How to Train a Dog to Be Obedient: Steps to Successful Training

An obedient dog is the result of patience, consistency, and trust between dog and owner. Training is not just about learning commands – it is about establishing communication and bonds that enable peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

Best Techniques for Teaching Basic Commands

Basic commands such as "sit," "room," "down," and "come" are the foundation of good dog training.
Recommended methods:

  • Positive reinforcement – reward desired behavior with a treat, play, or praise. (1*)
  • Short, regular training sessions – training should last 5–10 minutes several times a day to keep your dog's attention.
  • Clear commands and consistency – always use the same words and tone of voice.

Research confirms that dogs trained with rewards show less stress and learn new commands more quickly compared to those trained with punishment. (2*)

What to do when your dog doesn't obey? Solutions for behavior problems

If the dog does not follow commands:

  • check if he understands the command – it may need to be reinforced,
  • remove disturbing factors (too much noise, other animals),
  • increase motivation with a more interesting reward,
  • Check your health status – pain or illness can affect behavior.

For persistent problems, consult a dog behaviorist. It is important to avoid punishment, as this can increase fear and distrust. (3*)

Understanding Dog Language: How Your Dog Communicates with You

Dogs communicate with body language, facial expressions, and sounds.
Examples:

  • Tail raised and slightly wagging – joy and willingness to interact,
  • ears back, head down – fear or discomfort,
  • Barking – can mean a warning, excitement, or a desire to play (context is important).

Understanding these signals helps prevent misunderstandings and leads to more effective learning. (4*)

Conclusion

Successful dog training is based on patience, consistency, and understanding your dog's language. With the right techniques, a positive approach, and good observation, you will build trust that will make your dog happy to cooperate and listen.

Literature: (*)

1. Source: Dog training methods: Their use, effectiveness and interaction with behavior and welfare, (E. Hiby, NJ Rooney, JWS Bradshaw), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261106650_Dog_training_methods_Their_use_effectiveness_and_interaction_with_behaviour_and_welfare

2. Source: Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare , (AC Vieira de Castro, D. Fuchs, G. Munhoz Morello, S. Pastur, L. de Sousa, IAS Olsson), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33326450/

3. Source: Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behavior and learning ability, (NJ Rooney, S. Cowan), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159111000876

4. Source: Disambiguating the “guilty look”: Salient prompts to a familiar dog behavior, (Alexandra Horowitz), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635709001004

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