It doesn't have to be this way. There is a simpler way to train your dog, so
relaxed that you can begin training your puppy the day you bring her home.
You start with sit.
The "sit" command is the most universally useful command you can teach your
dog. The new dog owner might wonder why. "How is this useful? She's not doing
anything!"
Exactly! A dog that is sitting is not jumping all over your grandmother, or
whatever other obnoxious behavior you want her to stop doing. And more
importantly, a dog that is sitting when told is a dog that is under control and
doing what you want.
The traditional method of teaching the sit command is to have the dog on
leash at your side, repeat the command "Sit" while you pull up on the leash and
push down on her butt. You're forcing the dog into the correct position, but
this is not enjoyable and can be stressful and frustrating for both you and the
dog.
But why force the dog into position when you can coax? Start with a treat,
something yummy like dried liver, or even a piece of kibble if she hasn't been
fed yet. Call the dog, get her attention, and make sure she knows you have a
treat.
It won't take long. Within seconds she'll be there, her nose right at your
fingertips. From this position, all you have to do is move the treat back over
her nose and the top of her head.
Keep your hand only an inch or two over the dog's head; too high and she'll
rear up on her hind legs. But, with the treat moving right back over her head,
the nose will follow it, up and back... until... she... SITS!
Tell her she's a good dog and give her the treat.
Now you've proven to yourself that this trick works, so the next time you do
it, tell her to "sit" as you move the treat back over her head. When she sits,
give her the treat and praise her.
Do this a number of times every day. When you feed your dog, she'll probably
be jumping and frisking when she sees you coming with the food bowl. Tell her to
sit, and when she sits, tell her she's a good dog and set down the bowl.
You don't need to give the dog a treat now every time you tell her to sit.
But do give her praise! She's doing what you asked her to do, acknowledge that,
let her know how pleased you are, and what a good dog she is.
Now tell your dog to sit when she's jumping, when you're getting ready to
take her out, or occasionally just tell her to sit from across the room to get
her used to obeying your commands. Preface the command with her name, so she'll
be paying attention. "Susie, sit." When she sits, don't forget to praise!