Before formal training starts, it is worth setting aside a short family meeting. During this chat, everyone who lives with the dog can agree on the main commands, hand signals, and house rules. For example, the group might decide that “Sit” is the only word used for that action, instead of mixing “Sit down” or “Park it”. The same goes for “Down” for lying on the floor and “Off” for getting off furniture.

Stay teaches a dog to pause and hold a position until given a release word. This supports safety at doors and roads and helps during vet visits or grooming.

House training is often the biggest early worry for families, especially those with carpets or rented homes. The idea…