There are some variations, depending on the command, but basically, we can use
these steps for teaching your dog anything.
1 - Lure.
Without saying a word, we will encourage the dog into the position or action that we
want to teach.
(SIT - taking a treat, hold it in front of his nose and lifting up and back towards the
forehead the dog will look at the treat and sit. Then give him the treat.)
2 - Add a cue.
Now we can say the word as the dog already answers to the command, and we will
only say it one time. Show the treat but try to not use it as a lure.
3 - Hide a treat and use a hand signal.
Hiding the treat will teach your dog to obey even when you don’t have it. Is the
difference between "I am doing this because you have a treat" and "I will receive a treat
because I did it.”
The hand signal is optional, but I highly recommend it. Dogs are better visual learners
than vocal learners. The hand signal typically does the same movement as the lure did,
but it could be any other action.
4 - Intermittents treats
Now, your dog understands that even if he doesn’t see the reward, he can receive it.
Then we need to give him treats when he succeeds only sometimes, and slowly reduce
the treats. The verbal praise shall continue to be used every time.
When your dog is doing the command correctly for 9 out of 10 tentatives, move on to
the next step.
If he is doing for 5 out of 10 tentatives, continue training.
If he is doing Less than 5 out of 10 tentatives, - go back to the last step.
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