Obedience Lessons

Getting Started

Sit

Come

Stay

Lie Down

Wait

Walk on a Leash

Better Go Now

Off

Stand

Leave It

Watch Me

Be Gentle

Move, Please

Sit

See it!

• Be ready with a small piece of your dog's favorite treat.

• Stand facing your dog or puppy. Holding the treat in front of your dog's nose, move the treat up toward the top of his head high enough that he can just barely reach it.

• If your dog lifts his front feet off the ground, you are holding the treat too high. When your dog lifts his head and shoulders to get the treat, his bottom should go down.

• As soon as your dog is in the sit position, praise him by saying "Sit. Good boy, sit." Hug him and give him a treat.

• If you need to, gently touch your dog's back give him a signal that you want him to sit.

Practice this many times. It may take 10 times before your dog understands! When you think he knows the word "Sit", try it without the treat. If he doesn't sit, don't say anything. Just try it with a treat again. Praise him whenever he does what he is supposed to do.

You can teach your dog to sit while he is by your side, facing you, or while you are walking him on a leash. Repeat the steps above in many different positions and places. Once your dog knows what "sit" means, he will be happy to please you.

Two adorable Basenjis!

TIP:

When you give the command to "Sit", say it only once. Don't repeat it because your dog will learn that he doesn't have to sit the first time. If he doesn't sit the first time, just go back to practicing with the treat again. Don't forget to say "good boy" whenever he is working hard!

You should never punish your dog or yell at him if he doesn't sit. He is doing nothing wrong.

He is just learning.

Dogs have been wearing collars ever since Egyptian times! We have seen dogs with collars in art that dates back to ancient times.

Fido's Fabulous Dog Facts

See it again. Teach your dog to sit!

Here are our favorite training books and videos written for kids:

Puppy Training for Kids, by Sarah Whitehead, Barrons Juveniles 2001
This book has easy-to-understand instructions for children on puppy training and care. With an emphasis on fun. Learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling, grooming, giving commands, teaching obedience, tricks, and much more. There are great full-color photos throughout the book. For ages 9-12, or 4-8 with parents' guidance.

Your Puppy, Your Dog, by Pat Storer, Storey Publishing; 1997
From the Back Cover
What a dog needs most is love -- and loving a dog means providing everything it needs to be happy and healthy. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of illustrations, this book tells you just how to care for and understand your dog.
Includes: How to select the puppy or dog that is best for you, What and how to feed your dog, How to train and exercise your dog, How to play with your dog or puppy, How to keep your dog in the best of health, Where and how to show your dog, ... Ages 9 and up

Kids Training Puppies in Five Minutes, by JoAnn Dahan, Cork Hill Press; (February 5, 2004)
From an Amazon.com reader: My name is Christi, I am 7 years old. I just got a new lab puppy from my Mom and Dad her name is Ginny. Before I could have Ginny I had to promised I would care for her and train her. This book is so great, it is very easy to read and the pictures of the lab puppies and kids are so cute. I taught Ginny to sit and lie down really fast. I think every kid with a puppy should have this book. Ages 5-8

Dog Training For Kids, by Carol Lea Benjamin, Howell Book House Inc. 1988
This is a great book for kids written by one of the best. It explains all of the basic training that a child will need to get a good start with a dog. Also covers common behavior problems. Ages 9-12

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters From Obedience School, by Mark Teague, Scholastic; 1st ed edition (September 1, 2002)
From an Amazon.com customer: This is a really fun book. Children will delight in the contrasting artwork. Adults will appreciate the little details of each illustration. The sarcastic comments of the dog will be humorous to all who read this story. I bought the book for my 5 year-old nephew. While awaiting his birthday, I read it three times. For kids, age 4-8

Video

The Best!

Dog Training for Children with Ian Dunbar,
1997 VHS
This video is written and hosted by veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and author Dr. Ian Dunbar — the world's leading authority on dog behavior and training. Dr. Dunbar is the original creator and popularizer of off-leash puppy classes, which sparked the revolution for positive, reward-based, dog-friendly dog training. I have previewed this video and recommend it as an excellent training tool for kids. Jan Wall, author How to Love Your Dog

This video is a little older, but excellent, nonetheless. Ian Dunbar has a wonderful way with the children - clear, gentle, and kind. Easy to watch and understand, kids can be completely successful with this positive method of training. Adapted from the British television program, Dogs With Dunbar. Topics include: Taking on a new puppy. Housetraining. Early leash training. Teaching Sit and Down. Developing a rapport. Focusing attention. Improving off-leash control. Training a fast recall. Training as a family. Family competitions. Improving the Sit Stay. Teaching with toys. Playing training games.

For the little ones:

I'll Teach My Dog 100 Words (A Bright & Early Book), by Michael Frith, From and Amazon.com Reader: Beginning with "The first six words I'll teach my pup are 'dig a hole' and 'fill it up.'" this book is absolutely hilarious. I had never heard of it before my son came along, but it is one of his favorites and mine. It is whimiscal, clever, and just plain fun: "have a care, don't paint the mayor." The cadence and flow of the words are masterful. Ages Baby to Preschool