Has your canine buddy finished his petucation yet? If not, you may want to work on that. Fido doesn’t have to learn flashy tricks or understand commands in three languages, but he should definitely be trained enough to obey simple commands. Training may seem daunting, especially if you’re new at it, but with patience, persistence, and the right approach, you may find it easier than you think. Of course, sometimes knowing what not to do is as important as sorting out what you should be doing. A local Biloxi, MS vet offers some basic tips on training Fido in this article.
Be Consistent
Consistency is one of the most important things to consider here. This is particularly important when it comes to vocal commands. Dogs don’t understand the nuances of human language. To Fido, ‘Lay down’ and ‘Go lay down in your bed right now’ may mean completely different things. Always use the same words or phrases when giving your canine pal orders.
Consistency is also crucial when it comes to discipline. Don’t let your pet sleep on your bed one day, and then reprimand him for it the next. That will not only confuse Fido, it may leave him with the impression that it doesn’t matter whether he obeys you or not. As you can probably understand, that can lead to serious and ongoing behavioral issues, which could prove difficult to correct.
It’s also important to stick with the same methods. You may find quite a few different techniques and schools of thought online. If something isn’t working, it’s fine to try another tactic, but you don’t want to be continually adjusting your MO. That may just confuse your pet, which will only muddle the process.
Offer Suitable Rewards
Fido won’t be too impressed with a gold sticker, and if you tell him he got 100 on a test or scored straight As, he’ll probably just tilt his head and give you that super cute quizzical look we all know so well. It’s important to reward your furry pal for his progress, though. You just want to offer something more tangible …. which of course means treats.
There are a few caveats here. First and foremost? Don’t give your pup anything that is unsafe. That list includes meat on the bone, chocolate, avocado, grapes and raisins, alcohol, caffeine, garlic and onion, and anything that contains xylitol. Ask your vet for more information on safe and unsafe foods.
What should you offer? Meat is always a good bet. Make sure it’s cooked and deboned, and keep portion sizes small. You can also offer small bits of kibble, training treats, or thin slices of hot dogs. Whatever you opt for, be careful not to overdo it. If your furry student gets too full, he’ll probably be more interested in napping than in school. Plus, this can cause your pup to pack on extra weight, which is also bad for him. (We’ll save the dangers of pet obesity for another blog.)
Choose A Suitable Class Curriculum
Did you know that the average dog can learn over 165 words? Some pooches are capable of understanding far more than that. For instance, Chaser, a Border Collie who had the distinction of being the world’s smartest dog, knew more than 1000 words! Of course, Fido doesn’t even have to learn 100. In fact, there are just a few that he really, really should know.
The most important commands, which every pooch should know, are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Leave It, Drop It, and Down are also very useful.
Don’t Rush Things
Most people choose to start with Sit, as it’s the easiest for dogs to pick up. This isn’t a must, but it does make sense. No matter what order you choose to teach commands in, be sure to work on one at a time. Don’t move on until your pooch has mastered the current command.
Keep It Positive
You’ll have much more luck if your canine companion actually enjoys his lessons. Keep things fun and positive for Fido! Rewards (aka treats) will of course go a long way here, but it’s also important to have a positive attitude.
Don’t try to work with your pet when you are feeling stressed, sad, or grumpy. Dogs are extremely perceptive, and are very, very good at sensing our moods. If Fido notices that you’re down, he may form a bad association with training. That’s the last thing you want!
This also applies to the techniques you use. You may find products and programs that focus on negative stimuli, such as fear or pain. While there may be some circumstances where professionals may choose to use such tactics, it’s in general best to avoid things like shock collars and similar things. These things form very negative connotations, and can cause dogs to become frightened, anxious, or angry. Needless to say, that is probably going to cause many more problems than it solves.
Keep At It
Don’t think that training needs to stop once your pet has sorted out those key commands. Have your pooch run through his repertoire regularly. This will not only help keep the training fresh, it’s also good for Fido’s confidence. Our canine pals look adorably proud of themselves when they do something right and get rewarded and/or praised.
What do you teach Fido once he’s mastered the basics? You can move on to more advanced training. You may be able to teach your pooch to fetch your slippers, or turn a light on. Another option is to show your furry friend some fun tricks.
Here are a few that will always be adorable:
- Spin
- Shake
- Crawl
- Speak
- Fetch
- Kiss
- Paw
- Play Dead
- Back up
- High five
- Stand
- Chill
- Circle Me
- Close the Door
- Jump through a hoop
- Leg weave
- Sit
- Sit pretty
- Bow
- Roll Over
Don’t Overdo It
Dogs are very smart, but they don’t necessarily have very long attention spans. Fido may very well get bored with long, drawn-out classes. Keep sessions short and sweet. About ten to 15 minutes at a time should be plenty.
Time It Right
Timing is also something to keep in mind. There is definitely a sweet spot here, which is going to be somewhere dependent on Fido’s hunger and energy levels. If you try to train just after your pup has eaten, he may be too full to concentrate properly. You also want to pick a time when he has some energy, but isn’t full of zoomies or ready for a nap.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Some pups will pick up commands very quickly. Others? Not so much. If you find that you have hit a dead end, don’t hesitate to enlist help. A professional trainer may cost time and money in the short run, but will make things much, much easier for you in the long run.
Make an appointment at our Biloxi, MS Animal Hospital
Is your canine companion due for an exam? Does Fido need vaccinations or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us, your Biloxi, MS animal hospital, for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to offering great service and top-notch care.
