Did you know that February is Dog Training Education Month? Making sure that Fido is properly trained is very important! Read on as a Pickerington, OH vet offers some helpful dog training tips.
Start With The Basics
First things first: Fido should know—and obey—simple commands. The five most important ones are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. These are very important, not just for petiquette, but also for safety. Teach your canine pal one at a time. You may want to start with Sit, as it’s usually the easiest for dogs to pick up. Don’t move on to the next command until you are sure your pup has mastered the current one.
Class Times
Long, drawn out classes can bore Fido, which can end up doing more harm than good. Shoot for shorter, more frequent sessions. About 10-20 minutes a day is fine.
Avoid Distraction
Down the road, it may be beneficial to work with Fido in crowded areas, such as parks. However, at first, choose a place that is free of distractions, so your furry buddy can focus. (Note: keep in mind that top doggy distractions include squirrels, cats, and food of any sort.)
Pawgress Reports
Fido probably won’t be very impressed by a gold star on a report card. To reward your canine buddy for his progress, you’ll need to offer him something a bit more tangible … by which we mean something edible. Treats are a great way to reward Fido for doing well! Use small snacks, like cut up hot dog pieces or bits of kibble. If your adorable student gets too full, he’ll be more interested in napping than in his schoolwork!
Keep It Pawsitive
Never work with Fido when you are feeling down or grumpy. Dogs are very intuitive, so there’s a good chance that your pup will pick up on your mood. Also, never punish your furry friend for slipping up, or not picking things up quickly enough. This could cause your canine companion to form a bad association with training. That’s the last thing you want!
Advanced Training
Many dogs actually enjoy learning new things. Once Fido has mastered basic doggy obedience, teach him some cute tricks, or move on to advanced training.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Pickerington, OH pet hospital, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
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