medium dog header graphic

Training Medium Dogs

Basic Training

Basic training consists of training your dog to sit, lay down, stay at one place and heel. You should train with a proper training collar and a six-foot leash. And remember to use positive reinforcement techniques at all times by praising your dog warmly whenever he performs the commands correctly. Seek the services of a professional trainer if you have any difficulties with training or want to greatly improve the speed with which your dog learns.

SIT
  1. Hold the leash on your right hand loosely.
  2. Place your left hand on his lower part of your dog's back, say "Sit" and gently exert downward pressure.
  3. When he sits even for a short while, praise warmly.
  4. Repeat the exercise a few more times twice a day until he sits automatically when you give the command.
DOWN

Once your dog has mastered the Sit command, you can proceed with the Down command.

  1. Start with the Sit command with have your dog sitting at your left side.
  2. Slacken the leash on your right hand.
  3. Gently exert downward pressure on your dog's shoulder area with your left hand and at the same time say the command "Down".
  4. If he does not lay down when you exert pressure, gently pull forward your dog's front legs so that he lays down and repeat the Down command at the same time.
  5. Praise warmly once he lays down.
  6. Repeat the exercise a few times twice a day until he lays down on command.
STAY
  1. Sit your dog on your left side.
  2. Open your palm, hold it in front of your dog and say "Stay".
  3. Step in front of your dog, if he moves, give a short tug on the leash, repeat the hand command and verbal command.
  4. If he stays, return to your original position, give the release command and praise warmly.
  5. Increase the time that your dog stays at one place and the distance between you and your dog gradually.
HEEL
  1. Sit your dog on your left side.
  2. Say "Heel" and step out on your left leg.
  3. If he stays at your side while you walk, praise him warmly and continue to walk.
  4. If he moves ahead of you, or lags behind, give a short tug on the leash, turn around in another direction and say "Heel".
  5. Continue the exercise for about 5 to 10 minutes. Each time he does not stay at your side, turn around and repeat the command.
  6. Repeat the exercise twice a day until he walks by your side when you give the command.