Obedience Dog Training: Good Dogs Aren’t Born, They’re Trained

A "good dog" is a well-behaved dog, a socialized dog who understands how to interact with their human family, neighbors, strangers, and other dogs. Now, cats—that one's always questionable. But generally, a K9 with dog obedience training is gentle with all animals—even their arch-rivals.

Last weekend, I was sipping my coffee on the front porch, waiting for a much-anticipated Amazon package, when I saw something that nearly made me choke on my sip—my neighbor’s dog, Rocky, was walking his owner down the street.

No, I don't mean that my neighbor, Jake, was wearing the collar and leash. I mean, it was clear who was in control. Instead of moving together as a team, Rocky was nearly dragging my neighbor along. Jake said, "Heel", then "Stay", and finally, "Sit". But Rocky wasn't hearing it.

It reminded me of when I first adopted my lab mix Bruno and he thought, "Come." meant run away. I'm in trouble. Even a gentle giant like Bruno required obedience dog training. Every dog does!

Positive reinforcement training for dogs teaches how to safely, socially, and predictably interact with others.

Dog Obedience Training: It's Changed My Life

Researchers believe that dogs can learn to recognize around 120 distinct commands, allowing you to communicate with your dog when it matters most.

A well-trained dog is a happy dog. They learn to understand what you want. You feel very predictable. Dogs like predictability, which may explain why they don't invite cats to their dog bone tasting parties.

Dog obedience training works because it:

• Builds trust – Your dog learns to look to you for guidance and listens when you direct commands toward them.
• Keeps them safe – A solid “Come” or "Leave it" command can save a dog’s life.
• Reduce frustration for both of you – No more barking, jumping, or leash-pulling madness.
• Strengthens your bond – Training turns into quality time.

And here’s the thing—training isn’t just for puppies. Even older dogs can learn basic dog obedience training with the right approach. Often, rescues like Bruno haven't received this training. So they need it later in life.

For more on how to train a rescue, check out this post.

The 5 Essential Commands

If you only teach your dog a handful of commands, make it these:

1. Sit

The foundation of all dog obedience. And once they learn it, you can build on it for more advanced skills like shake and wave.

Sit is great for greeting people politely when you know they want to jump up on someone like a kangaroo instead.

2. Stay

A lifesaver for keeping dogs from bolting out doors, into traffic, at a strange dog, or straight toward a muddy puddle...you'll both regret later.

3. Come

Because nothing is more frustrating than a dog who pretends they don’t hear you when you call.

Oh, they hear you.

4. Leave It

Stops them from eating things they shouldn’t—like that random chicken bone on the sidewalk or a pill you dropped while getting ready this morning.

5. Heel

Prevents the "sled dog" effect on walks. Dogs can learn to stay at your side with a slack leash on walks. A lot of people think getting pulled like a Girl Scout cookie wagon by your dog is normal.

When a dog learns to heel, walks become a team effort, not a one-dog show.

How to Use Positive Reinforcement Training for Dogs

In a nutshell, positive reinforcement comes down to this.

See a behavior you like? Reward it.

Want your dog to repeat that behavior? Keep rewarding it.

Want them to learn quickly? Make that reward an irresistible treat.

High-value treats create powerful memories through your dog's dopamine reward system. With repetition, these memories turn into habits and eventually unbreakable habits.

Wouldn't you rather teach your dog a good habit than have them randomly learn a bad one—like digging through the trash? I know I would. It's how I keep the peace in a house with three dogs. With basic dog obedience training, even those independent working dogs can learn to play the right way.

What Makes the Best Training Treats for Obedience Training?

That's easy.

• Small and bite-sized (so they don’t get full too fast or spoil their dinner)
• Packed with protein (keeps them focused and strong)
• Irresistible flavor (because plain kibble won’t cut it)
• Enhances nutrition (healthy fats, collagen, glucosamine, B vitamins, and more)
• Single-ingredient (most dog treats contain added sugar, additives, and chemically-sounding names. Single-ingredient treats don't need added flavors. They're something dogs already love.)

Beef lung training treats are just roasted organ meat. For dogs, you can't get much better than that.

Absolutely Bruno-approved.

The Basics of Dog Obedience Training

1. Choose the Right Spot

Start in a quiet, low-distraction area like your living room or kitchen.

2. Use the “Lure & Reward” Method

Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose. Guide them where you want them to go.

For example, if you're teaching "Sit," use the treat to raise the dog's head while gently lowering the bottom.

Say "{Name}, Sit" in a cheery voice. Reward them immediately with that high-value treat when they sit.

Practice a few times and then try it without you lowering them. Slowly reduce how much you're guiding them with the treat.

3. Keep Training Sessions Short & Fun

Dogs have short attention spans. 5-10 minutes per session is enough. This makes training sessions low-commitment for you. It's pretty easy to find 5 minutes a day to train your dog—even if you're busy.

And that time spent will save you so much in the long run. No more chasing your dog around or having them ignore you.

Basic dog obedience training will absolutely change your relationship with your dog. You'll appreciate each other more.

4. Always End on a High Note

A dog can learn basic commands in one training session of 5-10 minutes. But other skills take longer. If your dog is struggling with some of the more impressive commands, go back to something they know.

Reward them with a tasty beef lung bite. And then end the session.

This ensures they have positive memories of training. So, they want to train again.

5. Practice in Higher Stakes Environments

Move to the backyard, then the park when few people are around, and eventually a busy dog park or sidewalk.

Let them demonstrate that they can follow the command anywhere.

6. Address Destructive/Unwanted Behavior with Redirection

Don't teach your dog that yelling is how people get what they want. Like a young child, dogs respond to redirection.

If your dog is engaging in destructive behavior, make sure they have mental stimulation. Stick with a routine. And give them something that's okay to chew on.

Chewing is an instinct for dogs. It's important for dog health.

When your hiking boots, door frames, or sofa pillows become victims, it usually means your dog needs a bone-chewing routine.

Dog bones can also alleviate boredom, ease stress, strengthen your bond, and help dogs stay more focused during training.

Ready to get started with obedience dog training? Don't forget to sign up with the 7-Day Dog Training Challenge.

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