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6 Common Dog Training Questions Answered

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Common Dog Training Questions Answered

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Do you have any dog training questions that you want answered?

Chances are, they're on this list...

1. Why Does My Dog Keep Pulling on the Leash?

Dog on leash sitting and looking up, asking dog training questions
Photo by Show 131/ CC

This is one of the most common dog training questions out there, and is also a simple one to answer.

A dog will pull on the lead if he has learned that that is the easiest way to move forward. When your dog pulls, and you move forward with your dog, you reinforce that behavior by showing your dog that pulling works.

How do you stop your dog from pulling on the leash?

There are several ways to do this, but each one will take quite a bit of time. Training a dog to stop pulling on the leash can be a long process, so be patient!

The most common method is:

  • Stop walking when the leash goes tight

  • Stand still and don't move until the leash has gone slack again

  • Continue walking

What do you do if the lead doesn't go slack?

You turn around and take a few steps in the opposite direction. This will help your dog to focus on you again.

2. How Do I Stop My Puppy From Biting?

Biting is natural for puppies. They use their mouths to explore the world, and to communicate with their mother and littermates.

Of course, this isn't how you want to communicate with your pup...

So, the best way to get around this is by teaching your pup new ways to communicate.

How?

Use a toy instead of your hand when playing with your puppy. Don't roll your puppy around or play too roughly, as this will only encourage the biting.

When your puppy does bite...

Stop playing immediately and walk away.

It won't take long before your puppy realizes that biting isn't a good way to communicate with you.

3. My Dog Gets Plenty of Exercise, But is Still So Hyper Around the House. What Do I Do?

Many people think that exercise is all a dog needs in order to quieten down, but this isn't true...

While exercise stimulates your dog physically, you still need to provide your dog with mental stimulation. This will keep their brain challenged, preventing them from getting bored and minimizing any destructive behavior.

Wondering how to mentally stimulate your dog?

Try an interactive dog toy. You could also try creating your own brain games for your pup, in the form of a treasure hunt, hide and seek, or anything similar. Trick training is another great way to keep a dog mentally stimulated, no matter their age.

Don't forget to also take a look at the food you are feeding your dog...

Some commercial foods contain numerous additives that can contribute to hyperactivity. Ideally, opt for something as natural as possible.

4. How Do I Get My Dog to Come to Me When I Call Him?

how to get a dog to come running, like in this photo, is one of the most common dog training questions
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Recall-related dog training questions are so common. This is one of the most basic commands, and it goes without saying that it is something that every dog and owner should master.

Of course, this is easier said than done in many cases...

The main thing to remember is – every time you call your dog over, you need to make sure he listens to you. If he doesn't, then you are reinforcing the idea that it doesn't matter what you say, and that he doesn't need to come when you call.

How do you do this?

A long line will make your life so much easier. This is basically an extra-long, lightweight leash. You leave the leash slack at all times, so that your dog feels as though he has freedom.

When you call your dog over, give the leash a little tug to encourage your dog to come to you. Use treats to provide some extra motivation, and to reward your dog for listening.

Do this over small distances at first. You can then slowly increase this, adding in more distractions.

Once your dog gets the hang of this, you can then practice it without the long line. 

5. How Do I Stop My Dog From Going to the Toilet in the House?

Toilet training problems tend to be at the top of the list when it comes to the most common dog training questions out there.

There are a few key points to keep in mind when house-breaking a dog:

  • Consistency – you need to be 100% consistent when it comes to taking your dog outside at regular intervals. Begin by doing this every hour, and slowly increase it as your dog's bladder strengthens

  • Positive Reinforcement – every time your dog goes to the toilet outside, you need to reinforce this. Use high value treats, as well as plenty of praise

  • A Verbal Command – each time your dog goes to the toilet outside, say your toilet command, whether this may be “go to the bathroom”, “potty time” or anything else. This will help in the future when you need your dog to go to the toilet on command

What should you do if your dog does go to the toilet in the house?

Don't tell him off. Instead, clean it using a solution that completely removes the odor. This will prevent your dog from using that same spot again. Dogs live in the moment, so shouting at them for something that has happened in the past will not help with your training. 

6. How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Barking at the Doorbell?

It can be quite frustrating when your dog goes crazy each time the doorbell rings.

So, what can you do about this?

You basically need to teach your dog to do something else each time the doorbell rings. The best thing to teach them would be to lie down quietly in their bed.

How?

Use treats to encourage your dog to go to bed each time the bell rings. Have a friend ring the bell each time your dog is settled, while you praise your dog for remaining in his bed rather than barking.

This does take time and plenty of practice, so be patient!

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Put a Stop to Puppy Mouthing

By Alina Jumabhoy

Put a Stop to Puppy Mouthing

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of congerdesign @ Pixabay

When a puppy is still young, puppy mouthing is completely normal behavior. After all, this is how a puppy explores the world, interacting with different objects.

However, while puppy mouthing may be necessary during the earliest stages of your pup's life, this isn't something that should continue on into adulthood.

Why?

Because an adult dog is much stronger and heavier. What used to be gentle puppy mouthing can unintentionally cause injury as a dog grows up. Plus, puppy teeth themselves can be quite sharp, especially if they come into contact with a child's skin. This is why it is so important to put a stop to puppy mouthing once your pup is a couple of months old.

Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition is the ability that a dog has to control how hard he mouths and nips. This is usually something that a pup will learn from his mother, as well as his littermates.

How?

Well, when a puppy bites another pup too hard, that other pup will usually let out a yelp and immediately stop playing. This causes the first puppy to stop playing too, teaching him that biting too hard puts an end to the fun.

This is a method that you can copy when teaching bite inhibition to your puppy...

When your puppy mouths you, yelp in the same way that a pup would. Make sure that you immediately stop playing too, leaving your hand to go limp.

Your dog will likely stop too, if only for a second. Make sure that you quickly praise your dog as soon as he has stopped, and then immediately carry on playing.

It will take quite a bit of repetition, but it won't be long before your puppy soon learns not to mouth.

Already tried this method with no success?

Instead of letting your hand go limp, try putting a stop to the play altogether. Walk away from your puppy after you have yelped. Then, wait for your pup to remain calm for about half a minute or so, before returning to play.

This will help to reinforce the idea that mouthing is bad, but playing in a gentle way is good.

Provide a Safe Alternative

While many puppies mouth while playing, others do this simply because its an instinctive behavior. Puppies have a natural urge to chew and bite.

If you don't want this urge to be carried out on you, or any of your belongings, then you will need to provide your pup with a safe alternative.

What sort of things should you give your pup to gnaw on?

Try some of the following:

Don't forget, every puppy is different when it comes to the things he enjoys chewing on. Make sure that you try a few different chews and toys until you have found some that you know your puppy genuinely enjoys.

Remove the Temptation

Many puppies only mouth when they are playing certain games.

So, to prevent puppy mouthing, simply stop playing those games. For most pups, these involve rough play games, such as wrestling.

There are many other non-tactile games that you can substitute this with. Try playing tug of war, or a game of fetch. Introducing your dog to other pups his age will also help your pup to release all of that energy, making him less likely to mouth you when you get home.

Make sure that you also never tease your puppy with your fingers or your hands. Even using an item of clothing can only end up encouraging the mouthing.

Is your puppy mouthing your belongings as well as your skin?

This is another temptation that you should remove.

Make sure that all of your belongings are well out of your puppy's reach, in the same way that you would baby-proof a house if you were bringing a new baby into it. Baby gates and other types of barriers can also be useful to limit your pup's access to certain parts of the house until you have the puppy mouthing under control.

Basic Obedience Training

Giving your pup a treat or a toy as a distraction is always a good idea, but what happens when you don't have a treat or a toy around?

This is where basic obedience training comes in...

This will give you an extra tool when it comes to distracting your pup. By teaching your puppy various commands and tricks, you will be able to use these to encourage your pup to control his impulsive behaviors.

Wondering what basic obedience training involves?

Teach your puppy the following commands:

  • Sit

  • Stay

  • Lie down

  • Recall

  • Leave it

When it comes to puppy mouthing, the two most-useful do tend to be “sit” and “leave it”.

Once you have these commands cemented into your pup's brain, your puppy should automatically listen to you each time you say one of them, even if they happen to be mouthing at the time.

Don't forget, each time your puppy stops mouthing to listen to your command, make sure that you provide plenty of praise, and even a treat. This will really help to reinforce that good behavior.

Don't Punish Puppy Mouthing

As mentioned earlier, mouthing is an instinctive behavior.

Your puppy isn't doing this on purpose, meaning that puppy mouthing isn't something that can be stopped immediately.

For some pups, it takes quite a bit of time to ease away from the mouthing. Punishing your puppy for not learning this fast enough will definitely not help the situation. Instead, it is likely to just make your puppy fearful of you, especially when your hands are near your pup's mouth. This could make certain situations quite tricky in the future, from vet visits to being able to remove a dangerous food item from your dog.

Rather than punishing your puppy for unwanted behavior, focus on rewarding your puppy for positive behavior instead. This will give you so much more success in the long run.

Although puppy mouthing is a natural behavior, this is something that you need to take control of quite early on. Fortunately, with plenty of consistency, it doesn't take long at all to put a stop to puppy mouthing, even for the more playful pups out there!

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How to Choose a Puppy Training Class

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a Puppy Training Class

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

If you have just welcomed a puppy into your family, then starting to choose a puppy training class should be a top priority.

Why?

For a few reasons...

Firstly, puppy training classes are key for socialization. They will teach your pup how to interact with other dogs, as well as other people.

These classes are also important for teaching your pup basic skills. While you can do this yourself at home, the distractions encountered at a class will really help to cement that knowledge in your pup's head. 

So, how do you actually choose a puppy training class?

Here are some points to take into consideration when making your decision:

Obedience vs Socialization

When doing your research to choose a puppy training class, you will notice that classes tend to be categorized as either obedience classes or socialization classes.

What's the difference?

The obedience classes will be focused on basic training. They are a great way to give your pooch a head start when it comes to obedience and other foundational commands.

On the other hand, socialization classes are more like play for your pup. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't important...

Socialization classes will give your pooch the opportunity to interact with different dogs in his own time. The play and mental stimulation that a socialization class provides is so good for your puppy's development.

So, which is better?

Ideally, you want a bit of both.

Try to choose a puppy training class that works on basic training, but also has a socialization aspect to it. If you can't find a class that combines the two, it may be worth signing your pup up for two different classes, one in each category.

Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

You should never choose a puppy training class solely based on a convenient location, because a bad class could end up being so detrimental to your pup.

Instead, one of the best ways to choose a puppy training class is to go with some word-of-mouth recommendations.

Ask your friends and family about the classes that they have attended with their own pups. Your vet, as well as different dog groomers, will also have their own recommendations. If you still don't have many options, you could also try asking local rescue organizations, as well as your local dog warden.

Visit a Class Without Your Dog

Once you have narrowed down your options, it is time to pay your top puppy training classes a visit. While you may be tempted to take your pup with you, this isn't something that you should do.

Why?

Because you need to watch the class objectively, without any distractions. Plus, if you have your pup in tow, you may be asked to join in before you or your pup are ready.

What should you be looking out for when you visit these classes?

You need information that will help you to choose a puppy training class that is best suited to your dog. Look out for the following:

  • A class that is calm and well-organized, rather than chaotic

  • Positive training methods, whether this may be with treats, toys or praise. Preferably, all three should be combined

  • No rough treatment of any of the puppies present. This would include shouting or raised voices

  • A class where both the puppies and the owners are enjoying themselves. Don't forget that a puppy training class is not only to train puppies, but also to train their owners when it comes to raising these puppies properly

  • Separate areas or class times for adult dogs. However, puppies of the same age but different sizes should not be kept apart, as it is important for pups to learn how to interact with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Of course, these interactions do also need to be well-managed

  • Different class levels, such as beginner or advanced

  • Small class sizes, ideally no more than eight dogs per session. This enables each puppy to get the individual attention that they need in order to properly progress

  • A class that is held in a clean environment. Bacteria and viruses can spread so easily between puppies, and toilet training accidents are also very common, so you need to make sure that the environment is suitably clean. However, a strong chemical smell isn't a good sign either, as pet-safe cleaning products are important, especially for vulnerable puppies

After watching a class, ask yourself this question...

Would my puppy and I look forward to attending this class each week?

Don't forget...

You should also look into the certifications that the trainer running the puppy class has. You need to make sure that this is a trainer who has undergone a reputable program. After all, you don't want to be following incorrect advice when it comes to raising your puppy.

Are There Any Dogs Who Shouldn't Attend a Puppy Training Class?

As important as a puppy training class is to a dog's development, these classes aren't for everyone.

Which puppies shouldn't attend a puppy training class?

If your pup already has quite an anxious nature, don't throw your puppy into the deep end by starting with a puppy training class. Instead, enlist the help of a one-on-one puppy trainer to help build your pup's confidence. Once you have done this, a puppy training class will be a great next step.

Another exception to puppy training classes is with pups who have already shown signs of aggression. This could be to either humans or animals.

Again, a one-on-one trainer is what you need to help deal with this. Only once the aggressive behavior has been completely eliminated could you attend a class. After all, you wouldn't want to put any other puppies, or even their owners, in any sort of danger.

It can take a while to choose a puppy training class, but once you have found the right one, you will see how much of an improvement it has on your pup's development. These classes really are key, so make sure that you do all of the right research!

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Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

By Alina Jumabhoy

Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Socializing a puppy is something that you need to do from the very first day you bring your pup home.

How exactly do you go about doing this?

Here is everything you need to know...

WHAT DOES SOCIALIZING A PUPPY MEAN?

Socializing a puppy means that your puppy should be meeting as many new people and animals as possible. It involves exposing your puppy to different environments, sights and sounds, making these experiences as pleasant for your puppy as possible.

Why It's Important to Socialize a Puppy

Socialized puppies grow into dogs that are comfortable with the world around them.

Proper socialization when young means that a dog is less likely to develop any behavioral problems. On the other hand, pups who are not socialized properly can often develop fear or aggression issues when they are older. This is particularly the case when the dog is exposed to something new.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SOCIALIZE A PUPPY?

Your puppy goes through what is known as a socialization period between the ages of seven weeks and four months.

The socialization that takes place during this period will have a permanent impact on your pup's personality and character as an adult.

It goes without saying that this is the most important time to socialize a dog.

Of course, if you are buying a pup, you won't be bringing him home until he is about eight or twelve weeks old...

This is why it is so important to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder. They will know how to socialize the pup during this time, and will start doing so from when the puppies are just three weeks old.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A PUPPY

Socializing a puppy by introducing him to children at the park
Photo by Show 131/ CC

When it comes to socializing a puppy, there are a few basic steps that everyone should follow:

Exposure to New Things

The world will seem like a strange place to your puppy, and an important part of socializing is exposing your pup to all of this.

Here are some examples:

  • Different people – including men, women and children of all ages. Exposing your puppy to people wearing different types of accessories, such as hats and umbrellas, can also be helpful, as can introducing your puppy to people in wheelchairs or men with big beards

  • Different animals – such as other dogs, cats, chickens, other birds and livestock

  • Different floor surfaces – including carpet, tiles, laminate flooring, marble, grass, mud, sand and wood

  • Chaotic environments – such as train stations, school playgrounds, crowded markets, construction sites

Involve Family and Friends

When it comes to socializing a puppy, this is something that the whole family should get involved in.

Your puppy needs to learn that these new experiences are safe, no matter who he may be with.

It can also be useful to have your puppy accustomed to being handled and looked after by other family members. If you need them to watch your dog while you are away, your pup won't mind this one bit!

Puppy Classes

Signing your pup up for puppy classes can also be a great tool when it comes to socializing a puppy.

What do puppy classes involve?

They will help you to teach your pup everything from basic commands to fun tricks. They are a great way for your puppy to meet other dogs and people in a safe environment.

Keep It Fun

Not only should your puppy be exposed to all of the above, but you need to also make sure that each experience is a positive one for your pup.

Keep your socializing time fun and playful, bringing along treats and toys to distract your puppy if he becomes fearful of anything. Reward positive behavior as much as possible. 

SOCIALIZING A PUPPY WHO IS UNVACCINATED

Socializing an unvaccinated puppy by carrying him around
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Well-bred puppies will naturally have antibodies from their mothers, but many veterinarians advise that puppies do not walk in areas where unknown animals may have walked. This is to prevent them from picking up a disease before their full course of vaccinations has been completed.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't socialize your pup...

You can still expose your pup to all of the suggestions mentioned above. Just hold your puppy in your arms, or purchase a bag that makes it easier to carry your pup around. Even allowing your pup to see the sights, sounds and smells of the world from an open car window can make a huge difference to his development.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A SHY PUP

Whether due to a traumatic experience, genetics, or their breed being particularly sensitive, some puppies are simply more shy than others.

This can make socializing a puppy quite the challenge...

A shy pup will react fearfully to new situations, but this makes socialization even more important.

However, you do need to make sure that you take it at your puppy's pace. If your pup seems fearful of something, put more distance between your pup and the object, and allow your puppy to explore it in his own time.

Your pup's body language will tell you when your puppy is afraid. Signs of this include:

  • Shivering

  • Excessively salivating

  • A submissive posture

When your puppy is showing signs of fear at a new situation, try not to provide too much comfort.

This can be hard to do, but you want your puppy to gain the confidence to deal with those types of situations on his own.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't reward your puppy. This is especially important when they have made any progress and shown their braver side.

While it is important to keep socialization fun and positive for any dog, this is even more the case with a shy pup.

Make sure that you do not intimidate or raise your voice at your pup. You need your pup to learn that he can really trust you. 

Remember, always set your puppy up for success.

Properly socializing a puppy is absolutely crucial if you want your pup to grow into a healthy, happy and well-balanced dog. The socialization period is not very long, so make sure that you put extra time and effort into ensuring that your pup gets as much socialization as possible during this time.

What are some of your favorite ways of socializing a puppy?

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Dog Training Treats: High Value vs Low Value

By Alina Jumabhoy

Dog Training Treats: High Value vs Low Value

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Nicooografie @ Pixabay

While just about every dog loves to learn, training treats give them that extra bit of motivation. Whether you’re working on basic obedience training or something more advanced, understanding the difference between low- and high-value dog treats for training can make all the difference when it comes to your dog’s success.

What Are Training Treats?

Let’s begin with a quick look at training treats in general (later on we’ll give you examples of low- and high-reward dog treats).

In general, low- and high-value dog treats are ones you can use to help train a dog, meaning that they need to be quick and easy for a dog to eat.

They also need to be portable so you can carry them around to train in a variety of locations. As a bonus, they should be relatively tidy, especially if you’re going to keep them in your pocket.

Ideally, a good training treat should also be one that the owner physically delivers to the dog, rather than dropping or crumbling it onto the floor. Why? Because the drop or crumble distracts your dog and prevents him from fully focusing on you.

What’s the Difference Between Low- and High-Value Dog Treats?

side view of brown and white Chihuahua wearing a blue sweater straining for a treat
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Place a piece of meat in one hand, and a slice of carrot in the other. Hold both hands out to your dog, and see which one your pooch picks.

Chances are, they’re going for the meat, meaning that the meat would be an example of a high-reward dog treat.

In a nutshell, that’s the difference between low- and high-value dog treats for training.

Low-value treats are ones your dog is used to. While your dog will still work for them, their motivation will be less and they may lose interest over time.

High-value dog treats are ones that your dog absolutely loves, and will pretty much do anything to get. They should be treats that your dog doesn’t get on a regular basis, so they’re exciting each time.

Of course, every dog is different and will have different tastes. What may be a high-value treat for one dog could be a very low-value treat for another.

When Should You Use Each Type of Training Treat?

After reading the differences between the training treat values, you might be wondering why you’d use low-value treats at all, if high-value ones motivate your dog more?

Well, if you’re only giving high-value dog treats to your pup, then it won’t be long before these become low-value to them. The novelty wears off, and your dog will get bored.

Plus, you don’t need to be giving your dog an extra-special treat each time. Using these to mark significant learning moments will be much more rewarding when it comes to teaching new things.

So, when’s an example of a time to use high-reward dog treats?

When you’re first beginning to shape a certain behavior, stick to high-value treats only. After your dog has begun to get the hang of it, you can then switch to a mix of low- and high-value dog treats. This means that your dog will never be quite sure as to what treat they will get next, giving them plenty of motivation to keep trying.

What Are Examples of Low- and High-Value Dog Treats for Training?

outdoor photo of woman in red vest bent over holding out treat to shaggy black dog
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As mentioned earlier, training treats need to be quickly and easily eaten, as well as portable. These requirements can sometimes make it difficult to find a wide selection of both high- and low-value treats.

Mixing things up and keeping your dog guessing is always a good idea when it comes to training treats. Here are some ideas to incorporate low- and high-value dog treats into your training routine:

Low-Value Dog Training Treats

Low-value training treats could include:

  • Dried dog food: if you can find these in small sample bags, then you can mix and match different brands and flavors to keep things more interesting

  • Fruit and vegetable chunks or slices: if you find yourself having to use a lot of treats, healthy raw bites of a fruit or vegetable could be a good low-calorie option

  • Dog biscuits: many people use dog biscuits as a daily snack for theirdogsg. While your dog will still enjoy these as a training treat, they’re low-value because your dog is used to eating them

High-Value Dog Training Treats

Examples of high-reward dog treats could include:

  • Sausages or hot dogs: make sure you choose ones free of nitrates/nitrites, as well as low in sodium. Cut sausage up into multiple pieces to make it last longer

  • Freeze-dried meat: this is something that just about every dog loves. You can find them in both training treat sizes as well as larger pieces that you can cut up yourself

  • Cheese: mix a few small chunks of different cheeses into your dog’s training treats. You don’t need to use much as the smell from the cheese will rub off onto the other high-value dog treats. This will give even the low-value treats a cheesier appeal. Alternatively, opt for cheese in a tube, giving your dog a small lick as a reward

  • Dehydrated meat: you can easily do this yourself at home by placing thin slices of meat into the oven or a dehydrator for a few hours until they’re brittle enough to be easily snapped into small, training-sized pieces. You can do this with just about any cut of meat

  • Liver cake: this may not sound very appetizing to you, but it’s something your dog will definitely work hard for

There are many low- and high-value dog treats available at pet stores too. As you’re shopping, how do you know if the treats are high- or low-value?

This is completely up to your dog. If you’re doing a lot of training, it’s worth purchasing a selection of different treats to see how much your dog actually likes each one.

Understanding how to mix-and-match different low- and high-value dog treats for training is crucial when it comes to succeeding in training your dog. No matter what type of skill you’re trying to teach your pooch, the reward you provide them for learning new behaviors will help to speed up the rate at which they learn, while also keeping their enthusiasm at an all-time high.

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Whose Fault is it When Your Dog Disobeys?

By Beth Frumkin

Whose Fault is it When Your Dog Disobeys?

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Your dog disobeys. You get angry. You discipline the dog. The dog sulks for a bit, learns nothing, and goes back to disobeying again. This pattern of behavior is repeated time and time again. You want to train your dog how to behave but you really feel stuck in a cycle.
How do you get out of the cycle of your dog disobeying and not listening? First of all, we need to consider the fact that it’s not helpful to get angry or irritated. In fact, instead of being angry with the dog, maybe we should be angry with ourselves. Since we are the ones responsible for training our dogs, we might be the ones at fault. Our training and treatment of our dogs is what causes them to behave certain ways. And since dogs only understand black and white or yes and no, if we send mixed messages to our dogs then we can expect that they won’t be able to understand or obey.
Here are some examples of confusing situations owners respond to poorly that can cause dogs to disobey or act up:

Destructive Behavior

Owners get very angry when their property is destroyed. Maybe your dog has torn up your sofa or chewed up your favorite pair of Italian leather shoes. You’re likely to be pretty upset. But really, how did the dog get the opportunity to destroy your things? Was he left with “freedoms” that he hasn’t been taught to handle? We he left unsupervised at too young an age? Did he have unmet needs, such as staying home alone for too long, so he acted out?
Many dogs, especially young ones, are unable to cope without boundaries. They need time, attention, and walks to burn off energy. Although getting angry with the dog might be easier, owners should really consider if their anger is targeted in the right place. Especially if we assume the dog knows how to behave—but we haven’t taught him.

Running Off

This behavior is extremely frustrating for dog owners who spend much of their time chasing their dogs through the neighborhood. It’s not only tiring, it may be embarrassing as well! consider who is responsible, however, when your dog runs off. Have you taught your dog good recall skills? Did you teach him walking on the leash before allowing him to run free off of it? Have you practiced the command “come” with him to make sure he obeys? These steps all function as ways to teach your dog to handle the responsibility of being off leash. If you haven’t taught him these, then ultimately you are the one who is responsible.
If your dog struggles with running off, you can train him to do otherwise. It takes time and patience. Try keeping him on a short leash at first and then adding to his freedoms. Try it out with distractions nearby, or when other dogs are present. Reward him with praise (and treats) when he obeys, and withhold praise when your dog disobeys.

Lunging at Another Dog

Even when your dog is on leash, he may lunge or jump toward other dogs. This can be irritating, or even harmful to the dog owner, or to the other dog. This is a frequent problem that dog owners experience and aren’t always sure how to solve. Of course, the best time to stop this is when your dog is a tiny pup. But many owners allow their cute little puppies to get away with this behavior. And then they get irritated with their giant dog does it. Truly, that’s not fair. If you have not taught your dog to refrain from lunging at other dogs, how is he to change his behavior?
Teach your dog to calmly “say hello” to another dog by commanding him first to “heel”. Once he has mastered heeling, he can slowly be taught to greet others as you give him permission. If you have previously allowed this behavior, you’ll need to work twice as hard to correct it. But don’t give up! Patience and consistency are your best friends when it comes to correcting the times your dog disobeys.
When your dog disobeys, it can be tempting to get angry or annoyed. But if we remember that it’s our responsibility to teach the dog how to act, then we can take a better approach. Be kind and patient, setting forth the expectations to your dog from the very beginning. Of course, it isn’t always the fault of the owner, but take our part of the responsibility is key. Then we can move forward and solve the problem with consistent efforts and effective dog training.

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Does Your Dog Embarrass You While Walking On A Leash?

By Beth Frumkin

Does Your Dog Embarrass You While Walking On A Leash?

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Dog Leash Training Made Simple
 
When you get a puppy, you imagine how wonderful your life will be! Playing fetch in the park, cuddling, and going for walks. You dream of carrying him in your large handbag where he is perfectly well behaved, much like the girl in Legally Blonde. Maybe you’re even planning to have him as the ring bearer in your wedding. Everything is beautiful in this imaginary world with your new puppy.
Reality, however, hits you a bit differently. Basic commands, house training, and dog leash training work less effectively than you originally anticipated. And the idyllic scene of you and your sweet dog walking in tandem? That turns into something more like a disastrous chase scene from a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Maybe your puppy constantly sneaks off of his leash and into other people’s cat doors, maybe he decides to curl up in a ball for a rest at the end of someone’s driveway, or maybe he has a habit of jumping up at people on the sidewalk and ends up pulling down their pants!
Whatever the case, now is the time to instill some dog leash training into your life.
 
Getting Started with Dog Leash Training
The idea of teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash may seem simple, but anyone who has tried will likely find it’s a bit more difficult than it sounds. Harnesses typically do not work well when trying to walk with a large breed dog. Harnesses allow dogs to use their full body weight to pull you forward. Eventually this means that they will be walking you rather than the other way around! Collars made of heavy metal must be avoided because they may give your pup too much control.
Begin dog leash training your pup at as young an age as 10 weeks. Use firmness, consistency, fairness, and praise to encourage your dog to develop an understanding of dog leash training within several weeks.
These two main commands teach your pup while he is learning dog leash walking: Heel and Leave It.
 
Dog Leash Training Command: “Heel”
Teaching your dog to heel requires a leash that is somewhat short, helping to keep him in control. Set the goal of keeping the leash hanging loosely next to you. Begin while standing still and then step off slowly, at the same time commanding your dog to “heel”. If needed, use dog treats to lure him forward while keeping him in the right place next to you. If your puppy tries to lurch forward without you, quickly say “no” and pull shortly on the leash. Gently place him in the correct position. Once you return him to the correct position, praise him very quickly so he hears the positive feedback right away.
Another option when your dog starts moving ahead of you: turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Use this to teach your pup to be constantly paying attention instead of trying to wander off on his own. When you do this, you also reinforce the idea that you are the master and he needs to obey you.
 
 
Dog Leash Training Command: “Leave It”
The second main command to accomplish dog leash training is “Leave It”. Use this command for a variety of scenarios. For instance, when on a walk your dog gets very distracted when approaching another dog. When this happens, get your dog’s attention as quickly as possible by using the command “leave it”. Combine this with making eye contact.
Continue to say “leave it” as the approaching dog gets closer. Then step aside and command your pup to “sit”. If you choose, continue saying “leave it” while urging his face toward you with a treat. Keep his attention this way until the other dog passes by. Then immediately praise him and give him the treat.
While you are teaching dog leash training by exercising the command to “leave it”, use the treats in the beginning. As your pup improves his behavior, aim toward weaning him off of the treats. Otherwise you’ll end up with one fat doggie! To do this, continue to use the “leave it” command as well as the verbal praise. But don’t give a treat every time to see how he does. Eventually cut out the treats altogether and your dog will obey you simply for the praise.
 
Dog leash training is not a magical overnight process, but it can often be accomplished in a matter of several weeks if you are dedicated to the task. Start early, be patient, offer positive reinforcement, distract with treats, and use the commands “heel” and “leave it”. These steps guarantee to take you and your puppy far. Eventually, this will accomplish that ideal picture of you and puppy strolling happily along the boulevard with grace and style!
 
 

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5 Important Commands to Train Your Puppy During the First Month

By Beth Frumkin

5 Important Commands to Train Your Puppy During the First Month

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Have you ever met a dog who was simply ill-behaved and awful? Chances are, this is because their owners were not serious about training them when they were just puppies. When you first receive him, begin to train your puppy as soon as possible. Brand new puppies come into your home ready to learn and grow. But whether they learn good or bad habits is entirely up to you!
Some of the most important habits you train your puppy will likely happen within their first month of life. This builds a foundation which you can use to add further training. Here are five of the most critical training points for your puppy’s first month:
 

Sit

First things first. Pups need to know that you are the Alpha in the relationship. This may be accomplished partially when you train your puppy to “Sit”. This idea of sitting helps to instill self-control into your puppy (because we all know that puppies have none on their own!) without asking too much of them. “Sit” is a basic command that allows your puppy to follow a simple instruction and be rewarded easily.
Teaching your young dog to sit is the perfect scenario for him to learn positive reinforcement. You can do this by using a treat, holding it close to your pup’s mouth (so they can smell or even lick it) but make sure they can’t get it. Lure your pup’s nose into the air by using the treat. And what happens when his nose goes up? His bottom goes down! Once he sits, he can have the treat. Eventually you can change your positive reinforcement from treats to praise and he’ll be just as happy.
 
 

Down

It might be cute when your tiny puppy won’t listen and simply crawls all over you. But that quickly stops being so cute when your puppy has turned into a large dog. Starting your dog early with the term “Down” helps to establish your control over the situation as the Alpha.
 
The technique for teaching a dog to lie down is similar to that for sitting but this one might be harder to train your puppy to master. When your pup is seated, place a treat near his nose, letting him smell and lick it. Then slowly try to lure his nose to the ground without giving him the treat. Be sure not to move too far away or he’ll stand up again. If this happens, tell him “No” and start over with the “Down” command. Be patient. When your dog eventually gets it, reward him with the treat and praise. Release with an “Okay” command.
 
 

Stay

Anyone who has ever met a puppy knows that they have a hard time sitting still! Using the “Stay” command can be difficult and this step should be taken very slowly. This command requires a great deal of patience and building a strong foundation of commands.
In order to train your puppy to Stay:

  • Begin by having your puppy sit at your side.
  • Tell your pup to “Stay”. (Many puppies respond well to a stop hand sign.)
  • Slowly pivot around so that you are in front of him.
  • Repeat the command “Stay”, but don’t step away.
  • After one second, repeat the command again and return to your pup’s side.
  • If he has remained still, offer praise, give a treat, and then release with “Okay”.

Repeat these steps and increase time and distance in extremely small increments. Make it a goal to get up to 5 seconds and two steps away. If your dog can’t quite handle this, then back off until he can master it. Then move on.
 
 

Heel

Practicing good leash manners is important to prepare your pup to eventually go for walks. Teach the “Heel” command by remembering that it literally means to follow your heel. Showing your puppy how to walk strictly at your side helps him learn not to pull on the leash. Eventually they can then walk more comfortably beside you.
 
Again, in order to train your puppy to “Heel”, your best bet is to use treats. As you step off to walk, say the command “Heel” and then lure him along with the food. The purpose of this is to keep his focus on you so that he does not run ahead. If he does move ahead, say “No”, stop walking, and put him back where he belongs next to you. Walk very slowly at first, guiding your pup the whole time and commanding him, praising him, telling him “No”, or guiding him back to the proper place. As he begins to understand what you are asking, stop luring with treats and use them as a reward.
 
 

Come

 
Getting your puppy to come to you willingly works as a critical part of his training. This is particularly true if he is ever off leash (playing in a dog park) or gets away from you accidentally. Difficult for puppies to learn, the “Come” command may take up to six months to master. But beginning in his first month of life is still important.
Many small pups won’t stray very far away from their masters. Use this to your advantage by only saying the command “Come” when you are certain that your pup will obey. Or if you are willing to actually go over and retrieve the dog yourself. Make sure your dog knows that “Come” is not an optional command.
One way to be sure that your puppy will come is by being more interesting than whatever he is doing. Bend down to his level, use a very excited voice, and be extremely encouraging. As soon as he comes, sit him at your feet, offer praise, and give a treat. This will positively reinforce his good behavior. At this stage you are trying to get your pup to believe that coming to you is the very best thing in the world!
Practice training your pup to “Come” in an area that is contained, such as in a hallway, our in a secured area. You need to be prepared to go get your puppy if he chooses to ignore you. Then praise him as soon as you touch him, so he associates this with something positive.
 
 
Puppies in their first months of life are small and sometimes silly. But they are never too young to start learning to behave and obey. The sooner you begin to train your puppy, the better a foundation you will lay. And your pup will appreciate your efforts to help him live a happy, obedient life.

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