New Year, New Tricks: Essential Obedience Training for Your Dog

Of the many reasons to embrace dog training, perhaps the most important is the fact that mastery of certain commands yields life-saving results. Add to this the reality that obedience training can positively influence a dog’s ability to integrate into their home’s hierarchy, bring smiles to strangers, and confidently interact in the public sphere and, well, you’ve got a recipe for success. 

Who’s the Boss?

All dogs, regardless of age, breed or gender, benefit from basic training. With a consistent, focused approach to short, rewarding training sessions, dogs learn what to expect, and they figure out quickly who is in charge. Being the boss of their food, treats, toys, and activities is what helps a dog understand who their pack leader, or alpha, is. 

Establishing and maintaining consistency is the key. Once you make a rule, like not sleeping in your bed, stick to it. Dogs cannot fully thrive in environments when they are confused, or full of indecision. In fact, they may resort to aggressive or destructive behaviors. 

Start with Basics

Dogs can learn a variety of commands with varying degrees of difficulty. Before anything else, dogs should be taught these basic commands:

• Sit
• Stay
• Down
• Off
• Come
• Heel
• Leave it
• Drop It

These commands can be learned fairly quickly and easily with positive reinforcement. 

• Shower your pet with praise and affection as soon as they get the skill right. Reward them with a treat or sound the clicker. 
• Ignore other behaviors and stay neutral when they make mistakes. If you react to bad or unwanted behaviors, you may inadvertently reinforce them, making it harder for them to learn the “right” way to do something. 
• Never scold or punish your dog during training.

I See You; I Like What I See

Dogs really like to please their owners, and may benefit from these encouraging techniques:

• Maintain strong eye contact. 
• Smile at them, and use soothing vocal tones to convey love, trust, and confidence in their abilities. 
• Show respect, understanding and appreciation, be mindful of your body language. 

The Importance of Recall

Once your dog demonstrates an understanding of certain skills, put them to the test. If they show you that they can reliably come to you when called, take them to other places and find out if they can continue this skill while distracted. Start with a 6-foot leash and then slowly graduate to a 10-foot or 20-foot lead. If they always listen to you, and follow through with the commands, you are successfully training them. 

Only challenge them like this when you are 100% sure of their recall skills. Never place them in a situation, like going on an off-leash hike, if you are uncertain they’ll return when called. 

How to Train a Dog

Many dog owners are successful at dog training at home using videos, books, or articles online. Others find that hiring a professional dog trainer clarifies the process. There are also small group settings that teach dogs important skills, while promoting the ability to calmly interact in public. 

If you have questions about the importance of dog training, please give us a call at (248) 646-5655. Our team is always here to help your dog at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates.