EDUCATION:

Teaching words & meanings, submitted by Joan M Tuthill
The best way to learn how to train your dog is to take a class with a reputable trainer or training center. This article is my personal opinion and not necessarily the opinion of any other person or organization. You the reader are responsible for seeking a qualified trainer to train you to train your dog. This article is only to give you some insight into how much fun it is to teach your dog and how satisfing it is when your efforts are rewarded with a stronger bond with your dog and a dog that responds to you in a positive manner.

All training should be done on LEASH until the dog can perform the exercise every time he is asked. All training should be done using positive reinforcement. Be consistent, keep it simple, your dog is learning a new language, "People Talk". It doesn't matter what word you use just keep it consistent. Everyone in the family must use the same word for the same command.

Distraction training is needed after your dog has accomplished each lesson to reinforce the command.

GOOD DOG:
These words are a reward to the dog because you are pleased with something it has done. If you say GOOD DOG in the proper tone, your dog will give you the world. Praising your dog is the most important reward any owner has in training a dog. For some, it might be easier to sound more animated and pleased if you use the word EXCELLENT. I use both words, using EXCELLENT when my dog has really used his or her brain to figure out something.

WATCH ME:
This command means look at me, don't look anywhere else, look in my eyes, I want your complete attention.
Teach your dog this command to get his attention focused on you. If he is focused on you he will not be easily distracted by other animals, people, or things. It is a good building block for obedience training and owner/dog bonding.

NO:
The word "NO" means never, stop, don't. Do Not use it as a correction to an obedience command. It is impossible to raise a dog without this word. Every dog needs a word to stop undesirable behavior. You can use it alone in a sharp low tone, or use it paired up with a word to indicate an undesirable action, such as "NO, OFF" for jumping, or "NO BITE" for mouthing or nipping.

BREAK:
I use this word to signal the dog that training is over for now, he/she is free to play.

ANH! AHA!:
This is a sound. It is meant to warn the dog that he has or is about to make a mistake. It is not supposed to sound angry. It just means "whoops, you goofed!".

LEAVE IT:
I use this command to tell the dog I do not want him/her to touch, pickup, chase, or bark at the object that has his/her attention. The dog is to leave what it is doing and pay attention to me and return to me.

ENOUGH:
This word is different from "NO". No means never do that. Enough is taught easily just by the tone of voice. It is effective in stopping prolonged barking, roughhousing, crowding at the door, etc.