Has your canine pal finished his petucation yet? If not, you might want to work on it. Fido does not need to perform spectacular tricks or understand commands in three languages, but he should heed basic commands. Training may be tricky, especially if you’re new to it, but with patience, perseverance, and the appropriate technique, you can find it easier than you think. In this article, a local Galena, MD veterinarian shares some basic dog training ideas.

Training Tip #1: Consistency

Be Consistent: Consistency is critical here. When giving your dog commands, always use the same words or phrases. Dogs do not understand the intricacies of human language. To Fido, ‘Lay down’ and ‘Go lay down in your bed right now’ may signify quite different things.

Stick To Your Rules: Don’t allow your pet to lay on your bed one day and then punish him for it the next. This will not only confuse Fido, but it may also give him the sense that it makes no difference whether he obeys you or not. This can result in serious and long-term behavioral disorders that may be difficult to address.

Use The Same Procedures: You may come across a variety of strategies and schools of thinking online. If something isn’t working, by all means try a different strategy, but you don’t want to constantly modify your MO. This may simply confuse your pet, further complicating the situation.

Ask your vet for more tips.

Offer Suitable Rewards

Fido will not be very impressed with a gold sticker, and if you tell him he got 100 on an exam or scored all A’s, he will most likely just tilt his head and give you that very cute inquisitive look we all know. It is crucial to reward your cute pet for his progress, though. 

As you can probably guess, treats are a great option here. There are a few caveats, however. First and foremost? Do not offer your puppy anything dangerous. This list includes meat on the bone, chocolate, avocado, grapes and raisins, alcohol, caffeine, garlic and onion, and anything containing xylitol. Consult your veterinarian for more information on safe and harmful diets.

What should you offer? Meat is always a wonderful choice. Make sure it’s cooked and deboned, and keep the portions small. You can also provide small amounts of kibble, training treats, or thin slices of hot dogs.

Whatever you choose, be careful not to overdo it. If your furry pupil becomes overly full, he will most likely want to sleep rather than attend school. Furthermore, this can cause your dog to gain weight, which is not good for him. (We’ll discuss the consequences of pet obesity in another blog.)

Select a Suitable Class Curriculum

Did you know the typical dog can learn more than 165 words? Some dogs can grasp far more than that. For example, Chaser, a Border Collie known as the world’s brightest dog, learned almost 1000 words! 

The most important commands that every dog should know are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Leave It, Drop It, and Down are also extremely handy.

Take Your Time

Most people begin with Sit, which is the easiest command for dogs to learn. Whatever order you choose to teach commands in, make sure to focus on one at a time. Don’t move on until your dog has mastered the current command.

Keep A Positive Vibe

You’ll have far more success if your canine buddy enjoys his lessons. Keep it entertaining and fun for Fido!

Do not try to work with your pet if you are upset, depressed, or mad. Dogs are incredibly observant and are excellent at sensing our moods. If Fido notices you’re down, he may develop a negative association with training. That is the last thing you want!

This also applies to the methods you use. You may come across items and programs that focus on negative sensations, such as fear or pain. While trained professionals may employ such approaches in some very specific situations, we always advise that you avoid shock collars and similar devices. These things have strong negative implications and can make dogs fearful, uneasy, or aggressive. Needless to say, that is likely to create many more problems than it solves.

Don’t Give Up

Don’t assume that training has to end once your pet has mastered those key commands. Make sure your dog practices his routine regularly. This not only helps to keep the training fresh, but it also boosts Fido’s confidence. When our canine friends accomplish something well and are rewarded or complimented, they get really happy with themselves.

What do you teach Fido once he has learned the fundamentals? Try more advanced training. You may be able to train your dog to fetch your slippers or turn on a light. Or, just teach your pet some interesting tricks.

Here are a handful that will forever be adorable:

• Spin
• Shake
• Crawl
• Speak
• Fetch
• Kiss
• Play Dead
• Back Up
• High Five
• Stand
• Circle Me
• Close The Door
• Jump Through The Hoop
• Leg Weave
• Sit Pretty
• Bow
• Roll Over

Don’t Overdo It

Dogs are extremely intelligent, but they do not have very long attention spans. Fido may become bored with long, drawn-out classes. Keep your sessions short and sweet. About ten to fifteen minutes at a time should suffice.

Pick The Right Time

Timing is also an important consideration. If you try to train your puppy right after he has eaten, he may be too full to concentrate effectively. Choose a time when he is awake but not exhausted or ready for a nap.

Ask For Help If You Need To

If you find yourself at a dead end, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. A professional trainer may cost you time and money in the short term, but they will make life much easier for you in the long run.

Book An Appointment At Our Galena, MD Animal Clinic

Is your canine companion due for a checkup? Does Fido require immunizations or parasite control? Please contact us, your Galena, MD pet hospital, for all of your puppy’s veterinarian care requirements. We are dedicated to providing excellent service and attention.