Sit
You can start working on the “sit” command with puppies as young as seven weeks of age.

• Start by getting your dog’s attention by using his name, then the command. "Max, sit."
• Gently help your dog to the sitting position. Be kind about it – he’s learning, not being bad.
• Reward your dog for sitting with praise or food (one kibble from his daily meal is enough to keep your dog motivated if you are using food rewards). Provide the reward even if you had to help him at first. You want to teach him that sitting is always a good thing.
• When you start training, give your dog praise or a food reward as soon as his behind touches the floor. Be ready. You are trying to create a connection between the verbal command “sit” and the reward, but he does not know that yet. Make sure your message is very clear. As he gets better at it, increase the time he has to sit before he gets the reward.
• Repeat the exercise often. One or two five-minute training sessions each day can work wonders.
• Once learned, have your dog sit for everything he wants from a treat to a door opening. This will make you a good leader while also getting in plenty of real-life practice.

Stay
You've taught your puppy to “sit” but he doesn’t do it for very long. In fact, most of the time it is just long enough to earn praise or a kibble. Now you need to train your dog to stay in one place.

• Once you've got your puppy sitting, put your hand in front of his face and give the command. "Max, stay."
• Slowly turn and step in front of him.
• If your puppy gets up, reposition him into the “sit.”
• After a few seconds, praise him calmly, and then say, “Okay”. Let him get up.
• Repeat until your pup stays put consistently.
• Now, try stepping back a step or two. If your puppy follows you, begin again, gradually increasing the distance.
• Repeat until you can move several feet away with your puppy staying in the sit position.
• Remember to praise, but do it calmly. Too much enthusiasm excites him and makes it difficult to stay.

Down
Once you've taught your dog to “sit,” “down” follows naturally. This command can become handy when your dog is headed where he shouldn’t go.

• Start with your dog in the sit position.
• Hold a kibble of food in front of your dog's nose.
• Move the food down to the ground, just in front of his front paws then pull the kibble slowly out along the ground, as if you are drawing an ‘L’ with the kibble. With food in your hand, your dog is likely to follow.
• As your dog lies down, say “down” and praise him.
• Repeat often.

Come
“Come” is essential for every dog. It is one of the key ways to keep your dog under control, safe and out of trouble.

• Attach your dog’s leash to his collar.
• Walk a few steps away with a kibble of food or toy. You may need to put your dog in a “sit” and “stay” to get away.
• Turn and give the “come” command, and praise! Use the lead to bring your dog to you if necessary.
• Reward and praise your dog when he gets to you.
• Start extending the distance and remove the leash when your dog seems to have learned the command.
• Meal time is good time to reinforce training for “come” and “sit.” When it is time for his meal, call him to his feeding area and ask him to sit before you place his bowl on the floor. Look for other real life occasions where these commands will be useful for you and your dog and use accordingly.
• Don't scold or use a threatening tone -- he may think you're angry. If you’re upset, coming to you will be the last thing he wants to do.

Heel
You see it all too often - a dog leading his owner. Don't let the same thing happen to you. Teach your dog to walk at your side using the “heel” command.

• If you can, burn off excess energy by playing with your dog before your walk.
• Begin by saying your dog's name and “heel” and reeling him in so his right shoulder is in line with your left hip.
• Give him slack gradually. When he pulls forward, give the command and make a sharp right. When your dog finds himself behind you, he'll run to catch up.
• Praise him warmly when he catches up.
• Guard against boredom by keeping your dog busy. Talk to him, have him sit, stay, lie down.
• If he forges ahead, stop and make him sit. Resume the walk and repeat the “sit” as needed.
• You may also work with him in small clockwise circles. This encourages him to pay attention.
• Many people need to take a training class or two to really get “heel” down. A fun, well-run class is a great way to socialize and train your canine companion.