What command should you teach a small dog? - briefly
Teach your small dog the "sit" and "stay" commands first. These are fundamental for establishing basic obedience and safety in everyday interactions.
What command should you teach a small dog? - in detail
Teaching a small dog essential commands is crucial for its well-being and your relationship with it. Here are some key commands that every small dog should learn:
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Sit: This is often the first command taught to dogs because it's easy and has numerous applications. It helps control your dog in various situations, such as when visitors arrive or during mealtimes. To teach this command, hold a treat close to your dog's nose without letting it touch it. Slowly move your hand up, allowing the dog's head to follow the treat and causing its bottom to lower. Once it sits, say "Sit," give it the treat, and praise it.
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Stay: This command is vital for preventing your small dog from darting out of an open door or getting into trouble. Start by asking your dog to sit, then open your palm in front of it and say "Stay." Take a few steps back while keeping eye contact. Reward your dog with praise or a treat if it remains still. Gradually increase the distance and distractions as your dog becomes more proficient.
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Come: This command is crucial for recalling your small dog when it's off leash or has wandered away. Start in a distraction-free environment, saying "Come" in an enthusiastic tone. When your dog comes to you, reward it with praise and a treat. Practice this command daily, gradually increasing the level of distractions.
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Down: This command is useful for calming an excited or hyperactive small dog. It also helps prevent jumping behavior. To teach this command, ask your dog to sit, then hold a treat in your closed fist and move it toward the ground between its front paws. As your dog follows the treat, say "Down." Once it's lying down, give it the treat and praise it.
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Heel: This command is essential for leash training and preventing your small dog from pulling you during walks. Hold a treat at your side without letting your dog see or smell it. Say "Heel" and start walking forward. Your dog should follow the treat, staying beside you. If it pulls ahead, stop and call it back to your side. Reward it for staying by your side with praise and treats.
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Off: This command is helpful for preventing unwanted behavior like jumping on furniture or people. To teach this command, say "Off" firmly while gently pushing your dog off the furniture or away from you. Reward it with praise when it complies.
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Drop It/Leave It: These commands are crucial for preventing your small dog from ingesting harmful objects. Start by saying "Drop It" or "Leave It" in a firm tone while offering a high-value treat. Once your dog drops the object, reward it with the treat and praise.
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Quiet: This command is useful for stopping excessive barking. Start by saying "Quiet" in a calm but firm voice. When your dog stops barking, even if just for a second, reward it with praise or a treat. Gradually increase the duration of silence required before giving the reward.
Teaching these commands requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Always use a calm and assertive tone when giving commands, and never punish your dog for not complying. With time and practice, your small dog will learn to respond reliably to these essential commands.