Recall
logo

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!

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

By Alina Jumabhoy

Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Wokandapix @ Pixabay

You have probably heard the saying “you can't teach an old dog new tricks”...

Ever wondered how true this is?

Well, it couldn't be more false!

While you may need to take things a little slower, and also exercise more patience, when it comes to teaching an older dog some new tricks, it can definitely be done. Not only that, but all of that trick training is a great way to keep an older dog mentally stimulated.

A Few Things to Know Before Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

Trick training is beneficial no matter the age of a dog, but older dogs do face more limitations than a younger pup.

What type of limitations?

The usual things that come with age, such as:

  • Physical Limitations – older dogs tend to be slower and stiffer, so certain repetitive movements could be uncomfortable. They may also have a limited range of motion, and could be losing some of their sight or hearing

  • Mental Limitations – cognitive function declines with age. This means that it will likely take longer to teach an old dog new tricks when compared to a pup. However, taking things slow and steady can really help. 

So long as you keep your senior dog's limitations in mind, you will be able to pick tricks that your pooch will quickly learn.

Verbal and Visual Commands

It is common for a dog's eyesight and hearing to start to decline with age. This can make training a little trickier.

This is why it is important to incorporate both verbal and visual commands when teaching an old dog new tricks.

That way, if eyesight starts to fade, your dog will still be able to respond to verbal cues. On the other hand, if your dog's hearing starts to go, hand signals are useful for telling your dog what you want him to do.

When teaching your old dog new tricks, make sure that you establish both visual and verbal cues for each one. This will enable you to continue using that command as your dog progresses through life.

Going Over the Basics

A woman using hand signals to teach an old dog new tricks
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Ok, so the basic commands might not be anything new and exciting, but this is still a good way to get started when teaching your dog hand signals.

One of the problems that many people face when their dogs age is with recall...

Due to a loss of hearing, many dogs simply cannot hear their owners shouting for them to return.

This is where hand signals come in...

The easiest hand signal to use for recall is using your arms and hands to form a big wide circle around your head. Bring your hands slowly round to meet each other by your legs.

Each time your dog is heading towards you, make this motion. Combine it with your verbal cue, whether this may be “come here” or anything else.

It won't take long for your dog to realize what your hand signal means. Of course, you do need to be consistent with this. 

Once you have mastered the recall hand signal, do the same with the other important basic commands, such as:

  • Sit

  • Stay

  • Lie down

  • Heel

Walk Backwards

If your dog doesn't seem to have much awareness over their hind legs, teaching them to walk backwards can be especially useful. This will teach your pooch new ways in which they can use their body, helping to increase their awareness of their back legs.

Senior dogs often have a hard time with balance, and this trick can really help with that.

Teaching a Dog to Walk Backwards

It is actually pretty simple to teach a dog to walk backwards.

Begin by having your dog sit and stay in front of you, while you take a few steps back. Then, walk towards your dog, leaning your body slightly forward.

This will usually be enough to cause a dog to back up on his own. As soon as he does this, say your cue word, along with your hand signal. Then, give your dog a treat.

It can sometimes be easier to practice this in a narrow hallway, so that your dog has no option but to walk backwards as you approach.

Once your dog grasps the connection between the command and the action, he will know to walk backwards whenever you say the cue word.

Advanced Tricks to Teach an Older Dog

Does your dog already have a solid understanding of the basics?

If so, you may want to try something a little more advanced...

Here are a few beneficial tricks to try:

  • Find it – this requires you to hide an object for your dog to find. Since this requires the use of the nose, it is great for dogs who are experiencing a decline in their sight and hearing. It is also a good way to keep your senior dog active around the house

  • Ring a bell – senior dogs can sometimes have problems with bladder control. Teaching them to ring a bell whenever they need out can be a great way to prevent accidents in the house. This trick does take a bit of time, and you will need your dog to master the “touch” command first

  • Tidy up – teaching your dog to tidy up his toys is another great way to keep your dog moving in the house. It also prevents putting too much strain on his joints and muscles

  • Kiss – this may not have much of a practical use, but a dog that gives you a kiss on command is a dog that will always keep you smiling

Just like when training a puppy, make sure that you keep things positive when teaching an old dog new tricks. Plenty of high value training treats and praise are a must, and keep your training sessions short but consistent to prevent your pooch from losing focus on the task at hand. Once you have mastered a trick, don't forget to then practice this in different locations with new distractions, as this will help to cement the trick in your dog's brain.

Related Articles

Popular Articles