Jack Russell Terriers have gained immense popularity, largely thanks to their frequent appearances in media. These spirited dogs make excellent screen stars not just because of their charming looks and intelligence, but also due to their playful and mischievous personalities. Training a dog that already loves to experiment with different behaviors is far easier than working with one that lacks curiosity or energy. For Hollywood dog trainers, a naturally active and curious dog like a Jack Russell is ideal—they can harness this innate behavior and train it to perform specific tricks on command. Interestingly, many of the most successful Jack Russell actors were initially surrendered by owners who found their high energy and independent nature overwhelming. While these traits make them stars on screen, to the average pet owner, they may seem like unruly troublemakers!

Basic obedience training can be challenging for Jack Russells, as many of the foundational exercises focus on stillness and restraint. Commands like "sit," "lie down," and "stay" can feel monotonous to a dog whose mind is constantly buzzing with ideas. To make these exercises more engaging and effective, try incorporating them into fun, interactive play sessions. Use plenty of toys, treats, and positive reinforcement to keep your Jack Russell motivated and excited to learn.

The Training Game 

When Jack Russells are deep in thought, their tails wag with just as much energy. Dogs learn best when they are fully engaged—thinking hard and having fun. This kind of enthusiasm doesn’t come from being forced into obedience or punished into compliance. Instead, it stems from a trainer who turns learning into an enjoyable game. While the game might be challenging at times, it’s always designed to be achievable and rewarding.

Jack Russells were bred to be determined and stubborn. Their ability to stay focused and persevere in tough situations is a vital trait for a breed often faced with challenges that would cause most other dogs to retreat. For Jack Russells, the greater the difficulty, the more resolved they become. However, this same determination means that attempts to force them into anything will only fuel their resistance.  

In the past, when force-based training methods were widely used, dogs like Jack Russells were often dismissed as stubborn or untrainable. But experienced trainers, especially in Hollywood, knew better. They could teach these dogs to perform incredible feats by avoiding force altogether. They understood that to get a terrier to cooperate, the task had to align with the dog’s own desires. Using rewards like food and play proved to be the key to unlocking their potential. 

Food as Reward

Professional animal trainers and behavior scientists agree that food-based training is one of the most effective methods for teaching dogs. Initially, food is used to guide the dog and reinforce desired behaviors. Over time, the dog is gradually transitioned away from receiving a treat for every correct response. Instead, rewards are given randomly for specific correct behaviors. This method leverages the same psychological principle that makes slot machines so compelling—an unpredictable reward system that keeps the subject motivated and engaged.

Timing is everything 

Great dog trainers have great timing. The crux of training is anticipation: A dog comes to anticipate that after hearing a command, he will be rewarded is he performs some action, and he will eventually perform this action without further assistance from you. YOUR TIMING IS EVERYTHING; 

There is a method that works keeping everything positive!

1. Name: Alert your dog that your next words are directed toward her/him by preceding commands with their name. Note that some dogs have a tendency to jump up in anticipation when using this technique.
2. Command: Always say the same word in the same tone.
3. Action: Don't simultaneously place the dog into position as you say the command, which negates the predictive value of the command. 
4. Reward: As soon as possible after the dog has performed correctly should come a signal ("Good!") followed by a reward.

Ensure that you are consistent with your commands, tone, and timing during training. Dogs thrive on repetition and structure, so using the same word or phrase for a specific action each time will help your dog associate it with the desired behavior more effectively. Inconsistency can confuse your dog and slow down their learning process, so make it a priority to train with a clear and steady approach.

The quicker a reward follows an action, the stronger the association becomes. While it’s not always possible to reward your dog instantly, you can bridge the gap by immediately signaling that a reward is on its way. 

The most effective way to do this is by using a distinct sound your dog doesn’t encounter in daily life, like the click of a clicker. Alternatively, you can use a consistent word, such as “Good!” In both cases, the signal should come right after the desired action and just before the reward. 

Basic Training 

It's never too early or too late to begin your terrier's training. With a very young puppy, keep training sessions brief, even shorter than you would for an adult dog. By the time your Jack Russell reaches six months of age, they should be familiar with basic commands like sit, down, stay, come, and heel. These skills will be demonstrated with the help of "Mia."

Start by capturing Mia's attention. Say, "Mia, watch me." When she turns her focus to you, respond with an enthusiastic "Good!" and reward her with a treat or another incentive. Gradually increase the amount of time she needs to maintain eye contact before receiving her reward.

**JACK FACT**

Tools of the Trade  

The secret of training is not in the tools; it's in the trainer. Still, having the right tools can make things easier. Basic training equipment usually includes a short (6-foot) lead, a long lightweight lead (about 20 feet, 6-M) and a collar. Many trainers prefer buckle collars and some are finding the halter type collars to be best for some Jacks. 

Training Tips

Welcome! I’m excited to share some of my favorite training tips for all the dog lovers out there.

Although I have a soft spot for Jack Russell Terriers, these tips are tailored to be effective for any dog breed. They’re straightforward, practical, and easy to implement.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Mia’s training journey, complete with videos I’ve documented along the way—offering you real-world examples and helpful insights.

My goal is to help you and your furry companion create a strong, joyful bond that lasts a lifetime.

I’m not a certified dog trainer—just a devoted dog mom with plenty of love, experience, and tips to share.

To make things even easier, I’ve compiled some excellent training resources for you. Be sure to check out the Links page, where you’ll find a curated list of useful videos and tools.

Bringing puppy home for the first time **TIPS** 

During the first three days, prioritize three essential activities: calm and purposeful play, smooth crate acclimation, and regular potty breaks. Building these routines early lays the foundation for lasting success. 

Tip 1 - Bringing New Puppy Home

When welcoming a new puppy into your home for the first time, one of the most common mistakes is OVERSTIMULATING them. This approach is not ideal and can do more harm than good. During the first few days—Days 1, 2, and 3—it’s essential to create a calm and controlled environment by keeping their world small and limiting the number of new experiences. Exposing them to too much too soon can lead to unnecessary stress and overwhelm. By maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, you allow your puppy to adjust at their own pace, feel secure, and begin forming a strong bond with you. If you choose to extend this transition period to a week or more, that’s absolutely fine. The goal is to prioritize their comfort and avoid overwhelming them during this critical adjustment phase.

Tip 2 - Potty Training 

Potty training your puppy may feel overwhelming at first, but understanding their needs can make the process much easier. Young puppies have little to no bladder control, especially in their earliest weeks. For example, an 8-10-week-old puppy has a much smaller bladder than one that's 12-16 weeks old. This means FREQUENT POTTY BREAKS ARE CRUCIAL. Keep your puppy close to you—ideally in the same room—so you can observe their behavior and recognize early signs that they need to go outside.

To make potty training smoother, start by taking your puppy outside every hour. Pick them up and carry them out—this will become part of your routine in the early weeks until they develop better bladder control. Frequent trips outdoors are vital for success. The more often your puppy gets outside, the more opportunities they have to learn. Remember to reward them immediately when they go potty outdoors. As soon as they finish, say "YES!" enthusiastically and offer a REWARD—whether that's a treat, praise, or both.

• First thing in the morning - carry your puppy outside immediately.
• After meals - wait 5-10 minutes, then carry them outside.
• After they drink water - wait 5-10 minutes, then take them out.
• After playtime or if they suddenly pause or sniff around - take them out right away.
• After naps - carry your puppy outside immediately.
• Before bedtime - take them outside one last time.
• If you're up during the night for any reason - take your puppy outside before going back to bed.

By following these steps consistently, you'll make potty training much easier and more effective. Consistency is the foundation of success, so stick to your routine diligently. Additionally, expose your puppy to different weather conditions, like light rain or snow, early on. This will help them feel comfortable going outside regardless of the weather. With patience, persistence, and a little preparation, you'll set your puppy up for potty training success!

**PRO TIP** 

When potty training, avoid bringing them inside immediately after going out. They may not be finished, and rushing back indoors too soon can lead to accidents within moments. Also, always remember to reward them for doing their business outside. Positive reinforcement helps them associate the action with the reward, making the training process smoother and more effective.

If accidents are still happening within the hour, it’s a clear sign their schedule needs adjustment. Try taking them outside more frequently—every 30 to 45 minutes during the first week or so. The more chances they have to go outdoors, the faster and more successful their potty training will be.

Tip 3 - Create Training / Crate Normalization 

If you plan to crate train your dog, it’s best to start on day one. While crate training may not suit everyone’s preferences, it’s incredibly useful for helping your pup feel at ease with the crate. By familiarizing them early, you ensure that if they ever need to be crated in the future, it won’t be a stressful or negative experience.

Even if you choose not to crate train, it’s still a good idea to introduce your dog to the crate. This helps them recognize it as a safe and comfortable place, rather than something unfamiliar or intimidating.

When beginning crate training or simply helping your dog get used to the crate, start with short sessions spread throughout the day. Gradually increase the time spent in the crate, especially around bedtime, to ease the transition. Remember, some whining or crying is normal for puppies—it’s just part of the process, so try not to get discouraged.

The best spots for the crate are either in your bedroom near where you sleep or in a common area where your dog can feel included and part of the family.

When choosing a crate, select one that’s just the right size—big enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too spacious. A crate that’s too large might encourage your dog to use one corner as a bathroom, which defeats the purpose of crate training. Keep this in mind when setting up their space to ensure success!

**PRO TIP** 

encourage your pup to “find it.” This not only makes the crate inviting but also helps improve their sense of smell and concentration. Another great activity is tossing treats into the crate and asking your pup to fetch them, turning it into an exciting game for them. Always keep these sessions short, engaging, and enjoyable to leave them wanting more.

Once your pup starts exploring the crate on their own, leave the door open to encourage natural curiosity. Every time they go near or inside the crate, mark the behavior with a happy “Yes!” and reward them immediately with a treat or praise. With consistent practice, the crate will become a trusted and welcoming space for them.

2. Desensitize the crate door: Start by familiarizing your pup with the sound of the crate door opening and closing while they are not inside. This step helps them associate the sound with calmness and reduces the chance of it becoming a trigger. Each time your pup reacts positively or stays relaxed, say “Yes!” and reward them with a treat. Repeat this process multiple times to create a strong, positive connection.

Once they’re comfortable with the sound, practice opening and closing the door while your pup is inside the crate. If they remain calm and relaxed during this activity, immediately mark with “Yes!” and reward them generously. Stay close to provide reassurance and repeat this process until they seem entirely at ease. It’s important to remember not to rush this step, and do not leave them alone in the crate just yet to avoid unnecessary stress.

3. Practice leaving the pup in the crate: The next step is to help your pup adjust to being in the crate without you nearby, which is a gradual process. After placing your pup in the crate and closing the door, take a few steps back. If they stay calm and relaxed, mark the behavior with “Yes!” and reward them with a treat or praise. Repeat this process several times, slowly and steadily increasing the distance you move away each time to build their confidence.

When you’re able to reach the doorway without them becoming anxious, start practicing stepping out of the room for a few seconds. Gradually extend the time you’re gone, always returning to reward calm behavior. Take it slow and steady, as this process may take days—or even longer for some pups—but consistency is the most crucial factor to achieve long-term success.

4. Teaching “Settle”: When it’s time to let your pup out of the crate, avoid letting them dart out or display overly excited behavior such as barking, heavy breathing, or excessive tail wagging. Addressing this excitement early on is crucial to help establish calm behavior as the norm.

Approach the crate calmly and intentionally. If your pup shows signs of excitement, use the command “Settle.” Even if they don’t seem to understand it yet, repetition and consistency will help them learn over time. You can also drop a few treats inside the crate as you gently open the door while saying “Wait.” Ensure they sit calmly and remain composed before you give the release command, such as “Go,” “Break,” or “Free”—whichever phrase you prefer to use. This practice reinforces self-control and patience.

Final thoughts: Remember, progress takes time and cannot be rushed. Your pup may need a few days—or even longer depending on their temperament and previous experiences—to fully grasp the concept, so be patient and consistent in your approach. With daily practice, positive reinforcement, and a calm demeanor from you, you’ll see great results that strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend!

Tip 4 - Name 

Teaching your pup their name is an essential step in their training. It helps them learn to respond when called, strengthening your bond and communication. To start, spend some time on the floor with your pup, practicing calling their name. If they don't respond immediately, pause briefly before calling again. This pause helps them associate their name with a single call rather than multiple repetitions, giving them time to process and respond.

You can also practice walking around while calling their name. Once they respond, immediately say a cheerful "Yes!" and offer a reward. Positive reinforcement works wonders in making the learning process enjoyable for your pup.

Incorporating playtime can make name training even more effective. For example, sit on the floor with your pup and toss a ball. As they chase after it, you can say "ball" or "get the ball." When they retrieve it and start running back toward you, hold a treat in your hand where they can see it. As they approach, call their name with enthusiasm and say "ball" or "come." Repeat this process to reinforce their understanding.

Consistency is key! Practice calling their name throughout the day—morning, evening, and during playtime. Always reward them when they respond to their name, and soon, they'll reliably associate their name with positive experiences.

Gradually introduce distractions to strengthen your pup’s ability to respond to their name in any situation. Start in a quiet environment and slowly add mild distractions, like the sound of a TV or light outdoor noises. As they master responding to their name in these settings, increase the difficulty by practicing in busier environments, such as a park. With patience and consistent practice, your pup will learn to focus on you even amidst distractions, ensuring their name recognition becomes rock-solid.

Tip 5 - Socialization 

Socialization is one of the most essential steps in raising a well-adjusted, confident, and well-behaved Jack Russell Terrier. Early and consistent socialization plays a crucial role in their development. Without it, any dog—Jack Russells included—may develop restlessness, anxiety, or undesirable behaviors.

Below are practical tips and strategies to help you successfully socialize your Jack Russell Terrier puppy and set them up for a happy, balanced life.

How to Socialize a Jack Russell Terrier Puppy:

By implementing these proven techniques, you can nurture a well-socialized puppy that grows into a confident and happy companion.

• Make every experience positive: Ensure that interactions are safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for your puppy. Negative experiences during this key stage can leave lasting impressions, so focus on fostering positive associations.
• Start as early as possible: The prime socialization window is between 3 and 12 weeks of age, when your puppy is naturally curious and more open to new experiences. Take advantage of this critical period.
• Continue socialization after 12 weeks: After this window, your puppy may become more cautious around unfamiliar situations. Stay patient and persistent, reinforcing positive experiences to build their confidence and maintain progress.
• Introduce new situations gradually: Start in calm, low-pressure environments with a few people or dogs. As your puppy becomes more comfortable, increase the level of activity and variety. Always let your puppy approach new people, places, or animals at their own pace—never force interactions.
• Stay calm in negative situations: If your puppy shows fear or nervousness, or encounters a stressful situation, calmly remove them from the environment. Avoid reacting emotionally, as your composure helps reassure your puppy.
• Prioritize safe interactions: Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, only allow them to interact with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs and people to reduce health risks while socializing.
• Consider a socialization class: A well-run socialization class can provide helpful guidance for you and your puppy, teaching engagement techniques while exposing them to new experiences. Remember, consistent practice outside of class is equally important.
• Watch for signs of overstimulation: Puppies can tire quickly and become overwhelmed. Monitor their body language and behavior to ensure they have enough rest and aren’t overstimulated.
• Begin positive training early: Use rewards-based training methods to teach desirable behaviors while fostering trust and a strong bond between you and your puppy.
• Avoid encouraging undesirable habits: Behaviors that may seem “cute” as a puppy can become problematic as they grow. If it’s something you wouldn’t want an adult dog to do, don’t encourage it in your puppy.
• Stick to consistent commands: Use short, clear commands for specific behaviors, and ensure everyone interacting with your puppy uses the same terms to avoid confusion.

**REMINDERS**

• • • Introduce your Jack Russell puppy to a wide variety of people—toddlers, children, teenagers, adults, and seniors of all ages.
    • Expose your puppy to different personalities—calm, energetic, or loud—ensuring all interactions are positive and dog-friendly.
    • Help your puppy meet individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds to build comfort and social adaptability.
    • Familiarize your puppy with people with disabilities to encourage calm and respectful behavior.
    • Introduce your puppy to different professionals, such as mail carriers and delivery personnel.
    • Socialize your puppy with a variety of dogs—puppies and adults, small and large, long-haired and short-haired—but ensure all are friendly and safe for your pup.
    • Expose your puppy to other animals, such as cats, hamsters, rabbits, birds, or horses. Be mindful of your Jack Russell's strong hunting instincts—teach commands like “Leave it” and “It’s okay” early on. Use positive reinforcement and keep a lead attached to maintain control during training sessions.
    • Introduce your puppy to different surfaces—wet grass, dry grass, gravel, sand, sidewalks, and even the beach. Explore both city centers and the countryside.
    • Take your puppy for walks in all kinds of weather—sunny, rainy, warm, or cold—to help them adapt to various conditions.
    • Expose your puppy to different floor textures—wooden floors, tiles, carpets, stone, slippery surfaces, and stairs.
    • Acclimate your puppy to household appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, phones, hair dryers, and other devices with unusual sounds.
    • Introduce your puppy to a variety of smells and noises to build their confidence in new environments.
    • Familiarize your puppy with various vehicles—cars (both riding in them and seeing them pass calmly), motorbikes, buses, trucks, trains, subways (where permitted), bicycles, skateboards, and rollerbladers.
    • Get your puppy comfortable with grooming routines, including bathing and nail clipping.
    • Practice examining your puppy like a veterinarian would—regularly check their teeth, mouth, gums, ears, tail, paws, and belly.
    • Always supervise your puppy’s playtime. Ensure encounters are safe and fun, and avoid overly rough play.
    • Take your puppy to dog-friendly shops. If possible, bring them to the office and teach them proper behavior in a workplace environment. While this list might seem long, it covers everyday life situations and encounters. Keep the experiences positive and remember—it’s all for the well-being of your dog and your own peace of mind.
    • Introduce your puppy to outdoor events, such as local fairs, farmers' markets, or picnics in the park. These environments are rich in new stimuli, including crowds, music, and food smells. By exposing them gradually and keeping the experience controlled and positive, you’ll help them build confidence and behave calmly in bustling settings.

Tip 6 - Gentle Play 

When playing with your Jack Russell Terrier (JRT), it’s important to prioritize gentle, positive interaction. Engage in activities that promote cooperation and bonding, while avoiding games like tug-of-war. This type of game can activate their natural hunting instincts, as JRTs were originally bred for hunting, and it simulates the act of capturing and shaking prey. If your dog shakes or runs with the toy on their own, don’t worry—this is perfectly natural behavior.

• To encourage gentle play, try tossing a toy and calling your dog back to you. Use the command "Drop it" when they return. As soon as they release the toy, immediately respond with an enthusiastic "Yes!" and give them a reward. Consistency is key. If they refuse to let go of the toy, avoid forcefully pulling it away. Instead, calmly repeat the command "Drop it" or "Let go." With daily practice, they’ll learn to respond reliably. This activity not only promotes safe play but also strengthens their recall skills and responsiveness to commands.

Tip 7 - Gentle Feed

Mealtime is an essential part of a puppy's routine. Typically, puppies need to eat 3-4 times a day during their first few weeks. It's highly recommended to hand-feed your puppy during this time. This practice not only helps establish a bond but also teaches your puppy to take food gently, preventing unwanted behaviors like jumping for food or treats in the future.

To teach gentle feeding, place a treat in your palm and hold it in place with your thumb, allowing your puppy to take it using their tongue. While offering the treat, use the command “GENTLE” to reinforce the behavior. You can also incorporate basic crate training during mealtimes. Take your puppy to their crate with their meal and work on simple obedience commands. This approach is effective because puppies are naturally motivated by food, and the structured activity helps tire them out mentally while reinforcing good behavior.

• Hand-feeding during mealtime strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.
• It’s a great opportunity to reinforce basic obedience commands like Sit, Lay Down, Stay, Come, and No Jump. For example, you can use food to guide them into a sit or lay-down position.
• It teaches your puppy to take food gently, promoting good manners.
• Overall, it fosters a stronger connection between you and your puppy.

Tip 8 - Teach your pup where they will eat

It is important to make sure that your pup knows where she/he will be eating. Teaching your pup to Sit and wait near his feeding dish while you prepare their food is great. 

(They should not be at your feet) As you are preparing their dish, show them place which is by their dishes are, you can get a little matt, one from the dollar store works great. Using command place lure your pup to the matt, Use the command sit and stay given you already practiced these commands, if not this is also a great way to implement them. Once your pup has reached place, as your pup to sit, help lure them into a sit position if they do not know how yet, you can take the extra time and practice this a few more times, then move onto stay, and slowly move away and return to preparing their food. The second your pup moves during this time, use the redirect method, while using the command word place, help them back to place, during this time, use the dog's food to help.

 and continue on. 

once you are done and your pup has understood sit and stay you can use the wait command while your getting ready to place the food. as you begin to put it down use wait, and try, you see your pup move bring the dish back up, give it a second and try again. once you are able to place it down without your pup moving your can decide what command to use here, either free, eat, go, ok, whichever, there is no wrong word for the command.

Doing this a few times will blow your mind on how fast they pick things up. 

Tip 9 - Play with their Paws, Tail, Mouth, Teeth, Disturb during sleep time!

One of the biggest issues a lot of people face is the problem with their dogs when it comes to their paws,ears, mouth, checking of their teeth, and even being disturbed during their sleep, picking them up. I mean don't get me wrong I don't like being bugged during my sleep either! 

But for dogs it is a completely different dynamic. 

It is a must and essential that you as the owner when you get your pup at 8 weeks old and bring them home. You start implementing the touch sensation. It's very essential that you consistently play with your pups paws, ears, tail, mouth, check their teeth, disturb them during their sleep time, pulling at them and picking them up. All while doing this, (AND YES AS GENTLY AS YOU CAN) this is to help desensitize them to touch. Desensitizing your pup to all these one not only makes it easy for you if you ever need to check them, this also makes it easy for a vet to handle to them, or if you bring them to a groomer. Often the issue is pet owners skip this part and then they have issues. 

One most common issues with Jacks is being picked up while they are sleeping, they get startled. This can lead to a bite instantly. Desensitizing them to being disturbed can help with this. Doing while and during their puppy stages is the best time, 

While doing all this use the command "LEAVE IT" IT'S OK and reward them for them not reacting and repeat. 

You have to remember little kids tend to want to bug the pup to play, to just being a kid and their being a puppy, and with no understanding of some things till they hit a certain age. So doing all this should help your pup around kids. 

One your pup will be used to:

• paws being touched, checked, played with
• tail being moved around even tugged at a little bit, with using the Leave it its ok and reward for none reaction
• mouth being touch and teeth checking, so if kids try to shove dog food in the dogs mouth they have the gentleness already there. 
• checking pulling and playing with their ears, this will help you be able to look inside and clean them
• pulling at them from the side, gently of course, this helps them know that light pulling is ok, some kids do this to dogs
• and disturb them during their sleep. (I CANNOT STRESS THIS ONE ENOUGH) So many people have complained that when they go to pick up their dog while they are sleeping they often get a growl, or sometimes a bite. Practice desensitizing them to sleep disturbance. 

Tip 10 - Nipping/Biting Using Redirection Method

** MISTAKE 1** 

The biggest mistake people make when they have a puppy biting, is they don't even realize they're actually doing things with the puppy to provoke them to bite.

Did you know by allowing them to use their mouth on you as play is actually is the WRONG thing to do?

• Yes, we all think that it is cute because it is a puppy, but did you also know that if they were left with their mom till 12 weeks or more, they learn in this moment what gentle play is!

Well, when we pick up our puppies at 8 weeks of age, we are taking on the responsibility roll of training our pups to be good dogs as they grow. (We all know that dogs with no training can misbehave, get into anything, great escape artist.)

Since (dogs, especially puppies learn behaviour by what you allow them to do or not  or not to do) why allow them to nip and bite as puppies when you would not allow it when they are older. Teach them right from wrong right from the start. 95% of the puppies who nip and bite as pups tend to grow to still do the same. The result end is the dog attacks someone or another pet or continues to rough play because is could use its mouth as play. 

Tip 11 - Teach basic Obedience = Sit, Stay

One of the more dangerous habits dogs can develop is bolting through doors. To prevent this, it’s important to teach your pup to sit and stay until given a release command before exiting the car or walking through the front door. The “sit” command is one of the most basic but essential commands for dogs—it’s simple to teach, easy for dogs to understand, and an effective way to maintain control.

When preparing for a training session, take note of your puppy’s energy level. Training is most effective when your dog is calm and focused. If your pup is overly energetic, take some time to play and burn off that excess energy first. Toss a ball or play a game to help them settle down. This also creates an opportunity to work on three key skills simultaneously: bonding, name recognition, and recall.

Once your pup is calmer, grab some treats and call your dog by name, using a clear and upbeat tone. For example, say, “Mia, come!” or “Mia, here!” When your dog responds, immediately acknowledge it with a “Yes!” and reward them with a treat.

Now you’re ready to start training!

The easiest way to teach your dog to sit is by using a treat as a lure. Stand or sit in front of your pup with a treat in your hand. Slowly move your hand upward and slightly back over their head, encouraging them to naturally lower their bottom into a sitting position. As your dog moves into the sit, say the command “sit” in a firm but positive tone. Avoid repeating their name too often—they need time to process what you’re asking. Repeat this exercise until your dog consistently follows the command.

Always start commands by saying your dog’s name so they know you’re addressing them.

Once your dog has mastered “sit,” you can introduce the “stay” command. Ask your pup to sit, then say “stay” while taking a step or two back. Return to your dog, reward them with a treat, and repeat the process. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay. For puppies, keep the training time short at first—as little as a few seconds—and then slowly increase the time. If you’re working on staying out of sight, do it in brief intervals, as puppies often struggle when they can’t see you.

When your pup has learned these commands, practice regularly. Repetition and consistency are key to reinforcing their learning. With time and dedication, your dog will become a well-behaved, obedient companion.

Basic Obedience = Lay down