As a new puppy owner, one of the most important things you can do is teach your furry friend basic obedience commands. Not only will these commands help you establish a strong bond with your puppy, but they will also create a foundation for good behavior and make your life together much more enjoyable. In this post, we'll walk you through the process of teaching your puppy four essential commands: sit, stay, come, and heel.

Teaching "Sit"

1. Hold a treat close to your puppy's nose, allowing them to smell it.
2. Slowly move the treat up and back over their head, causing them to naturally sit as they follow the treat with their nose.
3. As soon as your puppy's bottom touches the ground, say "sit" and give them the treat, along with plenty of praise.
4. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually reducing the hand motion and relying more on the verbal cue.

Teaching "Stay"

1. Start with your puppy in the "sit" position.
2. Hold your hand out in front of you, palm facing your puppy, and say "stay."
3. Take a step back, and if your puppy remains in the "sit" position, reward them with a treat and praise.
4. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the "stay" command, rewarding your puppy for success.

Teaching "Come"

1. Put your puppy on a leash and stand a short distance away.
2. Enthusiastically say "come" while gently pulling on the leash.
3. When your puppy comes to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
4. As your puppy becomes more reliable, practice the "come" command in different locations and with increasing distractions.

Teaching "Heel"

1. Start with your puppy on a leash, standing at your left side.
2. Hold a treat in your left hand, close to your puppy's nose.
3. Take a step forward, saying "heel" as you move.
4. If your puppy walks alongside you, reward them with the treat and praise.
5. If your puppy pulls or lags behind, stop and wait for them to return to your side before continuing.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when teaching your puppy these basic obedience commands. Keep training sessions short, fun, and rewarding, and your puppy will be an obedience star in no time!

Using the "Doggy Time" App

To help you stay organized and on track with your puppy's training, consider using the "Doggy Time" app. This app allows you to collaborate with family members on logging your puppy's activities, including obedience training sessions. You can set goals, track progress, and celebrate your puppy's achievements together.

The "Doggy Time" app also features smart alarms and scheduling, so you can plan your puppy's daily routine and ensure that everyone is involved in the training process. By setting reminders for regular training sessions and using the app to log your puppy's progress, you'll be able to provide consistent reinforcement and help your puppy master those essential obedience commands.

With the help of the "Doggy Time" app and a commitment to positive, rewarding training, you and your puppy will be well on your way to a lifetime of happy, obedient companionship.