Teaching Basic Obedience Commands – Sit, Stay, Come, Leave‑It & Settle

First Principles: Reward‑Based Basics

We use **marker training** (a click or a quick “Yes!”) to tell the dog the instant they got it right, followed by a reward. Keep sessions short, end on success, and practice in quiet rooms before adding distractions. Offer choice and control—consistent with our sanctuary’s cage‑free ethos—so learning stays low‑stress.

Teach Sit (1–3 minutes)

1. Hold a treat to your dog’s nose, then raise it slowly so the chin tips up and the rear naturally lowers.
2. As the butt touches the floor, mark (“Yes!”) and treat.
3. Repeat 3–5 times. Then say “Sit” as the hips start to lower; mark and treat.
4. Fade the lure: use the same hand motion but empty; pay from your pouch.
5. Practice in three places (kitchen, hall, yard) before adding distractions.

Pro tip: If your dog backs up, train with a wall behind them or start from a stand on a rug for traction.

Teach Stay with the 3 D’s

Build Duration first, then Distance, then Distraction. Use a consistent release cue like “Free!” or “Break!”

1. Ask for Sit or Down. Say “Stay” once; show a flat palm signal.
2. Count “one‑Mississippi,” mark, step in to deliver the treat where the dog is, then release.
3. Grow duration to 5–10 seconds smoothly. If the dog moves, simply reset—no scolding.
4. Add one small step back (distance). Return to pay; then release.
5. Add mild distractions: place a treat on a table, step over the leash, open a door. Increase one D at a time.

Teach Come (Recall)

Great recalls are built on joy and habit. Management keeps it safe while you build fluency.

1. Start on a regular 6‑ft leash indoors or in a fenced yard. Say your dog’s name, then “Come!”
2. Mark the moment they pivot toward you; reel in gently if needed—no yanking.
3. Treat at your legs with two hands on the collar for a second (prevents “tag and dash”).
4. Upgrade rewards outdoors (jackpot: 3–5 small treats + praise + a quick play burst).
5. Level up with a long line (20–30 ft) in open spaces; keep it loose for safety.

Never call to end fun (bath, crate, leaving the park) until your recall is strong. Go quietly clip the leash instead, or call‑and‑pay, then release back to play 3–4 times before leaving.

Teach Leave‑It

“Leave‑It” means: **Do not touch** that item—look back at me for a reward.

1. Closed‑fist stage: Present a treat in your closed hand. Dog sniffs/licks? Wait. The instant they back off, mark and pay from the other hand.
2. Open‑palm stage: Show the treat in an open hand. If they dive, close it. When they look away, mark, then pay from the other hand.
3. Floor stage: Treat on the floor under your shoe. Release shoe pressure only when they choose you; mark, then pay from your pouch.
4. Real‑life stage: Drop a boring item; say “Leave‑It,” then reward eye contact. Progress to food, tissues, or dropped gear.

Tip: Rewards come from you, not the forbidden item. That keeps the rule simple and safe.

Teach Settle on a Mat

A “station” gives your dog a predictable, cozy target for calm behavior—great for doorbells, dinner time, or visitors.

1. Place a portable mat or bath rug on the floor. The moment your dog steps on it, mark and drop a treat on the mat.
2. Feed 5–8 treats in a row for staying on the mat; slow your rate as your dog relaxes.
3. Add the cue “Mat” or “Place” as they move toward it. Pay for sits or downs that happen naturally.
4. Begin adding tiny distractions (you turn away, pick up a cup). If they leave, reset cheerfully and make it easier.
5. Generalize: move the mat to different rooms, then to the porch, car, or a quiet corner at a café.

Bonus Cues

Drop‑It

1. Trade game: Offer a better treat right to the nose. When the toy drops, mark and pay.
2. Give the toy back half the time so “Drop‑It” doesn’t always end the fun.

Touch (Hand Target)

1. Present your palm near your dog’s nose. When they boop it, mark and treat.
2. Add the cue “Touch.” Use it to guide past distractions or into position.

Loose‑Leash Walking (Starter)

1. Reward at your left hip for 3–5 steps of slack leash; stop when tight, move when loose.
2. Use turns and figure‑8s to keep engagement up; keep sessions short.

A Simple 2‑Week Training Plan

Two to five micro‑sessions daily (1–3 minutes) beats one long workout. Rest between reps.

• Days 1–3: Sit, Mat (Settle), Touch—indoors, very easy wins.
• Days 4–6: Stay (duration to 5–10s), Come (indoors), Leave‑It (closed fist → open palm).
• Days 7–10: Generalize to 2–3 rooms; begin short yard sessions; add easy distractions.
• Days 11–14: Long‑line recalls in quiet field; Stay with 1–2 steps of distance; Mat during meals/TV.

Measure progress: Track how many easy, correct reps in a row you get. Move criteria up when you hit 4–5 smooth reps; drop criteria if you miss twice.

Recommended Training Gear (Optional)

We avoid aversive tools (prong, choke, shock). Our sanctuary prioritizes choice, comfort, and safety.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Too hard, too fast: Raise only one criterion at a time (duration or distance or distraction).
• Repeating cues: Say it once. If no response, reset and make it easier.
• Messy rewards: Mark first, then deliver treat at the position you want (e.g., at your leg for recall).
• Over‑arousal: Use sniff breaks, scatter feeding, or Mat work to restore focus.
• Generalization gap: Practice in 3–5 locations before expecting reliability outdoors.
• Safety: Use management (baby gates, long line). If there’s aggression or bite risk, consult a certified force‑free professional.

FAQ