All dogs can be trained in the basic commands with patience, reward, and repetition. If your dog is willing and anxious to please, it will be easy, but stubborn, strong willed dogs will take longer. We have a Harrier, and that is what we ran into with our dog.
Dog training can be a frustrating experience for you and your dog. You must be extremely patient since you are teaching something foreign to its nature in a language it does not understand. Firmly speak the command you’ve chosen for the desired action, and gently show the dog what you want done. Always use the same command in the same tone of voice.
Reward your dog with some small treat after each response, even if you had to show it the action. Excitedly praise the dog through voice and touch after each successful command and response.
Repeat this one command, but wait a few seconds for the response before showing it what you expect. Continue this repetition until the dog does the action without being shown; then stop, give it a big reward and praise it for several minutes. Try the command a few more times and then stop. Do this every day until the dog will respond without the treat.
