Terriers are known for their lively, feisty personalities. These small, energetic dogs are brimming with determination and can be a delight to train when handled properly. Successfully training a terrier demands patience, consistency, and an understanding of their distinct temperament. Teaching essential commands not only helps ensure that your terrier is well-behaved, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
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Here are the key points from the page on essential commands for terriers:
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In this article, we’ll explore the most essential commands every terrier should know, along with tips on how to train them effectively. We’ll also include a table summarizing the commands and their purposes for easy reference. |
Why Basic Commands Are Important for Terriers
Training your terrier to follow basic commands is crucial for their safety and well-being. Terriers are known for their strong prey drive, which means they can quickly get distracted by small animals or interesting scents. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can prevent hazardous situations, like darting into traffic or chasing after something that could lead to injury.
Moreover, training commands can also help manage your terrier’s behavior around other dogs, people, and in new environments. Due to their energetic nature, terriers can be prone to impulsive behavior, but effective training helps them remain calm and attentive, even in highly stimulating situations.
Key Benefits of Teaching Essential Commands:
- Safety: Prevents accidents or injuries.
- Behavior management: Controls over-excitement, jumping, or aggression.
- Strengthening the bond: Improves communication and mutual understanding.
- Mental stimulation: Provides a positive outlet for their energy and intelligence.
Essential Commands Every Terrier Should Know
Let’s break down the key commands and provide insights on how to teach them to your terrier.
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Sit
The “sit” command is one of the most fundamental commands every dog should know. It’s simple, practical, and serves as the foundation for more complex commands. For terriers, sitting helps manage their boundless energy by encouraging calm, focused behavior.
How to Teach “Sit”:
- Hold a treat close to your terrier’s nose.
- Slowly move the treat upward, causing their head to track the treat while their bottom lowers naturally.
- Once they sit, immediately reward them with the treat and say, “Sit.”
- Practice this a few times a day until your dog consistently follows the command.
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Stay
Once your terrier has mastered “sit,” you can move on to “stay.” This command is crucial for controlling their impulsive nature. Whether you need them to stay while opening the door or wait patiently while you do something, this command keeps your dog in place.
How to Teach “Stay”:
- Ask your terrier to sit.
- With an open palm, say “stay” and step back a few feet.
- If they stay, reward them with a treat after a few seconds and praise them.
- Gradually increase the duration and distance of the stay.
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Come
The “come” command is one of the most important for your dog’s safety. Given a terrier’s strong prey drive, there will likely be times when they’re distracted by something exciting. This command ensures they return to you immediately.
How to Teach “Come”:
- Put a leash on your terrier and let them wander a few feet away.
- Gently give a tug on the leash while saying ‘come’ in an enthusiastic tone.
- When your terrier comes to you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
- Over time, practice without the leash in a secure environment.
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Down
The “down” command can be useful when you want to calm your terrier or prevent them from jumping on people. It also helps reinforce the idea of obedience and can be a great way to manage hyperactive behavior.
How to Teach “Down”:
- Start with your terrier in the “sit” position.
- Hold a treat in your hand and lower it to the ground.
- As they follow the treat down, say “down” and reward them when they’re lying down.
- If they struggle to lie down, guide them with the treat by moving it slightly away from their body.
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Leave It
Terriers are curious by nature, and they might grab or investigate things they shouldn’t. The “leave it” command teaches your dog to ignore distractions, whether it’s food on the floor, a tempting toy, or something dangerous.
How to Teach “Leave It”:
- Hold a treat in both hands. Show one hand with a treat and close it when they try to get it.
- Say “leave it” and wait until your terrier moves away from the closed hand.
- When they stop attempting to get the treat, reward them from your other hand.
- Repeat until they consistently follow the command.
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Heel
Leash walking calmly is crucial for terriers, who can be excitable and prone to pulling. The ‘heel’ command trains your furry friend to walk beside you without pulling on the leash or lunging.
How to Teach “Heel”:
- Start walking with your terrier on a leash.
- When they begin to pull, stop walking and wait for them to return to your side.
- Say “heel” and resume walking. If they pull again, repeat the process.
- Reward them when they stay close to your side.
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Wait
The “wait” command is similar to “stay,” but it’s used in specific situations, like waiting at the door before going outside or waiting for their food. This command reinforces patience and helps manage impulsive behaviors.
How to Teach “Wait”:
- Use “sit” or “down” to get your terrier in a calm position.
- Place your hand in front of their face and say “wait.”
- Hold them back for a few seconds before giving a release cue, such as “okay.”
- Practice in different situations, such as before crossing the street or going through doors.
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Drop It
Terriers love to grab and hold onto objects, and sometimes they pick up things they shouldn’t have. The “drop it” command ensures they release an object safely, which can prevent potential hazards like chewing dangerous items.
How to Teach “Drop It”:
- Play a game of tug with a toy.
- Say “drop it” while holding a treat close to your terrier’s nose.
- When they release the toy to take the treat, reward them and praise them.
- Repeat the process, gradually phasing out the treat.
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Off
Jumping on furniture or people is a common issue for terriers. The “off” command teaches your dog to get down from places they shouldn’t be, such as couches or counters, or to stop jumping on guests.
How to Teach “Off”:
- When your terrier jumps up on something, say “off” in a firm but calm tone.
- Gently guide them off the object if needed and immediately reward them when they’re back on the ground.
- Practice this whenever they jump on furniture or people.
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Quiet
Terriers are known for their barking. While some barking is natural, excessive barking can be disruptive. The “quiet” command helps manage barking, especially when your terrier gets overly excited or anxious.
How to Teach “Quiet”:
- Wait for your terrier to start barking.
- Once they pause, say “quiet” and reward them with a treat.
- Continue practicing this whenever they bark excessively, rewarding only when they respond to the “quiet” command.
Quick Tips: What to Do If Your Dog Ignores a Command
- Stay Calm and Patient: Dogs can sense frustration. Stay calm to avoid creating stress or confusion.
- Reinforce the Basics: If your dog ignores a command, revisit basic training. Sometimes a refresher on fundamental commands like “sit” or “stay” helps.
- Check for Distractions: Your dog may be distracted by something in their environment. Practice in a quiet space with fewer distractions.
- Use Higher-Value Rewards: If your dog isn’t responding to regular treats, try using higher-value rewards like small bits of chicken or cheese.
- Ensure Consistency: Make sure everyone in the household uses the same commands and rewards.
- Practice in Short Sessions: Long training sessions can lead to boredom or fatigue. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes).
- Evaluate Your Timing: Ensure you are giving commands and rewards at the right moment to reinforce behavior.
- Increase Distance Gradually: If your dog ignores commands like “stay” or “come,” try working at a closer distance first. Increase the distance slowly.
- Check for Physical Issues: If your dog suddenly starts ignoring commands, they might be in discomfort or pain. Consult your vet if needed.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Always reward desired behavior with treats, praise, or play to encourage consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Punishment: Avoid harsh punishment, as this can create fear and distrust in your terrier.
- Overcomplicating commands: Stick to simple, clear commands. Using long or confusing phrases will only make training harder.
- Inconsistent training: Skipping training or being inconsistent with rewards can confuse your dog and slow progress.
Table: Essential Commands for Terriers
Command | Purpose | Tips for Success |
Sit | Helps calm your dog and serves as the foundation for other commands | Reward immediately when they sit. |
Stay | Keeps your terrier in place, preventing unwanted movement | Gradually increase the distance and duration. |
Come | Ensures your terrier returns to you, improving safety | Use an excited tone to make them eager to come. |
Down | Encourages calm, lying down behavior | Use a treat to guide them into a lying position. |
Leave It | Prevents your terrier from grabbing or eating inappropriate objects | Consistently reward when they ignore the item. |
Heel | Encourages calm, controlled walking | Stop walking when they pull and reward when they stay close. |
Wait | Builds patience and prevents impulsive behaviors | Practice in different situations, such as at doors or on streets. |
Drop It | Ensures they safely release objects | Use high value treats to motivate dropping the item. |
Off | Stops jumping on people or furniture | Reward immediately when they get off or stop jumping. |
Quiet | Manages excessive barking | Reward when they stop barking, and practice consistency. |
Table: How Do You Teach a Stubborn Dog Commands?
Step | Description | Tips for Success |
1. Start with the Basics | Begin with simple commands like “sit” and “stay” to build a foundation. | Use clear, one-word commands and short sessions to avoid overwhelming them. |
2. Be Patient and Calm | Stubborn dogs may take longer to respond, so remain calm and patient. | Avoid raising your voice or showing frustration, as this can cause stress. |
3. Use High-Value Rewards | Some dogs need extra motivation. Use high value treats or their favorite toys. | Experiment with different rewards (e.g., chicken, cheese, or a favorite toy). |
4. Practice Consistency | Use the same commands and methods every time to avoid confusing your dog. | Ensure all family members follow the same training approach and commands. |
5. Keep Training Short | Stubborn dogs can become bored or distracted quickly. Keep sessions short. | Train for 5-10 minutes multiple times a day rather than one long session. |
6. Eliminate Distractions | Choose a quiet, low-distraction environment for initial training sessions. | Gradually introduce distractions as your dog becomes more responsive. |
7. Use Positive Reinforcement | Reward your dog immediately when they respond correctly to a command. | Pair rewards with verbal praise to reinforce the behavior. |
8. Gradually Increase Difficulty | Once your dog master’s a command, increase the difficulty gradually. | Introduce longer wait times or practice in more distracting environments. |
9. Break Commands into Steps | For more complex commands, break them into smaller, manageable steps. | Reward your dog after each successful step to build confidence. |
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed | If your dog remains stubborn, consult a professional trainer. | Professional trainers can offer personalized strategies for stubborn dogs. |
Best-Selling Dog Training Tools to Boost Your Pup’s Learning
When it comes to training your dog, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re training a new puppy or reinforcing commands with an older dog, these top-selling products from Amazon will help streamline your training sessions.
1. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Soft Training Treats
These small, chewy treats are perfect for training sessions and only two calories each! Made with real chicken and without fillers, they keep your dog engaged and motivated.
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2. PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker
This easy-to-use clicker helps your dog link a cheerful sound to positive behavior, making training quicker and more effective. It’s lightweight and compact, with a convenient finger strap that makes it simple to carry around.
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3. LANNEY Dog Treat Pouch
A must-have for dog trainers, this pouch holds treats, toys, and even poop bags. Its waterproof design and extra storage compartments make it perfect for on-the-go training.
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4. Bousnic Dog Training Collar
Ideal for managing off-leash behavior, this waterproof collar has different training modes like beep and vibration. Perfect for large dogs and outdoor training.
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5. HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker
Simple and effective, this clicker with a wrist strap is perfect for reinforcing good behavior in both puppies and adult dogs.
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6. Upgraded Puppy Bells for Potty Training
Teach your dog to signal when they need to go outside with these adjustable puppy bells. Perfect for stress-free potty training.
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7. Kong Classic Dog Toy
A versatile tool for training, the Kong Classic can be used to reward your dog or reduce their anxiety. Stuff it with treats for added fun!
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8. Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick
Great for high-energy dogs, this durable fetch stick is perfect for teaching fetch commands while ensuring your dog stays active and entertained.
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9. PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
This head collar discourages pulling and lunging, making it an excellent tool for leash training. It’s easy to use and comfortable for your dog.
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10. Dog Puzzle Toys
Enhance your dog’s problem-solving skills with these interactive puzzle toys. They’re also great for slow feeding to prevent overeating.
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Conclusion
Training your terrier with essential commands is not just about having a well-behaved dog; it’s about ensuring their safety and enhancing their quality of life. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are crucial in preventing potentially dangerous situations, especially given a terrier’s high prey drive and energetic nature. By practicing consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, your terrier will become more responsive to commands, even in challenging or distracting environments.
In addition to improving obedience, command training deepens the bond between you and your terrier by fostering better communication and building mutual trust. The mental stimulation from learning commands also provides a positive outlet for their energy, reducing unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing. With time and persistence, your terrier will become a well-mannered, responsive companion, making everyday interactions smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.