Top Things to Teach Your Dog: Setting the Foundation for a Happy, Well-behaved Companion
- Planet Pup
- Aug 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Dogs are wonderful beings, akin to having a best friend who will stick by your side through thick and thin. However, the joy and companionship that a dog brings to our lives also comes with a responsibility to ensure they are well-behaved and understand basic commands. Training is essential not just for discipline but also for the safety and well-being of your furry friend.
Here are some top things that every dog owner should teach their canine companions:
Ensure that your dog knows where and when it's appropriate for them to relieve themselves. This is especially important for indoor dogs or those that live in apartments. You can even put 'Go Wee' and 'Go Poo' on command! This is really useful on longer road trips and if your dog is ever at the vet and only has limited access to the outside. Young puppies may need to be let out a few times at night, but by the time the puppy is around 10-12 weeks, they should have no issue holding it throughout the night. If your dog is older and still has accidents in the house, consult your local trainer on the right steps forward to prevent this in the future.
Dogs, especially puppies, love to chew. Directing this natural behaviour towards appropriate toys and away from furniture, shoes, and other items can save a lot of frustration and money. It is also recommended that you do not wrestle using your hands with your puppy or with dogs who struggle with excessive mouthing, as this can make it difficult for the dog to understand when hand biting is appropriate and when it is not. Instead, stick to toys and items specifically designed for your dog to gnaw on.
3. Basic Commands:
Sit: Arguably the most basic command, teaching your dog to sit can be a precursor to other instructions, as well as giving you the ability to keep them momentarily in one place when required.
Down: Instructs your dog to lie down—helpful for calming an excited dog and teaching them how to relax, which can be useful for a well-behaved dog in a cafe setting, or to teach a stay on their bed when asked to go.
Stay: This can be useful in a number of situations, such as vet visits, during family mealtimes in their beds, or during situations where movement could be dangerous.
Leave it: Teaches your dog to instantly stop and avoid something, like dropped medication, harmful foods, or your beautifully cooked roast chicken that accidentally falls onto the floor.
4. Loose Lead Walking
A dog that pulls can make walking miserable and can cause injuries to both the handler's arm and shoulder, as well as to the dog's neck and/or chest, depending on what equipment is used. Teaching your dog to walk beside you without pulling makes walks hugely more enjoyable and ensures both your and their safety.
Having a dog that instantly comes running back when called can be a lifesaver. Stopping your dog from chasing squirrels across a road, or preventing them from running up to strange, potentially dangerous dogs, can be vital for their safety. Having a good recall is also important to prevent frustration in daily life, such as calling your dog in from outside after they toilet, for example.
6. Name Recognition
Having a dog that responds effectively to their name makes getting their attention much easier, allowing other commands and instructions to be followed more easily. One of the mistakes that many new owners make is calling their dog's name too often, resulting in the dog learning to ignore their name. Make sure, in the beginning stages, that you try to reward your dog often when they hear their name so that they learn to associate it with good things.
Exposing your dog to different environments, animals, and people, smells, sounds and textures, especially during their formative months, can prevent fearful or aggressive behaviour later in life.
8. Not Jumping Up
While it might be cute when they're a puppy, a full-grown dog jumping on guests or children can be problematic. Teaching them to greet with all four feet on the floor both prevents muddy paws on your clean clothes and also stops them from accidentally knocking over more vulnerable members of your friends and family (or the whole family if they are large breed dogs!).
9. Crate training
Crate training is a great tool to use in teaching your dog that there is a safe and comfortable space to be in when they are by themselves or need some time to sleep and relax. Separation anxiety is a common issue for many dogs, but gradually teaching them to be alone can be much easier when a crate is used, as this can be used as a safe and positive space. Crates are also really useful with puppies, as they can be used like play pens with children, keeping your pup in a safe space while you can't be watching them and preventing them from destroying anything that they shouldn't.
10. Drop It
Dogs can sometimes pick up items that might be harmful or items around the house that you would rather not be chewed. Teaching them to drop something on command ensures you can swiftly intervene when needed, as well as preventing you from chasing them around the house to get said object back from them. This can also help to prevent resource guarding behaviours over toys and treats ,as you can politely ask the dog to drop the item without needing to get your hands close to their mouth.
Conclusion:
Dog training is not just about obedience, but also about building a bond of trust and understanding between you and your pet, allowing both of you to live together in harmony. With consistent, positive reinforcement-based methods, you can ensure that your dog is well-mannered, safe, and a breeze to live with. Remember, the key is patience, understanding and consistency. Every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Enjoy the training journey and the deeper connection it brings with your furry friend!
If you’re based in Cork and want hands-on guidance, explore:
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