How to Train Your Dog in One Day

By Liza Kollman

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Time
Your dog
An area to train him in
Treats or a clicker for training
A long leash

Teaching The Right Way

Step 1:
Train your dog starting the right way. Begin by putting him on a long leash, and having him walk beside you. Hold the leash in the hand that you would normally use, and then use your other hand to hold the leash near to his face. Keep the leash loose, and bend over so that you can keep him on a loose leash as you walk together. Keep him beside you. As he follows and does not try to get ahead, use the clicker if you are doing so, and give him a treat. He'll learn that this is the right way to walk on a leash.
Step 2:
Keep the leash loose, and bend over so that you can keep him on a loose leash as you walk together. Keep him beside you. As he follows and does not try to get ahead, use the clicker if you are doing so, and give him a treat. He'll learn that this is the right way to walk on a leash.
Step 3:
Teach your dog how to sit. Begin by standing in front of her with a treat in your hand. Raise it up above her head and tell her "Sit." As she looks at the treat, her bottom will naturally sink to the floor. If she doesn't go all the way down, you can use your hand to gently press her onto the floor. Then, praise her and give her the treat. Repeat this a few times until she gets it.
Step 4:
Train your dog how to stay put when you tell him to "stay." Begin by having him sit down and give him a treat for doing so. Then, give him a firm command of "stay" and use your hand to indicate that he should stay where he is. Slowly back away from him and keep eye contact. If he stays, immediately praise him and give him a treat. If he moves, stop and repeat the command. You will have to make him sit first. Start with a very short amount of time, and start by only going a short distance away. As he gets better at it, you can increase both the distance that you go and the length of time that you make him stay. Remember to keep the leash near you, especially if you are training him outside. With a long leash you can back away, still holding the leash on the ground, in case he runs in the other direction.
Step 5:
Work on recall. This step is often the easiest. Have her sit, and then have her stay and back away from her. When you are ready, crouch down and give her the recall command--whatever you choose to use for it. If she doesn't come to you, use the leash to tug her in your direction, and she'll get it right away. You can praise her and give her a treat when she gets to you.

Tips & Warnings

Be patient. Even if you train him in one day, be prepared to practice for many days afterward.
Always use the same words and hand signals to mean the same thing.
Work on one trick or command at a time, before you move on.
Never hit your dog as punishment.
Never let your dog loose in an outdoor place that is not fenced in, even if you think he will come back to you.
Don't stop working on her commands, until you know she's got them down.

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