I am having trouble teaching my dog a command. What can I do?

If your dog is having trouble learning a command, try breaking the action down into smaller steps and reward your dog for each small success. For example, if your dog is having difficulty with the Down command, use a treat to lure your dog’s head toward the ground and reward that action. You can then work on luring his head and shoulders to the ground for a reward.

Continue gradually progressing until your dog is able to move into the Down position.

How will I know when I can move forward in my training?

As general rule, when your dog consistently responds to a command, you can move forward a step in your training. For example, when your dog responds without hesitation each time you lure him into position using a treat, you can begin training using only the voice command and hand signal for the action. If your dog is unsuccessful at the new step after three attempts, you have moved forward too quickly and you should go back to the previous step in your training.

• After your dog responds reliably when lured with a treat, you can stop using the treat to guide your dog. You use a treat only as a reward after your dog performs the command.

• For most commands, you can teach your dog a voice command and a hand signal. When you start training a hand signal, the signal is often a large movement.

• As your dog becomes accustomed to a command and hand signal, you can begin to reduce the hand signal movement until it is as subtle as you would like.

Note: You can use the voice command and hand signal together or use only one or the other.