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Here are a few commands that nearly every dog should
respond to:
- Come: This command is very important. If
the dog won't come when called, it is not an obedient
dog. One method for training begins by allowing the
dog to wander out on a long leash or line, then calling
it by name and the command "Come". This
method might require a quick, light tug on the leash
to get the dog moving when first teaching this command.
Like all commands, it is successful only if the dog
is rewarded when it completes the command and only
if the practice is repeated—under different
circumstances and distances and gradually removing
the controls—until the dog preforms flawlessly.
- Sit: This command is also crucial. Sitting
dogs are under the handler's direct control.
- Stay: This command gives peace of mind. An
owner can park her dog while doing something else.
One method of training involves placing the dog in
a sit position, then telling it to stay while stepping
away from the dog. If the dog stays, the handler rewards
it while it is still in the position. Indoors, use
this command to park your dog under a favorite table
or bench.
- Lie down or down: this command allows
even greater control than sitting. One training method
uses a treat drawn forward and down across the dog's
face, forcing it to lie down to get at it. Since even
people without dogs are familiar with this command
use it when dogs are bothering them, the better the
dog is at it, the better it can get along strangers
and visitors.
- Take it: The dog leaves a desired object,
such as a toy or treat, untouched until given this
command. This can protect an owner's, visitor's, or
child's fingers.
- Heel, Close, By me: The dog
walks with its head directly next to the master's
leg and does not deviate until released. One method
of training accompanies the command with a slap to
the thigh indicating where the handler wants the dog's
head.
- Drop or drop it: Dogs pick up all
sorts of things, some of which they shouldn't have.
A dog that drops anything on command, no matter how
attractive (which to a dog can be rotten and smelly),
is a dog under control that the owner can prevent
from eating dangerous items or from destroying valued
personal property.
- Leave it: An adjunct to "drop",
directing the dog to not touch an item. Also useful
before the dog has picked anything up. One method
of training involves leaving a treat on the ground
and walking the dog past it without allowing the dog
to pick it up.
The specific command word is not important, although
the above list covers some of the more common words.
In fact, Yorkshire Terriers like all dogs, can learn
commands in any language or other communications medium,
including whistles, mouth sounds, hand gestures, and
so forth.
MORE INFO...
introduction
age for training
basic commands
training tricks
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