About Magazines Conyers - September 2017 | Page 20
PUPPY TALK
TEACHING A DOG GOOD HABITS
;
A
good dog
needs to be
taught good
habits that are
developed from basic
training. Here are a few
simple tips:
Name
Recognition
Work with your dog on
listening skills by using
his name consistently
in a command and
when you get his
attention.
Sitting
Try having your dog sit
every time you get to a
stop sign when walking
him. At first, you might
need to get him into
20
position. Take your arm
to hold your dog under
his front legs. With your
other arm, use your hand
to slightly push your
dog on his rear into the
sitting position while
saying, “Sit.”
Lying Calmly
Think of an activity you
do that requires you to
remain relatively still
for at least 30 minutes.
While doing this activity,
put your dog on a short
leash next to you. Try
your best to ignore him
as you continue you own
activity. Repeat often
until your dog gets used
to sitting calmly by your
feet without the
leash.
Staying
First, train your
dog in a safe
environment
where there are
no distractions.
The secret to
teaching your
dog to stay is
to not move
through the
stages too fast.
Build the cue up
gradually, lengthening
the time and distance of
the stay.
Coming When
Called
Training your dog to
come when called is
crucial for his safety.
Work with him to stay
and then once you get
a certain distance, turn
and stand still, then call
encouragingly with the
“come” command. Use a
happy tone so your dog
wants to be with you.
Reward as appropriate
while you are training.
It is always easier to
start with good habits
instead of correcting
bad ones.
Consistency is critical
for any successful
training, but remember
that every dog is
different and certain
breeds learn faster
than others. Different
training methods
might work better
with different breeds.
Enlisting the help of a
local trainer can assist
you in getting the
results you want.