If I speak too often of Chester, I hope friends will forgive me. Most people teach their dogs. I seem to keep learning from mine.
When Chester the adorable Japanese Chin was just a pup, we attended obedience school. He really retained only two “obediences” learned there. He backs away from anything he’s sniffing, sneaking or stalking when I say “OFF!” in a stern manner, and he sits for his food.
When I fill his dish he knows that it won’t be placed on the floor until he sits. So he sits. When he’s put in the kitchen because I’m going out, he marches in without coercion, then turns to face me, and sits. He’s come to expect a treat for his willing obedience…and 99% percent of the time, I oblige him.