One of the most important parts of basic dog training is the timing, it literally has to be split second timing or you miss the moment completely.
You have to relay the message to your dog that the action he/she has just performed is correct & that you are really pleased with them.
It's no good five or ten minutes after the event telling them how good they were, it has to be instant.
The first command most dogs will learn during their basic dog training is how to sit.
Take a small treat in your hand & show it to your dog, ensure that they are totally focussed on this, not you, the treat.
Then slowly move the treat towards the dog's head & then back over their head, before the dog even knows what it's doing its behind is sitting firmly on the floor.
Now as you are implementing the command you need to repeat the word 'sit' when your dog sits, & this is where the timing comes into play, the instant your dog is in a sitting position praise & reward.
When you have completed this command a few times successfully try it again but this time precede the 'sit' command with the dog's name.
So you now have 'Fido sit' & again the timing needs to be perfect.
You can also incorporate clicker work into your basic dog training this sort of training is not effective for every dog.
When you begin there seems to be an awful lot to achieve with just one pair of hands! You have your dog, the clicker, treats for your dog & on top of all of this you have to remember when to click, when to praise & when to reward.
The clicker is basically a small mechanical device that emits a short, distinct 'click' sound when you press it.
The sound marks the instant that the dog performs the correct behavior; it's a very concise method of basic dog training & is effective for 'most' dogs if done properly.
Your body language is another important fact when completing your basic dog training the way you stand or hold your arms even your facial expression can transmit many messages to your dog.
My own dogs amaze me at times, as they perceive my mood instantly, sometimes without me even speaking.
If I'm upset or just feeling a bit low they will both come to me & offer their paws, if I'm poorly they lay beside me & if I'm happy they are happy too.
It's not just your emotional side though that dogs tune into it's also your actual body language.
If you stand over your dog you can appear very big & very threatening, for this reason when you are carrying out your basic dog training try to stand back away from your dog.
Do not tower over them & 'bark', (excuse the pun) commands in their face.
If your dog does something to really upset you & you manage to catch him/her in the act so to speak, say a firm 'no' & turn your back completely on your dog.
They do not enjoy being ignored as they are sociable animals, your dog will interpret from your body language alone that you are upset with him/her.
You do not have to say anything more.
This is using the non-coercive method of basic dog training again as you are not being forceful at all with your dog just simply implementing body language into the training.
When your dog is scared for one reason or another or if it's dark & maybe your dog does not recognize you all that well.
Always approach the dog slowly & slightly crouched, to appear smaller therefore less threatening, & with your arm outstretched & palm facing upwards.
This is a very innocent posture; you do not appear as though you wish to pose a threat to the dog.
Also worth remembering if you need to approach a strange dog too.
Another point to consider during your basic dog training is your dog's ability to sense fear & concern in you.
If you are on a walk one day & there is a sudden clap of thunder it's imperative that you do not show any alarm at all.
Your dog will look to you for guidance, remain calm & continue walking & your dog will also remain calm.
If you react & panic so will your dog.