Once you have "Sit" and "Stay" down, the next one is "Go"! This command let's your pup know that he can leave your side and go have some fun. Allowing your dog to go burn off some energy will be good for both of you.
For this command, start with the dog in a sitting position and give the command to "stay". Stand next to him (with treat in hand) and his attention on you. Now, let him smell the treat and repeat the "stay" command so he doesn't take off on this next part. Now, throw the treat a few feet away and then quickly give the "OK go!" command.
Bring him back with the "come" command and then do it all over again. You'll want to gradually increase the distance you throw the treat and also replace the treat with a hand motion or pointing in the direction you'd like him to go.
"OK" let's your dog know "mission accomplished" after he's successfully completed a your command. This isn't a praise (like "good boy", etc.) but instead let's him know he's done. Start by asking your dog to sit and after he does, then stay (sit-stay). When you've decided that he's satisfied the command long enough, say "OK" and snap your fingers, slap your thigh, or some other gesture to get him to move.
Don't say "OK" if he moves BEFORE you decide he's done. If he does, it's "No" and then start over. Use "OK" after any of the "Sit", "Stay", "Down", etc. commands to let him know it's ok move on.
This is possibly the most important command you could teach your dog. Begin with your dog in a small
room on a leash and a pocket full of dog treats. Start walking and get your dog's attention by saying "Spot, come," and let him see the treat. As he comes toward you for his treat, praise him and give him his treat. Do this for a few laps around the room.
You'll need to get the help of some family or friends for the next step. Give everyone a few treats and be sure they keep them away from the dog. Have them spread themselves around the room, away from your dog and when the dog looks at someone, they give the command, "Spot, Come" and show the treat. Every time he follows the command, he gets praise and a treat. However, the command should only be given once. You want your dog to respond to this command the first time it's made.
From here you'll move to working outside with a leash. Begin walking on the leash and when he isn't paying attention, give the "Come" command. He should quickly come to you and if he doesn't, give a gentle tug on the leash, showing him the treat. As he gets better at this command, begin working with a longer and longer leash with more distractions. This is easily reinforced once your dog knows this command by simply saying "Come" when your dog is already on his way toward you.
This command shouldn't be taught until after your dog knows the "sit" command. With treat in hand, have your dog sit and instead of then giving the dog the treat, say "stay" (make sure you have his attention.) Give this command firmly. If he "holds" the command for even a few seconds, praise him and give him the treat. This command can be given in a sitting position or lying down but is easier to teach when sitting.
This command takes some patience as you'll have to work at gradually lengthening the time of the "stay." Be sure to reward your dog for even small increases in the time they hold their "stay" position. If he moves too soon, simply start again with the "sit" then "stay" commands.
