Start by Training Your Dog to Sit
This simple, effective command will save you from worrying about your dog knocking someone over.- Show your dog a treat in your hand to pique his interest.
- Hold the treat at his nose level and raise it above his head while you say “sit.” Your dog will follow the treat with his eyes until he sits down.
- Give him the treat when he sits.
Teach Your Dog to Stay
Speaking of doorbells, how often do you have to race your dog to get to the doorbell first? Well, if you can teach your dog to sit, you can teach him to stay.- Tell your dog to sit.
- Show him the treat, take a step away from him, and say “stay.”
- If he follows you, keep repeating the process.
- See if you can get your dog to stay while you keep walking away and wind up in a separate room.
Teach Your Dog to Heel
When your dog is running around your crowded party, get him to stay close to you and out of the way of your guests.- Stand a few feet away from your dog and call him to your side by saying his name or “here.”
- Reward your dog (treats, pets, praise) each time he successfully sits by you.
- Tell your dog to stay and move a few feet away again; call him towards you and repeat.