definitely must have patience. Lots of treats helps too, lol.
What we did in class was to have an environment that the dog was focusing on you...do not give mixed signals to your pup as they do not understand. Use 1 word commands only...they will "hear" that much better than too many words. If you are trying to get him to lay down, it is easier to have in the sit position first, then bring your hand down to the floor (with a small piece of a treat) in your hand and put it on the floor. He does not get the treat until he is fully down. Keep doing this to reinforce the comman. Immediately after he is down give him treat and say "down" or whatever word you are using.
From this position, go to the next trick. It is always easier to have him sitting and then going on to the next trick. Sit is one of the easiest and easily understood command. For instance, if we don't do tricks for awhile, we have to get our 2 to lay down and then do the motion to roll over. It takes some practice. Keep in in mind, their attention span is very short so it is better to do training for lots of short periods of time rather than 1 long period of time.
Good luck and your little one will catch on...it just takes a little patience on our part.
