Don’t use a harness for training! They create an automatic response in dogs to move forward making it very hard to teach no pulling.
- Solid Leash – find something comfortable
- Empty Water Bottle filled with pennies – this works as great negative reinforcement
- Bully Sticks – use in crate only for easier crate training (keeps them busy for hours)
- Nyla Bones – use to train “no bite” for the mouthy dogs
- Toys – enrichment to prevent boredom
- Treats – use for training. Easier to lure dog into good behavior using high value treats
- Water/Food Bowl – Dogs like having their own bowls