Dog training, step by step

Which dog commands should you start with?

Start with a useful behavior in a quiet, familiar place. “Sit” gives you a simple first exercise. “Down” is another position to practise, and “come” is a recall cue you can begin at a short distance.

Work on one behavior at a time. Once it is familiar, add a small distraction or practise in another room. If an exercise becomes difficult, return to an easier version and reward that success.

A simple first training session

1. Get ready. Choose a quiet spot and a few small rewards your dog enjoys. Open a lesson before you begin.
2. Follow one step. For a sit, guide a treat slowly upward and slightly back from your dog’s nose. Give your dog time to follow the movement.
3. Mark the success. When your dog sits, use a click or a short marker word, then give the reward.
4. Finish with an easy repetition. A couple of comfortable minutes is a useful start. Pause while your dog is still engaged.

The goal is a repeatable routine, rather than finishing every lesson in a day. Keep the cue, timing and reward clear.

Choose the right training tool

A dog clicker marks a successful action after you teach your dog that the sound predicts a reward. A dog whistle can be taught as a cue for an action, such as coming to you. These are different jobs: a cue asks for something, while a marker tells your dog which moment earned a reward.

Read more about the approach in the American Kennel Club’s guide to training with rewards.