Orlovia
You can convey commands to your puppy or adult dog in various ways. Once you have recognized the principle of learning behavior, it becomes much easier than you might think at first. Commands must be simple in structure so your dog will learn them quickly and easily. Of course, the reward in the learning phase must never be missing. Nevertheless, it requires your patience and time, you have to take it if the whole thing is to work. Ultimately, this really makes your everyday life easier. And who doesn’t like having a well-behaved four-legged friend?
Seat & Place
The command “sit” is best named the same way. You should stand up straight and take a step toward your sweetheart, lift your index finger in the air, and snap. Some holders also clapped, but that always requires two hands, which you don’t always have free. The snapping or clapping draws your dog’s attention to you acoustically. Later, he will recognize the command immediately, even from a distance, so these signals are important. Ideally, you can continue practicing here, because from this position you can immediately teach your sweetheart the command “down”. But before you do that, by placing your hand flat on the floor and saying “sit,” you first praise him for the “sit,” because puppies in particular tend to mix up the two commands. Your dog has to look up to you during every learning process and not the other way around, so don’t lie down on the floor to demonstrate it, for example. Especially “seat” is important on roads. Even if you could cross the street with your four-legged friend unhindered, please stop briefly at every street, your dog should get used to always “sitting” on the street first. This also makes it easier for drivers, who otherwise slam on the brakes because they are not sure whether their dog is going to start running.
If you want to teach “down” straight away from “sit”, think of a hand signal so that your darling can understand the command without words. But first, you start to put your flat hand on the floor when he is in sitting mode anyway (As I said, praise it first!) You can have a treat in your hand, so your dog’s snout will automatically do the same down on the floor and now you apply the command “place”. By the way, your dog should stay downstairs, even if you leave. That won’t work right from the start. So if he gets up too, stop him with “Stay!”. You can also entice him with – for example – his favorite toy. Take it behind your back and stand expectantly. Your sweetheart is a smart guy and will do anything to get what he wants and is very aware that he has to do something to get it. So he will try everything from “sit” and barking to eventually “down”. Only then should you please show emotion and above all: Praise! Now he can get his reward and have fun with his favorite toy.
Come
When you say “come”, you act in a similar way to how small children do it: you squat down, smile friendly, and spread your arms. Then the command: “Come”, you can slap your thighs or whistle, because here too the acoustic signal is the decisive and important stimulus for your dog. If that works, please immediately praise and caress extensively. If it doesn’t work right away and your dog is too slow, motivate him! Again “Come” and joyful thigh-slapping should be the fuel. And if it doesn’t work, there must be no blame. Punishments are out of place here, including scolding, as this sends the wrong signal to your dog, apart from only irritating him. If you complain, that means attention – it means that he must have done everything right if you reward him with a spectacle.
No
If you use the command “No!”, you should shake your head tensely and lean forward. Even if your dog is in your way, this gesture will push him away a bit. The NO must be considered a total ban. So you have to be clear about what is clearly forbidden because first forbidding and later allowing again is useless. You have to be absolutely consistent here. Your voice should sound firm and clear and loud. This command must, so to speak, be right when it is pronounced once. If the dog doesn’t let go of what’s forbidden, it can be frightening, grabbed by the muzzle, or even thrown a loud, clattering, flying leash.
The Conscious Choice of Name
Especially hard letters in names that can still be renamed to pet names are an advantage. For example “Leo”. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? If the dog is about to do something it shouldn’t and you want to give advance warning, “Leonhardt” would be appropriate. The harsh, stern “T” should make him prick up his ears.
Foot
“Foot” is a command that must also be released again. I am going into the leash learning process here, if you get your dog used to walking on the leash from puppyhood there should be little difficulty. Again, you need the attention of your four-legged friend, which you can easily get when he walks on your left side and you pat him on the head and ear from time to time. Now your sweetheart will look at you. If in doubt, a treat should motivate. In principle, your left side should be that of your dog. If he runs ahead, you should give the leash a quick jerk and give the command “heel”. If that works and your four-legged friend accompanies you correctly again, you can now praise it extensively. If he doesn’t obey, you should lean towards him, lure him with your hand and a treat can also come to the rescue. But he only gets that when he is back in his place. So that it doesn’t get boring, you should also practice “sit” and “down” in between, so your dog doesn’t get bored and stays cheerfully on task. You should also vary your walking speed from time to time. Your darling should adjust to your given pace. Your darling must also always stop when you do it – and always remember: “Sit” is done on roads. It doesn’t matter if it’s free or not.
If Something Does Not Work
If your darling doesn’t obey, he probably hasn’t understood the command yet, because no dog reacts maliciously by nature. There must be no reward here – but no punishment either! You shouldn’t even get into the habit of scolding, as that sends the wrong signal to your dog.