15 Essential Dog Training Exercises

(1) Jump Training in Dog Training

Before reaching the jumping spot, have the dog sit to the owner’s left. The obstacle height should not exceed 30 centimeters (Note: The original text incorrectly stated “30 meters”; this has been corrected to a reasonable height). The owner should first clear the obstacle, then say “Jump” while pointing at the obstacle with the right hand and gently pulling the leash with the left hand to guide the dog over it. In dog training, immediately reward the dog after completing this action to reinforce the correct behavior.
During training, gradually increase the obstacle height based on the dog’s adaptation, while simultaneously extending the distance between owner and dog. This progressively enhances the dog’s ability in the “jump” training exercise.

(2) Dog Training: “Stand” Command

In dog training, to have a dog standing from a sitting or lying position, first give the “Stand” command. Then, gently lift the dog’s collar with your right hand while lightly supporting its hindquarters with your left hand to assist it in standing. Immediately reward the dog after the action is completed, associating the “Stand” command with positive reinforcement.
As dog training progresses, gradually increase the distance between owner and dog when giving the “Stand” command to build the dog’s ability to respond to commands from a distance.

(3) Dog Training: “Sit” Training

“Sit” is a fundamental and crucial command in dog training, primarily divided into two training methods: left-side sit and front-facing sit:
a.Left-side sit training: Have the dog stand on your left side. Give the “sit” command, then lift the collar with your right hand while pressing the dog’s waist or gently pushing its hind legs down with your left hand to assist it into a sitting position. Immediately reward the dog after the action is completed.
b.Front Sit Training: Have the dog stand facing you, give the “Sit” command, form an L-shape with your right hand, lift the collar with your left hand, and guide the dog into a sitting position. Reward immediately upon completion.
During dog training, gradually extend the duration of the sit. Through repeated practice, refine the dog’s sitting posture to ensure consistent and stable execution of the “Sit” command.

(4) “Stay” Training in Dog Training

The core goal of “stay” training during walks is to have the dog remain motionless in a designated spot. Begin by having the dog sit, then say “Stay!” while holding the leash and slowly stepping back two paces. Next, walk around the dog once.
Once the dog becomes familiar with this sequence, the owner can release the leash and walk farther away during training, teaching the dog to wait patiently in place without the leash. It’s crucial to note that if the dog shifts its posture during the initial circling phase, the training must be restarted from the beginning to ensure strict adherence to the “stay” command.

(5) Dog Training: “Go Forward” Training

In dog training, the “Forward” exercise aims to teach the dog to advance to a designated location upon the owner’s command. During the initial training phase, first have the dog sit. The owner then walks approximately 20 meters away, makes a gesture as if placing an object, and quickly returns. Next, kneel slightly on the left leg, extend the right arm forward with the palm facing inward, pointing toward the spot just reached, and command the dog to advance. When the dog arrives at the destination, command it to sit and immediately provide a reward.
After repeated training sessions, the owner no longer needs to accompany the dog to the destination. Using only hand signals and commands, the dog can be guided to accurately reach the designated location, achieving independent execution of the “Forward” command.

(VI) Dog Training: “Heel” Training

“Heel” training is a crucial component of dog training for ensuring safety during outings. It is divided into two modes: leash heel and off-leash heel:
– Leash Heeling Training: Position the dog on your left side. Gently guide it with your right hand at waist level. Once in the correct position, give the “heel” command. After the action is completed, pat the dog with your left hand as a reward.
– Off-Leash Heeling Training: This can only be attempted after successful leash heeling training. Have the dog follow slightly behind while walking. Give the “heel” command and guide the dog’s position as you move. Reward promptly for good behavior.
During training, if the dog fails to heel correctly or strays from position, make an immediate sharp turn and repeat the “heel” command to correct the behavior. This helps establish proper heel walking habits.

(7) Dog Training: “Down” Training

“Down” training in dog training also includes two methods: left-side down and front-down:
a.Left-side down training: Have the dog sit on your left side. Give the “down” command while pulling the collar forward and downward with your left hand. Hold food in your right hand and slowly move it downward in front of the dog’s mouth to encourage it to lower its front legs. Immediately reward upon completion.
b.Front-down training: Have the dog sit facing forward. Use the same food-luring method as for the left-side down to guide its front legs into the down position. Reward promptly upon completion.
During dog training, gradually extend the duration of the down position and increase the distance between owner and dog. Through repeated practice, refine the dog’s “down” command into a more standardized and consistent response.

(8) Dog Training: “Shake Paw” Training

“Shake paw” is an interactive and fun training exercise. Begin by commanding the dog to extend its paw. Gently lift its left paw with your left hand and its right paw with your right hand. Praise the dog throughout the process. Before it loses balance, withdraw one hand to support it, preventing the dog from falling.
In dog training, frequent rewards accelerate mastery of the “shake hands” command, boost the dog’s enthusiasm for participation, and make the training process more enjoyable.

(9) Dog Training: “Fetch” Training

“Fetch” training is a crucial exercise in dog training that builds focus and obedience. It typically progresses through three steps:
1. Step One: Hold an object your dog loves in your right hand and wave it in front of them to encourage picking it up. Once they hold it for a moment, give the “drop” command, catch the item with your hand, and immediately reward them.
2. Step Two: After mastering Step 1, have the dog sit to your left. Toss the object a short distance ahead, point toward it with your right hand, and give the “fetch” command. When the dog picks up the target, give the ‘come’ command and make the “come” gesture with your right hand. Praise the dog promptly upon its return. When it releases the object, immediately pat it, praise it, and provide an appropriate reward.
3. Step Three: Have the dog sit to the owner’s left. The owner places an object about ten meters away, then quickly returns. Give the “fetch” command, point toward the object with the right hand, and command the dog to retrieve it. When the dog brings the object back, praise it. Once it sits to the left again, give the “drop” command. After the action is completed, provide a generous reward.
Through this three-step progressive dog training, the dog gradually masters the complete “retrieve” process, enhancing its overall training capabilities.

(10) Dog Training: “Come” Training

In dog training, the “Come” command ensures the dog responds promptly to the owner’s call even when distracted. When the dog wanders off, first call its name to get its attention, then say ‘Come’ while gently pulling the leash and stepping back to guide the dog back to your side. Have it sit on your left side. Immediately reward it after the action is completed to reinforce its response to the “Come” command.
As training progresses, gradually increase the distance between owner and dog when giving the “Come” command to improve the dog’s obedience to the recall command at greater distances.

(11) Dog Training: “Swim” Training

“Swim” training not only diversifies a dog’s exercise routine but is also a distinctive feature in dog training. During training, take the dog to the water’s edge. Use an object the dog enjoys to capture its interest, then quickly toss the item into the water. Give the “swim” command to encourage the dog to retrieve it.
If the dog refuses to enter the water, never force it during training. Instead, gently pat it and slowly guide it into the water. Once the dog gradually becomes accustomed to the aquatic environment, then guide it to complete the swimming and retrieving action.

(12) Dog Training: “Go” Command Training

“Go” command training develops a dog’s ability to independently navigate to a designated location. Begin by having the dog sit. The owner should then place an object about 20 meters away, immediately return, give the “Go” command, gently pull the collar with the left hand, and extend the right arm with the palm facing inward toward the object. Guide the dog toward the item. When the dog reaches the object, have it sit down and then reward it.
This training requires frequent repetition in dog training, gradually increasing the distance of the placed object. Once the dog is proficient, commands can be given from a distance, allowing the dog to independently go to the designated location, fully exercising its command execution ability.

(13) Dog Training: “Down” Training

“Crawl” training should be conducted on flat ground. During training, give the verbal command “Crawl” while gently pulling the collar downward with your left hand to guide the dog into lying down and crawling forward. Immediately reward the dog upon completing the crawl action to reinforce the correct behavior associated with the command.
Through repeated training sessions, the dog will master the crawl motion more proficiently, enhancing its responsiveness to specialized commands.

(14) Dog Training: “Bow” Training

“Bow” is a highly entertaining interactive training maneuver in dog training. Initially, have the dog stand before its owner and command it to “stand.” Once stable, grasp both front paws with one hand and gently swing them up and down while saying “Thank you.” After several repetitions, reward the dog to establish the association between “paw swinging,” the “Thank you” command, and the reward.
Once the dog is familiar with this action, during training, stop using your hands to assist. Instead, give the “Thank you” command from about two steps in front of the dog. Through repeated practice, the dog will independently stand and perform the bowing gesture upon hearing “thank you.”

(15) Dog Training: “Fetch and Hold” Training

Dogs possess an innate tendency to retrieve objects. “Fetch and Hold” training is a crucial component of dog training that harnesses this natural instinct and enhances obedience. Below are several practical training methods:
1. Training to pick up and hold: After the dog picks up an object with its mouth, remove your hand and train the dog to maintain the hold, building its focus.
2. Learning to obey the “hold” command: Present an object the dog can pick up near its nose and command “hold.” If the dog resists, gently tap its upper lip with the object and repeat the command to reinforce obedience.
3. Immediate praise for correct execution: Praise the dog promptly when it successfully holds the object. You can also gently hold the dog’s mouth with both hands to help maintain the hold. Since dogs often enjoy this game of carrying objects, the owner can place the item in front of the dog, command “Hold it,” let the dog hold it for a moment, then command ‘Good’ or “Release,” take the item, and praise the dog. Additionally, you can place the item farther away and repeat the training.
Through repeated dog training sessions, the dog will gradually obey commands and master the fetching action. During training, owners can offer small treats the dog enjoys as rewards to boost its enthusiasm for learning.