Dog Health Questions: Any help with dog training?

Me and someone I know are going to try and train his lurcher/greyhound cross and although I do know some basic things from my own dogs, I was wondering if anyone could give some advice on how to make the process easier? We're not sure how old the dog is because it's a rescue, although it certainly isn't a pup. I was looking for roughly how long it would take for basic commands like sit and come here, where an ideal place would be, and if we would need any other equipment other than the lead, dog and packet of biscuits for rewards. Unless the biscuits are a bad idea?
Thanks a lot

Dog Training Ebook Review - SitStayFetch

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Reward training always worked well with our dogs. I do not use dry biscuits..I always use soft treats and be sure to tear them into tiny pieces. You can train them throughout the day, and/or in training sessions. Training sessions should be short and then have the time increased. Make sure the dog is hungry when training..the treats then get their attention, and you will get their attention because of that. Only reward good behaviour. Do not yell at them...dogs associate everything...ex: if you call the dog and he does not want to come to you (ignore you or thinks it is a game) do not call louder/yell and then when he does come do not punish...dog associates coming to you with punishment. You won't get him to come later on. Turn and walk away. Do not look at them, do not call them. He will come thinking he is missing out on something. Don't look back. When he comes to you, tell him he is a good boy, pet, tell him to sit, and reward. Everything must be fun, happy, and exciting. Reward for coming to you inside and out. Make them sit before giving them food, or water, or when coming into the house after bathroom break..whatever. This distinguishes you as pack leader, and enforces good behaviour. So much to say..not enough room!

Dog Training and Obedience

• Instead of "biscuits", use small, chewy, easily swallowed treats, like tiny pieces of cut up hot dogs, pieces of cheese, etc. The problem with biscuits is that eating them interrupts the learning process.
  
  You can teach a dog to sit in about 15 minutes. A reliable "come" takes quite a while longer and a lot of work to become dependable.
  
  You need to work in a quiet, distraction-free environment while you are teaching the dog new things, then you can "proof" in a busier place.
  
  *Never* let the dog off lead in a strange place or where you can't easily corral him.
  
  There are lots of good articles (and not so good ones) on the web. Sirius Dog Training has a very good series of training pamphlets/articles that should be accessible via the web.


• Sit is the easiest command to learn so I would try that one first. Just say "sit" and gently put pressure on his hips. If he doesn't learn this in one 15 minute session the process isn't going to be easy.
  Keep trying, keep the sessions short and do them daily.


• Try using a clicker and clicker training, my dogs picked this up way faster then other ways.


• Each breed learns differently and since he's a cross when you begin to train him it could be very difficult or very easy depending on which traits are more prominent and the type of breeds. Perhaps learn a bit about each of the breeds before training so you know what to expect.
  
  An ideal place would be one with few distractions. Just have a treat in your hand and while you've got his attention just push his rump down and the same time saying "sit!" in a firm voice. Once he is sitting give him a treat and a happy "good boy!". Repetition is the key, just do it over and over and over again until he seems to get it.
  
  I'd teach him 'stay' before 'come here' first simply because it's easier for the latter. Teach him stay in the same manner. Make him sit while you have his attention with a treat and then back away saying 'stay!' in a firm voice. If he follows stop, grab him by the collar and say 'no!' and bring him back to the same spot. Tell him sit and try it all over again until he gets it. Then reward him with a treat and a 'good boy!' again.
  
  Once you have those two commands down. Tell him to sit and stay. Then walk across the room and tell him to 'come here'. When he comes to you, you give him a treat and tell him how good a boy he is.
  
  I've found that this is the fastest way to teach them and is also the easiest. It might be frustrating at first if they don't seem to be catching on but as soon as they realize what you want and if they do it they get a treat, they'll be very eager to continue on and it should move along faster. So hope it goes well and good luck! :)


• I would find an open space, like the backyard. For basic tricks, it may take several days, and i would keep him/her off the lead. For ''sit'', you should show him that you have biscuits (yes they are a very good idea :D) and tell him/her to sit, and press on the top of his/her back legs, so he/she sits, and GIVE HIM/HER THE BISCUIT AS HE/SHE IS SITTING. Wait a few minutes, tell the dog to sit, and if he/she doesn't sit right away, press on the back of his/her legs until he/she sits, and reward the dog with a biscuit. Repeat this until the dog sits down when you tell it to. Ta Da! That's my advice. Hope it helps! :D