To help your dog be successful during training, you should follow some simple guidelines when giving him commands.

To avoid confusing your dog, make sure you use each command consistently. For example, you should use the Down command only when you want your dog to lie down. If your dog is lying on the couch and you use the Down command to instruct him to get off, he will not understand what you want and will not be able to obey you.

You should use only one command for each action you want your dog to perform. For example, when you want your dog to sit, say the Sit command. If you tell your dog to “Sit Down” he will not know whether to sit or lie down. Make sure you say each command only once.

Saying “sit sit sit” will confuse your dog.

Your tone of voice is also important when giving a command. You should use a calm and confident tone, without changing the pitch or volume of your normal speaking voice. Make sure you do not use a questioning tone or the excited tone that you would use for praise.

• Use one command consistently for each action you want your dog to perform. For example, say the “Down” command only when you want your dog to lie down.

• Say the command only once when instructing your dog to perform an action.

• When giving your dog a command, use a calm and confident tone of voice.

• Try to keep the pitch and volume of your voice within your normal speaking range.

• Do not confuse your dog by using the same command for several actions. For example, if you want your dog to lie down when you say the command “Down,” do not use the Down command when you want him to get off the furniture.

• Do not repeat the command when instructing your dog to perform an action. For example, do not say “Down down down.”

• Do not use a high-pitched or low-pitched voice when giving commands.