How to teach it: Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose and slowly move it back over their head. As their head follows, their bum will naturally drop. The moment they sit, say “sit” and reward. Key tips: Keep it smooth and controlled—don’t rush. Once they understand, stop luring every time and use the command first, then reward.

Start from a sit. Lower a treat from their nose straight down to the floor, then slightly out in front. As they follow it, their body will drop. Say “down” as they lie flat, then reward. Key tips: Make sure it’s a full down (elbows on the floor), not just crouching.

How to teach it: Ask your dog to sit or lie down. Hold your hand out like a stop signal and say “stay.” Take a small step back. If they hold position, step back in and reward. Key tips: Build duration first, then distance. If they break, calmly reset—don’t reward.

How to teach it: Trigger a bark (knock on a surface, excite them slightly, or wait for a natural bark). The moment they bark, say “speak” and reward. Key tips: Don’t over-hype them. You want controlled barking, not chaos.

How to teach it: Start on a lead. Move back slightly, say your dog’s name + “come” in an upbeat tone, and gently guide them toward you if needed. Reward heavily when they reach you. Key tips: Always make coming to you a win—never punish after recall. Build value so they want to come back

How to teach it: Start with your dog on your left side, lead in your right hand. Hold a treat in your left hand near your leg. Say “heel” and begin walking. As your dog follows in position, reward them for staying level with your leg. If they pull ahead, stop walking immediately. Reset them back into position and start again. If they lag behind, encourage them forward with your voice and reward when they’re back in line. ⸻ Key tips: Keep the lead loose—control comes from training, not pulling

How to teach it: Start with a toy your dog likes. Let them take hold of it. Hold the toy still (don’t pull), bring a treat to their nose and say “out.” The moment they release the item, mark it (“yes” or click) and reward. Repeat this consistently so they learn that letting go = reward. Once they understand, begin phasing out the treat and use the verbal command first. Reward after they release on command.