Core cues

Many cues start with a lure: a treat in your hand guides your dog into position. For sit, move a treat up and back over the nose so the bottom drops. For down, lower it slowly from nose to floor between the paws. Once your dog follows reliably, use the same hand movement without a treat and reward from the other hand. Then add the word just before the gesture. Fade the lure quickly so it doesn’t become a bribe.

Stay is built with the three Ds – duration, distance and distraction – one at a time. Start with a one-second stay right in front of your dog, reward, and release with a word like “free”. Then add seconds, then a step back, then mild distractions. Always go back to your dog to reward, and use the release word so they know when the stay ends. If they break, simply reset and make it easier.

A great recall is the best safety tool you have. Choose a fresh word, use it only when you’re sure your dog will come, and reward with something amazing every time. Never call your dog to something unpleasant. Practise on a long line in open spaces. For leave it, cover a treat with your hand and reward from the other hand when your dog moves away. Build up to treats on the floor, then real-life items.

Dogs pull because pulling gets them where they want to go. Flip that: when the lead tightens, stop and wait, or turn the other way. When the lead is loose, move forward and reward at your side often. A comfortable, well-fitted harness helps. Expect it to take weeks of practice, and let your dog have sniff breaks – a walk is their outing too.