Preventative Care@3x

Five Tips for National Train Your Dog Month

Jan 11, 2016 | Pet Features


Good training makes good pets. Whether

you’re training a puppy or an older animal,

there are some important rules for pet

parents to follow.

 

1/ Keep it simple. When you’re training your

pet, commands should be short, simple words and

phrases. Sit. Stay. Come. Down. No bark. Heel.

Go potty. Once you’ve mastered the basics together, you can work on more complex behaviors or tricks.

 

2/ Be firm but gentle. Remember, your dog is trying to learn your language, and he wants

nothing more than to please you. Use your tone of voice to reinforce the action you want your

dog to take. You can also use hand signals to accompany commands.

 

3/ Be generous with praise. Reinforcing good behavior is best

done with love and attention. Let your dog know when he’s

doing something right through verbal praise, petting, and

rewards like small treats, or going for a walk.

 

4/ Be consistent. One of the most common mistakes people

make during training is inconsistency. For instance, you don’t

want your pets on the furniture. During training, you choose the

command “Down”. Another family member decides to use “Off”.

Another simply ignores the behavior. It’s no wonder your

dog is confused. Make sure that all family members are on the

same page and use the same commands.

 

5/ Be realistic with your expectations. Barking, digging and jumping are all normal dog

behaviors, but they’re not really desirable. Changing bad behavior takes time, especially with

older dogs. These types of behavior will take the most time to correct.

 

By training together, you and your dog can forge an unbreakable bond, helping make your dog

a great companion for years to come.

 

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.