February is Dog Training Education Month! Making sure your pup is properly trained is very important! Fido is a very good boy, but he needs to learn the do’s and don’ts of being a dog. Read on as a Carolina Forest, SC vet offers some advice on training Fido.
Why Training Is Important
Training is crucial for safety reasons. You need to be able to stop Fido from running off and/or approaching dangerous areas. Proper training can also prevent him from eating something unsafe, or getting into altercations with another dog or even a person. Aside from that, it can also vastly improve your relationship with your pet. Interacting with a friendly, polite pooch is much more fun than it is with an unruly, untrained pup. Plus, some dogs really enjoy learning. Fido is adorably proud of himself when he learns something new!
Furriculum
Most of our canine buddies know Sit. However, some dogs’ petucation stopped there. Fido doesn’t necessarily need to know how to fetch your slippers or turn lights on or off. However, he should know basic obedience commands. Aside from Sit, the most important ones are Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Down and Leave it are also very helpful. Once your furry bff has learned these, you may want to move on to advanced training.
Tips
When training your four-legged friend, work on one thing at a time. It’s usually easiest to start with Sit. Make sure Fido has that mastered before moving on. Your canine companion’s classes don’t need to be very long: 10 to 15 minutes at a time is plenty. Always reward your cute pet with lots of treats and praise, so he forms a positive association with learning. As far as the treats, use small portions, so you don’t end up overfeeding your adorable student. (Tip: try nuking hot dogs with Cheerios and some water. You’ll end up with tiny, hot-dog flavored snacks.)
Professional Help
Are you having a hard time training your furry buddy? Is Fido showing behavioral problems? Don’t hesitate to seek out help. The insight, experience, and knowledge a professional dog trainer has can make a huge difference. In the long run, you’ll benefit from having a better behaved pet and a better relationship with him.
As your local Carolina Forest, SC animal clinic, we’re here for you. Feel free to contact us anytime!
