How to train my dog to obey verbal cues without needing treats?

Question

i’m trying to teach my dog a few tricks but i’m finding it hard to put a verbal cue on it. for example, if i put one hand closed with a treat, and give him my other hand and say “paw” he gives me his paw, but he won’t do this unless he knows there’s a treat/toy. the same with “sit”, he’ll now sit if i show him a treat above his head (he used to jump before), but if i just say “sit” without the treat he won’t do it. any tips on how i can improve this? he learns fast but doesn’t get the verbal cue. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 20 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

Try this. Let him see the treat. Then give him the command with no hand signals. He may move through all the tricks that he knows but as soon as he does the correct one, give him the reward and repeat the trick, something like ‘good sit’. Some dogs will not perform a command without a reward. Sometimes this is because they are young or easily distracted. This may change as they get older. Important thing is to remain positive and encourage the desired behavior. Best of luck.

How to train my dog to obey verbal cues without needing treats?

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