Could your canine pal stand to work on his petiquette? Does Fido only come when you call him if he spots a treat in your hand? Dogs can be remarkably loyal and obedient, but they do need guidance when it comes to learning the ins and outs of being Very Good Boys. A Town N Country vet offers some training tips in this article.
Curriculum
It’s always cute seeing pups that know how to fetch slippers or turn lights on and off. However, before you start training Fido to be your furry butler, make sure he knows basic obedience commands. Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down are the most important, with Down and Leave It next in line. Work on one at a time. You’ll likely find it easiest to start with Sit, as dogs tend to pick it up quite naturally.
Rewards
Dogs look adorably proud of themselves when they are soaking up praise for doing something right. However, Fido’s favorite reward is food. Snacks are a great motivator and are very helpful for reinforcing desired behavior. Choose small snacks, though: otherwise, you may overfeed your four-legged friend.
Consistency Is Key
This is where many people go astray. It’s easy to forget that, to Fido, ‘Sit’ doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as ‘Sit down right now!’ Use the same words or phrases every time: otherwise, you may just end up confusing your furry buddy.
Timing Is Everything
Fido’s classes don’t need to be long: usually 15 to 20 minutes at a time is plenty. Try to work with your canine companion at roughly the same time every day. If possible, this should happen after naps, walks, and mealtime. Your furry pupil probably won’t pay much attention if he’s tired, hungry, or needs a walk!
Expect Drawbacks
There are a lot of variables that can come into play. That list includes not only Fido’s past history, but also things like his age, phobias, breed, health, and temperament. You may run into a roadblock, or worse, find that your pooch seems to be going in the wrong direction. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed. That guidance can be priceless, and is well worth it in the long run.
Please contact us with questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your Town N Country pet clinic, we’re here to help!
