Teaching your dog not to jump up on you or your guests may seem like an impossible task, especially if you have a dog who loves people (and people who love dogs)! How often have your guests been greeted at the door by your overenthusiastic canine’s nose and front feet, while you haplessly shout “No! Down! Stop it!” in the background? Or you meet a friend while walking your dog, your dog jumps up, and your friend praises and pets the dog, and says, “Oh, it’s OK, I love dogs!”? Let’s work on changing that scene with three simple strategies for training your dog not to jump on people. You’ll have ..read more

If you’ve been a victim of the disappearing roast trick, you will identify with a recent episode at my house. I left a sandwich unattended on the table to answer the phone. The conversation was short — less than a minute — but alas, it was too long. I returned to the room to find parts of my beloved sandwich dangling from the jaws of a greedy, four-legged predator. “Hey!” I yelled, and the culprit, rather than dropping my food, repositioned her grip and took off down the hall. I gave chase, but before I could reach her, she darted under the bed. Knowing how long it had been since I swept under ..read more

This trick is great fun for most dogs, but it can be a little scary for some pups to show their belly. Go slow; if your dog isn’t having fun, you can always try something else. Step One: Get your dog to lie down. Step Two: With a treat in one hand and a clicker (if you so choose) in your other, lure the dog on his side by moving the treat behind his head. Your dog should turn his head and shift his body position; when he does, click and give him the treat. Step Three: Go a little further each time, until your dog is on his side. Click, treat, and continue luring him onto his back, giving treat ..read more

Guess what? Dogs have to be taught to like their crates! Here are a few ways we get new dogs settled into their crate homes: Feed all of your dog’s meals and special treats in the crate. This includes stuffed Kongs, bully sticks, bones and chews, and any “just because” treats or table scraps. (If your dog refuses to enter the crate, don’t force her in or close her in while she eats — just put the food in the back of the crate for a week or two, then gradually start closing the door while she eats.) For the first 2-3 weeks after getting a new dog or puppy, expect lots of whining and crying whil ..read more

When to Start Training Your Puppy: A Guide to Early Training Training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved and balanced dog, and starting early can set the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior. Many new puppy owners wonder when the ideal time is to begin training their furry companion. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, this article aims to provide guidance on the best age to start training your puppy and offer insights into the benefits of early training. By understanding the developmental stages of puppies and considering their individual needs, you can make inform ..read more

Introduction (Approximately 200 words) Teaching your dog to lie down on command is an essential obedience skill that provides numerous benefits. Not only does it promote calm behavior, but it also serves as a foundation for more advanced commands and helps establish your role as a leader. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to teach your dog to lie down. By following these methods, you can effectively train your furry companion and strengthen your bond along the way. Preparing for Training Before diving into the training process, it’s crucial to create ..read more

This is a great trick to teach your canine companion; what better way for him to greet a new human friend than with the shake of a paw? Shaking hands is a relatively easy trick to train, but as with everything else it may take a little patience. There are a few ways to train the behavior. Method One If your pup likes to use his paws to get to things, this method may work the best for you: Step One: Place a treat in your palm and pin it down with your thumb. Allow your dog to investigate. Step Two: Your dog may sniff, but just ignore this. As soon as he paws at your hand, mark the behavior with ..read more

Choosing which kind of and how many treats, or food rewards, to bring to a dog training class is one of the most important factors in your training success during class time. Choosing the right treat can mean the difference between a “Wow!” training session and one where you struggle to hold your dog’s attention the entire class. Before choosing a food treat for your dog, consult your veterinarian about your dog’s diet and make sure there is no food your dog cannot have, for health reasons. Most dogs tolerate “people food” relatively well, especially considering they will only be getting this ..read more

Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your puppy to walk on a leash: Find a low-distraction spot to teach your puppy this exercise. Outdoors is best, but it’s fine if you need to start teaching your puppy indoors. Gather 50 or so tasty treats — keep them in your pocket or on a flat surface […] The post Teach your puppy to walk on a leash appeared first on Best Pets Dog Training LLC ..read more

You can stop your puppy’s pulling, today Want to stop your puppy pulling on lead right away? Teaching your puppy to walk on a leash without pulling does take practice. Yet, skipping this important lesson now could cause you pain down the line. Your cute little puppy followed you everywhere a few weeks ago. But […] The post How to stop your puppy pulling on lead now appeared first on Best Pets Dog Training LLC ..read more