1. SHAH Explorer Program
Training your Pet

2. How to Teach Commands 1. Be consistent
2. Start simple and gradually make it harder
3. Don’t repeat the command
4. Use food treats as rewards
5. Time it right
6. Make rewards sporadic, then phase them out
7. Short and sweet
8. Mix it up with people or places
9. Keep your cool
10. Keep practicing!

3. DROP IT
Training your dog to "drop it" means teaching your dog to let go of whatever is in his mouth on command. The release command is very important to teach your dog. It can protect him when he has something dangerous in his mouth, plus it allows you and your dog to safely play games like tug-of-war. 1. Offer your dog one of his favorite toys, saying "take it." 2. Once the toy is in his mouth, say "drop it" firmly and clearly while holding a treat up to his nose. 3. As soon as your dog releases the toy, give him the treat. 4. If your dog does not let go of the toy, try wiggling the treat or holding it closer to the nose. DO NOT pull the toy from his mouth or pry open his jaws - this can send the wrong message, seeming like a game or punishment. 5. Repeat the steps several times until you feel your dog is responding well. After a while, try holding the treat farther away. Then, try the command without the treat, praising your dog if he complies.

4. SIT
Teaching the sit command to your dog is usually quite simple, as dogs tend to sit naturally. The key is for your dog to associate the word with the action. This command sets the groundwork for other commands like stay and down. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: Time required: 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per day Here's How: 1. Get your dog’s attention and show her that you have a treat in your hand. 2. Hold the treat just above your dog’s nose (not too high or she might jump). 3. Say your dog’s name followed by the word “sit,” spoken clearly and firmly. 4. Move the treat back towards your dog’s ears. 5. As soon as your dog’s rear lands on the ground, say “good sit” in an upbeat tone. 6. Give your dog the treat followed by petting and praising. 7. Repeat 5-6 times.

5. Down
Teaching the down command to your dog is almost as simple as sitting. This command is very useful to help your dog calm down in a hectic situation, or to keep him in the stay command for a long period of time. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per day Here's How: 1. Get your dog’s attention and show him that you have a treat in your hand. 2. Hold the treat in front your dog’s nose. 3. Say your dog’s name followed by the word “down,” spoken clearly and firmly. 4. Slowly move the treat towards the ground. 5. As soon as your dog’s elbows and hocks are on the ground, say “good down” in an upbeat tone. 6. Give your dog the treat followed by petting and praising. 7. Repeat 5-6 times.

6. COMING
Almost as important as coming when called, the stay command can prevent your dog from getting involved in dangerous situations. It will also allow you to keep your dog still and calm while you take care of household chores, entertain guests, or bring your dog to public places. A successful “stay” occurs when your dog does not move at all from the original position. Start with 1-2 second periods of staying and work up to several minutes. Difficulty: Average Time Required: 5-10 minutes 2-3 times per day Here's How: 1. Start with a leash and collar on your dog. Tell her to sit. 2. Once your dog is sitting, praise her and give her a treat, but keep her sitting. 3. Say your dog’s name followed by “stay” in a firm, clear voice while holding one hand up, palm out (as if to motion stop) for 1-2 seconds. 4. Say “good stay” in an upbeat tone and give your dog a treat. 5. Release your dog from the command by saying “okay” and encouraging her to move. 6. Instruct your dog to sit again and praise her when she complies. 7. Give the stay command again with the hand motion while taking a few steps back over 2-3 seconds. 8. If she stays, say “good stay” and give her a treat. If she moves, start over from step Release your dog from the command by saying “okay” and encouraging her to move. 10. Repeat this process 5-6 times, gradually increasing the time period between “stay” and “okay”.

7. STAY
The simple act of holding still is a huge challenge for some dogs, especially wriggly young pups. To teach a rock-solid stay, start small and make it easy for your dog to get it right. For an energetic young puppy, that may mean half-second stays. That's fine--from half a second you can build to one second, then two, and on from there. Many short, successful stays are better for your dog's obedience skills than a long stay that ends with wandering dog and a frustrated owner. Here's How: 1. Start in a spot that's familiar to your dog, without any tempting distractions around. Keep your dog focused on you by standing right in front of her, giving her your full attention, and looking her in the eye. With a treat in your hand, ask your dog to sit or lie down 2. If your dog holds the position for a second or two, praise her and give her atreat. 3. Repeat the process, this time making your dog hold the position for a few seconds longer before you give her the treat. 4. Once your dog is responding reliably, add the verbal cue. Ask your dog to sit or lie down, then tell her "stay," holding your hand out with your palm toward her nose in the "stop" position. If she holds the position for a second or two, praise her and offer a treat. Repeat the sequence, gradually tacking on a second or so each time to ask for a longer stay.

8. Puppy potty training
SHAH recommends crate training. The cage or crate should be for an adult dog and it should be blocked off to fit your puppy just right. Your puppy should not be able to “go” on one end and lie in other; the reason is that no dog wants to do his business and then be obligated to lie on it. Instead, he will wait until he is allowed to eliminate elsewhere and so, get used to waiting until the appropriate time and place to “go.” The amount of time your puppy spends in the crate is equivalent to how old is he. At two months, your puppy should be confined for no longer than 2 hours, at three months, he should be in his crate for 2 hours, and so on until he is about 6 to 8 months old. During this process you will notice that your puppy gives certain indications or warning signals, such as whining or nudging; it is necessary to be aware of these so that you can avoid accidents inside your home and correct your puppy’s behavior. Another chief tool that you should use for training your puppy is a leash. When taking your puppy outside to do his “business,” a leash will help you to not lose sight of your dog and in control. A leash will help redirect your puppy’s attention to the task at hand and not get easily distracted by his own curiosity. It also aids in teaching your dog a specific area where he can “go” by taking him there every time. Words are also imperative when potty training your dog. By constantly repeating words, such as “potty” and “outside,” your dog will able to associate when it is time to do his “business.” Your puppy should be confined unless it is time for him to go outside. You can let your puppy out of the crate only if he had eliminated properly outside. His freedom is earned only if he does the correct action, but during this time, he should be watched over carefully. It helps to set limits or put him on a leash; in this manner, if he goes to eliminate somewhere in the home you can immediately intervene. You want to always remember that any unwanted behavior should be corrected and not punished. Furthermore, when your puppy eliminates correctly, always remember to praise him. If you catch your puppy in the middle of “going” on the carpet or such, immediately stop him by making a loud noise and saying “bad dog.” (you can choose different words as long as your dog understands it is wrong). However only correct your puppy’s behavior this if you have caught him in the act. Otherwise, your puppy will not make the association. When you have caught your puppy “going,” which you probably will, take him gently outside so he can eliminate appropriately. If he completes the task correctly, be sure to praise him. Additional Toilet Training Advice It is recommended that you leave your puppy in his crate while you are sleeping or at work since you are unable to supervise him during these time periods. However, do not leave your puppy confined for more than 8 hours. Furthermore, make sure you have taken him outside before and after work. Also, if your puppy has any change in activity, such as playing or eating, you want to make sure to take him outside so he can do his business; this will prevent accidents inside the home. Pretty soon, you will see that your dog will get used to these “rules,” and will be suitably potty trained to roam freely in your home, which is now also his home. There are many books that can help you in the process and can provide more than sufficient techniques on potty training.

9. Signs of fear in dogs Slight or Major cowering Acting sleepy
Licking Lips
Panting
Brows Furrowed
Moving slowly
Acting sleepy
Hypervigilant
Suddenly wont eat
Moves away from you
Pacing

10. ACTIVITY TIME!
You will receive a command that you need to achieve by teaching
Practice training your partner with the clicker.