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CBS 3 Pet Project: Teaching Your Dog Basic Commands

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "Sit" and "Stay" are essential commands every dog should know but getting to that point with your pet requires some training.

Positive reinforcement with treats or petting is an important component of the training, including house-breaking your pet. It can also help in stressful situations when you want to calm your pet down.

"Drop it" is a command that is especially useful to owners of puppies when you find them chewing on shoes or other items left around the house. You can do this by offering a treat as a trade for the item they have in their mouth.

Lastly, dogs should not be laying down on their backs during training because that can create behavioral problems down the road.

Click here for more helpful training tips from Laura Garber, manager of behavior and enrichment at the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Or click here to see PSPCA's list of adoptable pets.

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