Is Your Puppy Ignoring You? Discover the Magic Words for Instant Sit and Stay Success!

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Alright, let’s get those tails wagging! 🐾

Ever brought a new puppy home and thought, “Where do I even begin with training?”

You’re not alone!

Teaching your furry friend basic commands like “sit” and “stay” is super important, not just for good manners, but for their safety too.

Think about it… a reliable “stay” could keep them out of harm’s way near a busy road.

In this blog post, we’re going to review the excellent training video from Zac George to break down how to teach your puppy these essential skills, and even tackle those oh-so-distracting moments.

You can find the video at the bottom of this article.

So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a few treats (for you and your pup!), and let’s dive in! 🐶

Getting Started: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success 💪

Bringing a new puppy into your life is such an exciting time! 🎉

They’re full of energy, curiosity, and endless cuddles.

But with all that cuteness comes the responsibility of training.

Think of it as building a strong foundation for a happy and well-behaved dog.

Just like feeding them nutritious food is vital for their health, early training sets them up for success in the long run.

It’s all about dedicating a little bit of time and patience… and trust me, it’s so worth it!

The Power of “Sit”: Your Puppy’s Pause Button 🛑

One of the very first commands you’ll likely want to teach your puppy is “sit.”

It’s like a magic pause button!

When your pup knows how to sit on command, it can be their go-to behavior when they get a little too excited, like when they’re about to jump on someone or start nipping.

Having a reliable “sit” command is a game-changer for managing your puppy’s energy and focus.

Plus, it’s a great way to redirect their attention when they get distracted.

Here’s a simple way to teach your puppy to sit:

• Grab some yummy treats! Tiny, high-value treats (like small pieces of cooked chicken or their favorite soft treat) work best. 🍣
• Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
• Slowly move the treat in an arc over their head, towards their tail.
• As their nose follows the treat, their rear end should naturally start to lower into a sit.
• The moment their little bum touches the ground, say the word “Sit!” in a clear and happy voice.
• Immediately give them the treat and shower them with praise! “Good sit!” 🙌

Don’t worry if your puppy is a little clumsy at first… it’s all part of the learning process!

Be patient and keep your training sessions short and fun.

Introducing “Stay”: Building Patience and Focus 🧘‍♀️

Once your puppy has mastered the “sit” command, you can start introducing “stay.”

This command teaches your dog to remain in a specific position until you give them permission to move.

It’s not just about obedience; it’s about building their patience and focus.

Think of the peace of mind you’ll have knowing your dog will stay put when you need them to! 😊

Here’s how to teach your puppy to stay:

• Have your puppy sit.
• Hold your hand up in a stop gesture and say the word “Stay!” in a calm and firm voice.
• Take a very small step back.
• If your puppy stays sitting, immediately return to them and give them a treat and praise. “Good stay!” 👍
• Gradually increase the amount of time you expect them to stay and the distance you step back.

Remember to start small and build up slowly.

If your puppy breaks the stay, don’t get discouraged.

Simply say “Oops!” or “Try again,” and guide them back into a sit before trying the stay again.

Phasing Out the Lure: From Guidance to Understanding 🤔

You don’t want to have to wave a treat in front of your dog’s nose forever, right?

The goal is for them to understand the verbal command and the hand signal.

So, once your puppy consistently sits when you lure them, you can start to phase out the lure.

Instead of the big, obvious movement with the treat, try a smaller, more subtle gesture.

Eventually, you should be able to just say “Sit!” and your puppy will happily oblige. 🎉

Adding the Verbal Cue: Naming the Action 🗣️

Now that your puppy is getting the hang of sitting and staying, it’s time to firmly associate the words with the actions.

As your puppy starts to lower into a sit (even with the lure), say “Sit!” clearly.

Similarly, as they hold their sit position, say “Stay!“.

This helps them understand what you expect when you say those specific words.

Consistency is key here!

Tackling Distractions: The Ultimate Test! 🤯

So, your puppy can sit and stay perfectly in a quiet room?

That’s fantastic!

But what happens when there’s a squirrel running by or the doorbell rings? 🔔

That’s where distraction training comes in.

Teaching your dog to listen to you even when there are exciting things happening around them is crucial for real-world reliability.

Start with very mild distractions, like gently moving a toy near them while they’re in a stay.

If they hold their position, reward them!

Gradually increase the intensity of the distractions.

You might try dropping a treat nearby or having someone walk past.

The goal is to teach them that listening to you is more rewarding than chasing after the distraction.

It takes time and patience, but it’s so worth the effort for a well-behaved and focused dog! 👍

Wrapping Up: Consistency, Patience, and Lots of Love! ❤️

Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/@zakgeorge

Teaching your puppy to sit and stay is a journey, not a race.

There will be good days and days when your pup seems to have forgotten everything they learned!

The most important things to remember are to be consistent with your training, be patient with your furry friend, and always use positive reinforcement like treats and praise.

Celebrate the small victories, and enjoy the process of bonding with your puppy through training.

You’ve got this! 💪

And remember, a well-trained dog is a happy dog… and a happy owner too! 😊

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