13 Essential Dog Training Tips You Must Master

We always find dogs adorable companions that bring us joy. But nothing is perfect, so you must also shoulder responsibilities—and dog training is a crucial part of dog ownership. What if your dog barks excessively? To maintain neighborly harmony, this guide offers training solutions to address various behavioral issues through scientific methods.

1. Potty Training — The Foundation of Dog Training

Designate a specific corner outside the doghouse or in the bathroom of an apartment. Place dry newspaper soaked with your dog’s urine on the floor and lay the newspaper over it. To help your dog understand this is the designated potty spot, place a small amount of its excrement [like urine-soaked newspaper] inside. The newspaper carries a familiar scent to your dog. During initial training, keep the newspaper area large. Gradually teach it to relieve itself only within the designated space. Always praise immediately when it does it correctly; conversely, give a brief, firm reprimand when it doesn’t. Once the potty location is established, avoid moving it arbitrarily. This also helps expand its activity range within the home. When teaching puppies, master one command before introducing the next. Be patient. Never rush the process—this is a fundamental principle for all dog training.

2. Training with “No” and “Good” — Command Communication in Dog Training

When you observe undesirable behavior, stop the dog immediately and issue the “No” command. This signals that the action is unacceptable and will be reprimanded by the owner. Conversely, when the dog exhibits good behavior or performance, immediately praise it with the “Good!” command and pet its head or neck to show approval. This training is key to establishing communication between owner and dog, helping the dog understand behavioral boundaries.

3. Training “Stay” and “Come” — Obedience Lessons in Dog Training

The “Stay” command temporarily halts the dog’s movement. During mealtime, place food in front of the dog and give the “Stay” command, repeating this training consistently. To train the “Come” command, practice during walks. When the dog responds to your call and approaches, praise it immediately. If it ignores the call or runs away, avoid scolding or chasing it. Let it be, call again later, and aim to keep it within a 10-meter radius during free play sessions. Establishing leash habits early is crucial (especially for crossing roads to prevent accidents). When letting it roam freely in open areas, call it back if it strays slightly to cultivate the habit of staying close to its owner. Training these two commands is central to improving obedience and essential for dog safety in dog training.

4. “Sit” Training — Foundational Dog Training Exercise

Initially, your dog won’t understand the “sit” command. You must physically guide its hindquarters downward with your hand while simultaneously giving the verbal cue [sit], repeating until it comprehends and settles into a calm sitting position. “Sit” is one of the most fundamental commands in dog training. Mastering this action lays the groundwork for more complex training later.

5. “Shake Hands” Training — An Interactive Fun Lesson in Dog Training

Only proceed once your dog is thoroughly familiar with the “sit” command and action. After it sits calmly, gently lift your left or right hand while giving the “shake” command. Repeat until your dog understands and responds to the handshake cue. Practice daily. Remember: never rush the process or introduce a new command before the current one is mastered—this is the biggest no-no in dog training. “Shake hands” training not only boosts interaction between owner and dog but also enhances your dog’s responsiveness, making it a fun and rewarding part of dog training.
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6. Training the “Down” Command — An Advanced Dog Training Lesson

To teach your dog to lie down, find a quiet spot. Once it sits calmly, gently pull its front paws to form the lying position. If your dog trusts you, this will be easy to train. Pat and praise it afterward. “Lie down” builds on the “sit” command and is crucial for improving your dog’s coordination in dog training.

7. Training the “Bark” Command — Developing Guarding Instincts in Dog Training

A puppy will wag its tail and act affectionate toward anyone who calls it. However, if a large dog behaves this way, it loses its guarding instinct. This is especially problematic for toy breeds, whose small size limits their physical strength. If they are overly docile, they cannot fulfill guarding duties and may even be lured away and lost! Dogs don’t naturally bark on command. Training must occur before meals. Before each feeding, the dog will naturally bark excitedly in response to the “Bark!” command—this is easily achieved. If it fails to bark after repeated commands, gently tap its paw or tail, or walk away. A puppy accustomed to daily walks will bark if its owner fails to take it out at the usual time. All these methods aim to teach the dog that when the owner gives the “bark” command, it should respond accordingly. Naturally, when it does bark, praise it with affection. Additionally, after the dog is four or five months old, avoid letting strangers approach it casually. This encourages the dog to develop vigilance toward others beyond its owner. Alternatively, during mealtime, invite someone to try to take its food. When the dog naturally barks, the owner should encourage it by commanding “Bark! Bark!” while offering reassurance and rewards. This builds the dog’s confidence, fosters trust in its owner, and instills a sense of rejection toward others. “Bark” training is crucial in dog training for developing guarding abilities, enabling the dog to perform its vigilant role at appropriate times.

8. “No Barking” Training — Behavioral Discipline in Dog Training

Conversely, some dogs bark excessively, which can be a real headache. This behavior also requires correction through dog training. This training, though opposite to the “barking” training described earlier, follows the same fundamental approach. The primary goal is to teach the dog when it is appropriate to bark—such as when visitors arrive—and to stop when it barks unnecessarily. If you pick the dog up when it barks unprompted, it may mistakenly believe it did something right. Instead, you should firmly say “No barking!” or administer a light tap. This will naturally help the dog correct its behavior. If a puppy barks out of boredom while alone in its kennel and you arrive without cause, refrain from scolding. Otherwise, the dog will learn that barking immediately summons its owner. Similarly, before meals, if the dog barks incessantly, issue the “No barking” command. For any progress or improvement in these actions, pat the dog near its muzzle to show approval. Training “No Barking” is a crucial part of dog training to regulate behavior and prevent disturbances to neighbors.

9. “Go In” Training — Spatial Adaptation in Dog Training

The primary purpose of “Go In” is to command the dog to enter its kennel. Initially, use a leash or your hand to gently guide it inside while giving the “Go In” command. Repeat this multiple times daily, especially before bedtime and after walks, until mastered. Crucially, the doghouse location must remain consistent to avoid confusing the dog. Once the “Go In” action is learned, progress to giving the command alone without physical guidance. Then, change locations, point with your finger to indicate the spot, and command the dog to take its place. These exercises begin as guided actions, progressing to one command per action with clear rewards and consequences. For indoor dogs, the method remains the same: if a doghouse is available, train the dog to enter it or sit in a specific spot as an act of obedience. “Go in” training helps dogs adapt to their designated space and is part of developing rule awareness in dog training.

10. “Open Mouth” Training — A Daily Care Supplement in Dog Training

Opening the mouth isn’t difficult. First, build confidence that opening the mouth brings benefits, not loss. With this foundation of trust, begin by approaching the dog and petting it to calm it down. Move your palm from its head and forehead to its upper jaw. Gently lift the upper jaw with your thumb and forefinger. If the dog resists, immediately release it and praise it with “Good boy/girl!” Try again after a short while. If the dog still keeps its mouth tightly closed, wait patiently without forcing it, as this could backfire. “When the upper jaw opens, ensure the lower jaw opens as well.” Immediately place a treat the dog loves—such as a piece of meat or a biscuit—into its wide-open mouth. Repeat this several times. Your dog will gradually associate opening its mouth with a positive experience, marking the success of the training. This makes administering medication later (by holding the jaw and pushing it deep into the throat) much easier! Repeat this training until the dog opens its lower jaw simultaneously when the upper jaw is lifted. Mastering this doesn’t take long—a few repetitions will suffice. Even forgetful dogs grasp it within three days. Though simple, “open mouth” training is vital for daily care in dog training, making tasks like administering medication smoother.

11. Training “No Jumping Up” — Dog Training’s Social Etiquette Lesson

When your dog joyfully jumps on you upon your return home, you might dislike it—but how should you handle it? The principle is to prohibit it. If not corrected during puppyhood, dogs will instinctively express their inner excitement through this direct, affectionate manner. To discourage this behavior, two methods exist. The first involves physically interrupting the action: when the dog leaps toward you or your legs with raised front paws or displays excessive excitement, trip its hind legs with your foot or press down on its hind toes. The pain will cause it to stop. If it resumes shortly after, repeat the action to reinforce that this approach is ineffective. The second method is to firmly grasp its front paws when it leaps upward. The pain will cause it to stop. The key is to associate the act of leaping with the sensation of pain. After applying either method, immediately command it to sit. If successful, gently pat its head as a sign of approval. Through repeated training, the dog will learn that jumping on its owner is less rewarding than sitting and waiting for affection. As the owner, you should generously offer petting and praise. Training against jumping up is crucial in dog training for developing social etiquette, enabling dogs to interact more appropriately with humans.

12. Training Against Chewing Items — The Object Guarding Lesson in Dog Training

When a dog chews furniture or pant legs, you should immediately say “No!” or give a light tap on the buttocks. Dogs chew for reasons: puppies are naturally curious about their surroundings and treat objects as playmates. When they crouch down with front paws extended, it’s an invitation to play. Second, between 3-6 months old when teething, puppies intensely crave chewing due to gum itchiness. Third, energetic growing puppies often need outlets for excess energy. Beyond scolding or spanking, consider:
(1) Restrict play to designated areas like kennels or exercise yards after entering the house.
(2) Provide appropriate toys such as commercial rawhide bones, hard balls, or discarded items (dolls, shoes, etc.).
(3) Increase outdoor walking time and exercise volume.
(4) During this chewing phase, elevate or store movable objects out of reach.
A puppy that never exhibits chewing tendencies is either physically unwell or has an inherently problematic disposition. With effective intervention to curb inappropriate chewing, most puppies can be successfully trained. Simultaneously, channel their abundant energy into dog training, directing their focus toward appropriate outlets. Training against indiscriminate chewing is a crucial component of dog training, safeguarding household items and preventing accidental ingestion of hazardous objects.

13. “Correcting Biting Habits” Training — The Safety Protection Lesson in Dog Training

Dogs naturally tend to be nosy, like chasing moving objects. This is especially noticeable in puppies; if not corrected, it can lead to nervous behavior, so it should be included in dog training. To achieve training goals, present the dog with a smaller animal, provoke its interest, and immediately stop it with a firm “No!” or gentle correction when it attempts to approach. Use the leash to gently guide it back. Repeat this method step by step, helping the dog understand why the owner is displeased. If an object has already been damaged, push the dog’s head toward the damaged item, let it sniff it, then administer a scolding. This helps the dog understand why you are displeased and why you are reprimanding or disciplining it. The same approach applies to items like potted plants or flowers outside windows. Additionally, some small dogs may nip at visitors’ heels. This behavior often stems from heightened fear or protective instincts, so early prevention is crucial. While dog bites may seem minor, strict training now ensures you can safely take your dog out later without risk. Otherwise, having to wear a muzzle everywhere becomes a hassle. A dog frequently confined to a crate or chained up, with its movements restricted long-term, can develop physical and mental imbalances, leading to biting tendencies. If owners neither take them out nor play with them, especially if the dog isn’t accustomed to people and objects outside the home, it may perceive strangers approaching as a threat and act defensively. “Correcting biting tendencies” is a core component of dog training, essential for ensuring public safety and preventing aggressive behavior in dogs.