How to teach your dog the basics

Teaching a dog the basics is less about the dog and more about you being clear, consistent and quick to reward. Dogs repeat what pays. Keep sessions short — five minutes, a few times a day — and always end while it is still going well. The golden rule: reward the instant it is right. A treat or praise one second after the correct action teaches far faster than a reward five seconds late. Never punish — it teaches fear, not behaviour. Sit Hold a treat just above the dog's nose and move it slowly back over the head. As the nose follows up, the bottom drops. The moment it touches the floor, say "sit" and give the treat. Repeat until the word alone works, then reward only now and then. Stay Ask for a sit. Open your palm, say "stay", and step back just one pace. Step back in and reward before the dog moves. Build up to more distance and time slowly. Release with a clear word like "okay" so th…