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If you’re thinking about getting a dog or already have one, consider teaching it some basic commands. Obedience training not only helps to raise a happy and loyal companion but, more importantly, one day it might literally save your dog’s life.

Today we at Bright Side share some valuable tips from the world-renowned dog behavior expert César Millán.

When you decide to adopt or buy a puppy, you should keep in mind that his digestive system works very quickly. So every 15-30 minutes after eating, your puppy will feel the need to urinate and defecate. That’s why you have to regularly take him outside.

• Make sure the dog has a place to relieve himself that seems and smells familiar and where he feels safe.
• Every morning take him outside at the same time and place. This way he will get used to it quickly. Also take your puppy outside after he wakes from a nap.
• If you get angry because the puppy urinates and poops everywhere, he feels it, gets stressed, and learns little. Use a friendly voice, and be patient when you train your little companion.
• Once your puppy has successfully gone outside, it is important to reward the good behavior.
• Don’t punish your pet if he ever does it outside the permitted area. Quietly remove the puppy to the place where you want him to go.
• Remember that if you want your puppy to learn a habit, it’s important to establish a routine by taking your puppy outside to the same general area and at the same time.

It’s not that you want your dog to be your robot, but there are situations when it is necessary for the dog to learn to calm down and sit down.

How to teach it:

• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, and let his head follow the treat.
• As his head moves up, his bottom will lower.
• Once the dog has put his bottom on the floor, say the word "Sit" and reward him with the treat.
• Repeat this a few times every day until your dog masters it. Then ask your dog to sit during other situations, such as before mealtimes or during a walk.

“Come“ is probably the most basic and important command every dog needs to learn. It’s not only important for behavior reasons but for safety reasons as well.

How to teach it:

• Put a leash and a collar on your dog.
• Go down to your dog’s level, and say ”Come" while gently pulling the leash.
• When he comes, reward him with a treat and affection.
• Once your dog has mastered the command, remove the leash and practice it in a safe area.

The “Leave it“ or ”Drop it“ command is extremely useful if you want your dog to stay away from any food or other objects that are on the ground, especially when your dog is outdoors.

How to teach it:

• Place a treat in both hands.
• Show your dog one enclosed fist with the treat inside, and say “Drop it.”
• Let him lick, sniff, mouth, paw, and bark to try to get it — and ignore the behaviors.
• Once he stops trying and ignores the treat, give him the treat from the other hand.
• Repeat until your dog moves away from that first fist when you say ”Drop it."
• Next, only reward him with the treat when he moves away from that first fist and also looks up at you.

The “Stay“ command teaches your dog to remain calm in different situations, such as running after another animal or jumping on guests that walk into your home.

How to teach it:

• To begin, make sure your dog has already mastered the ”Sit" command.
• Open the palm of your hand in front of you, and say “Stay.”
• Take 2 steps back, and reward the dog with a treat and affection if he stays.
• Slowly increase the number of steps you take, and always reward your dog for the effort, even if he stays just for a few seconds.

It’s important that your dog has his own place to sleep, but you need to train him to go to this area at will.

What to do:

• Provide your dog with a comfortable and warm bed.
• Add blankets and pillows to make it even more comfortable.
• Lead him with a treat or his favorite toy to connect a positive reward with his sleeping place. The dog must "feel" that it is he who chooses the sleeping area. If you force him to go there, he will associate this place with something negative.
• If you want to share your bed with your dog, do not do it right away. Wait until he is well trained. You should never let him jump on your bed uninvited.
• If you decide to change your dog’s sleeping place, be sure he has plenty of food and exercise — this will help him adjust more easily to a new sleeping area.

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