Clubs Offering:
Treats play a vital role in the lives of happy and healthy dogs. We’re highlighting an “AKC Treat of the Month” all year long in partnership with Whitebridge Pet Brands. March is all about puppies, including National Puppy Day on March 23. Train your puppy with a range of wholesome treats from Dogswell®.
In the early weeks of bringing home a new puppy, many owners are overwhelmed. There are supplies to shop for, appointments to make, and lots of training to be done. Setting up the right behaviors and expectations during puppyhood is essential, and it starts with puppy obedience training classes.
There are many factors that go into choosing the right obedience training classes for you and your puppy. Certainly, distance is a consideration; however, convenience shouldn’t be the only factor that influences your decision. Other things like training methods, appropriate classes for your needs, compatibility of the instructor’s personality with yours, and certifications of the instructor should also play a role.
Watch Now: How to Train Your Dog With Positive Reinforcement
Need help with dog training? Consider getting assistance from a dog trainer. Try group classes and/or private lessons, and check here for tips on affordable dog training.
Step 3: Down Command
For this trick, your dog should already know the Sit command. This command can be a little more difficult to master because it is a very submissive position for your dog to take. 1. With your dog in the Sit position, kneel in front of your dog. 2. Hold a treat in front of your dogs nose and guide him by lowering the treat slowly to the ground. Firmly say Down and make the hand gesture shown in Picture 2. 3. As your dog moves downwards he may only slouch. If this happens, move the treat towards or away from your dog as needed to further guide him. 4. As soon as your dog is down in the correct position, reward him with a treat and praise. 5. If you are having trouble guiding your dog into the Down position, you can physically guide him by placing a hand on your dogs shoulders and gentle tapping to hint at what youre asking. Repeat the command and continue to guide with a treat. Never press a dog into position. Praise your dog as soon as he drops to the floor. (*Please note at one time I advocated for giving a gentle push on the the shoulders, however as I have grown as a dog owner I also learned that it is better to avoid this action for a variety of reasons, including potential undetected sensitivity or pain a dog may experience. I have found it is unnecessary to apply more than a gentle petting or pointing at the area of action to help clue a dog in to what youre looking to achieve. If you continue to struggle I recommend seeking out a professional trainer who uses gentle training and positive reinforcement techniques.)
Dog Training 101: How to Train ANY DOG the Basics
How much training does my dog need? There are basic skills every dog needs for their own safety and well-being, such as learning commands. Some dogs, though, get additional training based on their breed, on the abilities desired by their owners, or on keeping a dog challenged. Some dogs also have jobs, like working in a K9 Unit for the police, that require them to have master-level skills.
The big question, though, is how much training does my dog actually need? Your knowledgeable team at Union Lake Pet Services can help you answer the question.
Ideally, a puppy receives basic training. This includes housetraining and essential commands, such as “stay”, “sit”, “come”, and “drop it”. Without these important skills, your pet will not have the tools it takes to be a good pup at home or out in the world.
There are many things to learn in a dog’s life, and the complexity of what is needed can be a combination of an owner’s desires as well as each dog’s innate ability to learn. Some dogs are more adaptable to training, and they are pretty much off on the right paw. Other dogs are a little more…Let’s just say, “doggy”, and need additional training to cover problem behaviors.
Each dog is different, but most dogs do well with positive rewards-based training, such as what you would receive at Union Lake Pet Services. Positive reinforcement training means providing a reward in response to the behavior you’re trying to achieve. It is the most recommended training method.
Dogs who aren’t often asked to respond to commands may need to refresh and sharpen their obedience skills from time to time.