When the dog is beside you, press gently on her rump, just before the start of the tail, saying “Sit” as you press. Usually, the light pressure will cause the dog to bend her back legs and sit down. Praise her and offer a treat when she does. Occasionally, it is necessary to put a hand on the back of the legs as well, pressing so that the legs bend and she sits. Practice this a few times each day until she does it without a reward, except, of course, praise.

Once she has learnt the meaning of “Sit”, make her sit down when ever you put on or take off her lead. Make her sit before putting her food down in front of her.

“Come” is one of the easiest commands for a dog to learn. First, call her name to attract her attention. When she begins to come towards you say “Come”. Reward and praise her when she reaches you. Start by calling “Come” when you want her to come for her dinner, then say “Sit” (if she knows that already) and put the food down in front of her. After a short while, she should come to you whenever called. Obeying this command is particularly important if you have the dog off-lead in an open space. Do not ever call the dog to you for punishment. It will make her afraid to respond to the command and undo the earlier good work you did together.