1	BASIC OBEDIENCE The How
2	CALM AND CONFIDENT Remain calm and confident. If you are anxious your dog will become anxious. Be prepared to provide the correct reinforcement positive or negative.
3	BE IN CHARGE One word commands. Firm distinct voice. Body Posture. Be Prepared.
4	ONE WORD COMMANDS Use of repeated commands teaches the dog it does not have to respond on the first command.
5	VOICE AND FIRM DISTINCT VOICE When the dominate dog wants compliance one of the ways it communicates is with a sharp bark. Practice barking the word “sit.” You may be surprised at your dog’s reaction.
6	BODY POSTURE Dog’s primary form of communication is body posture. The dominate dog when addressing pack members stands tall and confident. Stances of confidence are not the same as threatening stances. If your dog cowers to your confidence stance you are not doing it correctly.
7	BE PREPARED In the early stages of training your dog not being prepared for your dog’s response or lack of it will greatly slow the training process. At this stage of training always assume the dog is not going to respond to your commands.
8	LEASH CONTROL Leash is best carried in your left hand. Thumb through the loop and remainder looped through your hand. Arm hanging natural to your side. The leash has no pressure, with about 2-3 inches of slack.
9	HEEL Start with the dog on your left side. Give the command “Heel” and step away with your left foot. Do not wait to see if the dog will follow. Swing arms naturally. When your left leg is forward the dog’s nose should be even with your toes. Dog should be between 4-6 inches from your side.
10	SIT WITHOUT THE DOG This process can save time and confusion. It allows the person training the dog to prefect the movement before applying it to the dog. When teaching any dog a task you are not familiar with practicing without the dog should be considered.
11	SIT WITHOUT THE DOG “step one” Practice saying “sit” as your left foot strikes the ground.
12	SIT WITHOUT THE DOG “step two” Practice saying “sit” as your left foot strikes the ground. Then step forward with your right foot while the left foot remains in place. As you step forward simultaneously reach across your body as if grasping the leash.
13	SIT WITHOUT THE DOG “step three” Practice saying “sit” as your left foot strikes the ground. Then step forward with your right foot while the left foot remains in place. As you step forward simultaneously reach across your body as if grasping the leash. As you grasp the leash pull straight up with your right hand as your left hand pushes down on the dogs backside.
14	SIT While at the walk command the dog to “sit”. Then instantly each across with your right hand and take the leash directly above the snap, and your left hand center and near its tail. Pull up with your right hand and push down with your left hand.
15	SIT (CONTINTUED) Use firm and steady pressure as you place the dog into the “sit” position. Once the dog is in the position reward immediately.
16	SIT (CONTINTUED) If your dog is difficult use a piece of food in your right hand. Keep it locked between your thumb and palm so the dog cannot self reward. Food will motivate the dog to raise its head. With its head raised apply steady and firmly pressure downward on the dog’s backside.
17	SIT (CONTINTUED) With the dog in the “sit” position practice by pulling up gently on the leash and pushing gently down on the dog’s backside while repeating the command. In the early learning stages do this 5 times and then return to the walking heel.
18	DOWN When first teaching the down start with the dog on your left side and in the “sit” position. Place a reward such as a treat in your right hand. While standing erect give the command “Down” Lean over and place your left hand between the dog’s shoulder blades as you start steady gentle downward pressure. With your right hand about 2 inches from the dog’s nose lower your hand. This will cause the dog’s nose to lower. When the dog lowers its nose give it the reward. Repeat this process requiring the dog to lower its head more to receive the reward. Continue this process until the dog is in the down position.
19	More to Come