| Obedience Training |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-206 |
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Holding a treat over your dog's head encourages her to learn to sit.
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How can I get Fido to follow orders? It's a long but rewarding process, say Ask DIY Pet Care Experts Stephanie Zielinski and Joel Tatum. Below, the veterinary duo answer five of the most common queries about obedience training for dogs. Q: What is the best setting for training my dog? A: Start out with a training class. That will help to socialize your puppy and help him learn to behave around other dogs. There are lots of classes available in most communities. Start your search with a call to the local Humane Society. If you can't take a class, start the training at home in a really quiet setting with few distractions. Keep the sessions short and sweet -- 15 or even five minutes at a time. Q:Can I use a treat to train my dog? A: You can. Some people feel like it helps get the process going. But you don't have to. More important than treats is praise, lots and lots of praise. And that way training isn't a chore, it's a chance for you and your dog to bond. Q: How do I teach my dog to sit? A: This is a great exercises to use a treat for. Stand facing your dog. Hold the treat in front of your dog's head and lift it slowly, just out of her reach. As she follows the treat, her shoulders and head will go back and her bottom will naturally go to the floor. At the same time, give her the "Sit" command so she'll come to associate the action with the words. And don't be discouraged if it takes your pet a while to catch on. Q: How do I teach my dog to stay? A: This is a really important command and it could save your dog's life at a traffic light or somewhere like that. Get your dog to sit, and stand facing him. Place your palm in front of the dog and issue the "Stay" command. Then start slowly backing away, repeating the command with your palm in the policeman's "Stop" position. Don't get too far away, maybe a couple of steps. Hold your position for a few seconds, then move back to the dog and give him a lot of praise. Q: How do I keep my dog from chewing my shoes? A: When you catch the puppy in the act, tell her in a stern voice, "No." Take away the inappropriate chew toy and replace it with one the dog can have. When she starts to chew on it, give her lots of praise. Only reprimand your dog if you catch her in the act. Otherwise, she won't know that you're yelling at her for the mess she made three hours ago, and she'll start associating your homecoming with something negative. Web site resources for Pet Obedience: Obedience Training and Everyday Life from Family.Com Obedience Training Your Dog from Canis Major.Com Pet Obedience Tips & FAQS from Water Dog Kennels.Com Books: Dog Obedience Training
By Ross Allan
ISBN: 0793801494
T.F.H. Publications (1996)
1 TFH Plaza
3rd and Union Ave.
Neptune, NJ 07753
Phone: 800-631-2188
E-mail: info@tfh.com
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