Dogs 101: Your dog learns by watching you.

Your dog is not psychic, but he is a master of details.  He knows whether you’re going to work, to the gym, or staying home by which shoes you put on. So, when you teach a training cue, recognize that your dog learns first from your physical cues.  Don’t use words until your dog is doing the act that you’re asking for. If you introduce the verbal cue too soon, your dog will just look at you.  He doesn’t know the difference between the words “sit” and “banana”.  So, don’t confuse him with words until he’s ready.

Next Up: Management allows your dog to be right.