What commands should you teach a dog at 3 months old?

What commands should you teach a dog at 3 months old? - briefly

At three months old, it's crucial to start teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as "sit" and "come." These commands lay the foundation for future training and help establish a strong bond between you and your puppy.

What commands should you teach a dog at 3 months old? - in detail

At three months old, dogs are in their prime socialization period, making it an ideal time to start teaching them basic commands. These early lessons not only lay the foundation for future training but also help integrate your puppy into your family and surroundings smoothly. Here are some essential commands you should focus on at this stage:

1. Sit: This is one of the first commands a puppy can learn, and it's highly useful in various situations. Start by holding a treat close to their nose without letting them get it. Slowly move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower. Once they are in the sitting position, say "Sit," give them the treat, and praise them. Repeat this process several times a day until they associate the action with the command.

2. Come: Teaching your puppy to come when called is crucial for their safety and well-being. Start in a distraction-free environment by saying "Come" in a happy, encouraging tone. When your puppy comes to you, reward them with praise and a treat. Gradually increase the distance and introduce distractions as they become more proficient. Using a long leash can be helpful during this training phase.

3. Stay: This command helps keep your puppy safe in various situations. Begin by asking your puppy to sit, then open your palm in front of them and say "Stay." Take a few steps back, keeping your eye on your puppy. If they remain still, reward them with praise and a treat. Gradually increase the distance and distractions as your puppy improves.

4. Down: This command is useful for calming an excited puppy or preparing them to be handled. Start by asking your puppy to sit, then hold a treat in your closed fist and move it towards the ground between their front paws. As they follow the treat with their head, say "Down." Once they are in the down position, give them the treat and praise them.

5. Heel: This command is essential for leash training and maintaining control during walks. Start by holding a treat at your side and saying "Heel." Your puppy should walk beside you without pulling on the leash. If they pull, stop and do not move until they return to your side. Reward them with praise and a treat when they are in the correct position.

6. Off: Teaching your puppy the "Off" command can prevent unwanted behaviors like jumping or chewing on furniture. Start by placing a treat on their paw, saying "Off." When they move away from it, give them the treat and praise them. Gradually introduce this command in different scenarios to generalize the behavior.

Consistency is key when teaching these commands. Use the same word for each action, and ensure all family members are on the same page regarding training methods. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, will motivate your puppy to learn and associate good behaviors with rewards.