Basic Commands and Hand signals

Mikey was pushed right into a new way of life, whether he wanted it or not. Coming into my home where we already use commands and hand signals could have been confusing, but not for Mikey. I believe my dogs help show him the ropes!

When giving Mikey Commands:
Always makes sure he is paying attention! I always say his name before the command, sometimes a quick 'clap' can get his attention. Combine his name, command and hand signal together. Keep it simple by just stating the command , the more words you add the harder it is for him to understand. Never say the command as a question. Speak loud, clear and firmly. After he performs the command, always reward while repeating what he did. If he does not respond after the clap and repeat of command, then make him do the command.
example:
"Mikey, Sit!" clap once to get attention (if needed) and repeat "Mikey, Sit!". If he does not respond, push him down to a sitting position, when he is sitting reward him (with praise, petting or a treat) saying "Good Sit!".

Always make your pet work for love and praise! It sounds awful, and it is actually hard to do but very important when training. I make Mikey sit for EVERYTHING!! He sits to get food, water, go outside, for love and kisses, a toy, everything! This lets him know there are rules and establishes who is the leader.

Commands with Hand Signals:
"Sit" = Hand in a firm fist.
"Stay" = Hand open in the stop position.
"Come"= Both hands placed on thighs.
"Go" = Arm out stretched with pointed finger.
I use the Go command the same as a Out command. When you don't want him hanging around under your feet, in the kitchen around your food, or any other situation you want him away.
"Off" = a clap.
I use the word Off when he is on the furniture or bed.
I also use it when he is jumping up. He likes to jump!!!! It is his way of initiating play or used as a greeting! Never let him jump on you or anyone. Turn around and ignore him until he stops or knee him in the chest when he jumps up, then command him to "Sit".
"Good Boy/Good Mikey" = Praise word. Said when he is given a reward.

Mikey responds very well with "Sit". He is working on how long he will "stay" and needs a lot of work with "Come".

Now is the time to start practicing this with Matthew as well. Consistency in the family with all the pets is the only way to make this work!

After a walk, or a training session is when I really give him the love. Use that time to pet him, massage him, tell him what a good boy he is. He loves the love and that makes him want to please more!

After mastering these commands we can start to add more. Experts claim the average dog can learns 60-100 words! And we know Mikey is NO AVERAGE DOG! :)