The most basic dog training commands include "Sit" and "Stay". Teaching the recall (aka "come") is important, but can be the most difficult.... they all take time, patience and practice!
Other obedience commands such as "Down" and "Leave It" are vital for everyday life, and "Fetch" is helpful :)
You can find step-by-step guidelines for puppy training, and get a good view of the 'big picture' on my How To Train A Puppy page.
Although dog training books are very useful and I absolutely recommend having at least one at home, when it comes to teaching dog obedience commands, it often helps to actually see how to do it as well as read the instructions in dog training books.
If this is your first puppy, or it's been a while since you were a puppy parent, and you need a 'refresher course', I've found a few puppy obedience videos that will get you started.
And remember, when you're giving dog training commands, always use a happy, upbeat voice, and exercise lots of patience!
When your pup gets it right, make sure that you immediately praise him, and give him a tiny, tasty treat too. This makes the lessons fun for your puppy, which sets the stage for a long, happy education.
How To Teach Dog Training Commands
The first video shows a young German Shepherd puppy learning a few of the earliest obedience exercises.
This second video shows the same puppy, learning some basic dog training commands using the clicker training method.
Clicker training is a straightforward and fun way to teach dog obedience commands to a puppy, or a dog of any age for that matter.
It's a very popular training method and can be used to train horses, birds and other pets/animals too. You can find out everything you need to know about using a 'clicker' to train your pup or dog by visiting my Puppy Clicker Training page... but do take a look at this video as well because it helps you to SEE how it works!
If you'd like to teach your pup or dog the 'Fetch' command, take a look at this video..... it shows you how to do just that, and have fun at the same time!
This next video shows some basic puppy obedience training, with a few puppy tricks thrown in for good measure. This Labrador Retriever puppy has learned some basic dog training commands very quickly, and you can see how eager she is to please her owner!
My Smart Puppy - Book & DVD
In this easy to read book, you'll find that the 'Fun, effective and easy puppy training' it promises, is a very attainable goal.
The writing style, and use of simple, straightforward terms, makes this dog training book very readable. It shows you exactly how to raise and train a happy, well adjusted dog.
There's no need to be nervous, or feel intimidated by the thought of puppy training! With this book by your side, it doesn't have to be a challenge! In fact, it can be a lot of fun for both you and your puppy, and play a huge role in building a strong, healthy pup/owner relationship.
An added bonus for new puppy parents, is the DVD that comes with the book. It clearly demonstrates the simple, effective training exercises, which is a great help - especially if you're new to all this puppy training stuff :)
Get the whole family involved (including the kids) by encouraging them to watch the DVD and then practice the training techniques they've learned.
This great dog training book will help you to get you started on the road to having a well-behaved, obedient puppy who's a joy to have around.
Dog agility is a fun sport that you can both share, and it's a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner, and keep both of you fit!
Usually a pup needs to be old enough to have finished the most demanding part of his growth and development (to protect his joints and bones) and know some basic obedience commands.
If you'd like to see some dogs 'going through their paces' on an agility obstacle course, take a look at my Dog Agility Courses.