A successful down stay

LOTUS DOG TRAINING
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BASIC OBEDIENCE: 8 WEEKS to 4 MONTHS: Basic Obedience covers skills that, ideally, are learned in the dog's first 8 weeks to 4 months of life. Of course not all training begins at the ideal time, but that is not an obstacle to having a well mannered dog. You simply start where the dog's command knowledge is lacking and progress from there. 

Your 8 week old puppy needs to interact with other dogs (once he is totally vaccinated) that are older. Older dogs will tolerate a certain amount of puppy brashness and enthusiastic play, but will also let the puppy know when he has stepped over the line by ignoring him or cuffing him when he gets too annoying. The puppy learns there is a hierarchy that he must observe in order to be accepted as part of the pack. If your dog is older and has already been exposed to interaction with other dogs, but has not learned to wear a collar, start with a light leather one with his license and ID tags. In a few days he will be accustomed to wearing it. If he has never walked on a leash, attach a light nylon webbed leash and let him pull it around as he walks around the house so he gets used to being attached to it. Once he is comfortable with it, he can start learning the on leash commands such as:

  • Sit
  • Down (Lay down)
  • Heel (Walk on leash next to me)
  • Off (Do not jump up on me)
  • Leave it (Drop what is in your mouth)

I can assess your dog's skill level and design a learning program that with your dedication and commitment to consistent practice between training lessons will develop your dog into a great walking partner that will not jump up on people in greeting them. You will have taken the first step in becoming a responsible dog owner. To protect and ensure the safety of our family companion pets that will live with us for their entire lifespan, basic obedience training is necessary. I will coach you in how to handle the leash, how to cue your dog, give commands, how to do corrections and how to praise him effectively. I will expect you to practice the lessons with your dog consistently since your dog learns by repetition. More advanced commands are based upon solid, reliable performance of the basics.