Don't Skip Sit

Don’t  Skip Sit

From “Marley & Me”“

He jumps up on people, steals food, digs up shrubs, tears right through the screen in screen doors, and hauls tables around at outdoor cafes.  At home, thunderstorms panic him into digging and scratching through floors and doors, destroying the garage and then the laundry room.”
--Terry Miller Shannon, Book Reporter

Dogs come in all sizes and temperaments with their own tricks, one little Boston I fostered knew sit, stay, roll over, kennel and shake.  He walked on a leash like a pro and never had an accident in the house.  Getting a shelter or rescue dog means that the dogs may already know basic commands.  If not or if you want to add to their collection obedience training is essential.

Training starts as soon as you bring them home, introduce them to other pets one at a time in a neutral location such as your front yard.  Don’t do this alone but don’t be afraid either.  Just think of it like a kindergarten playground, they gotta test each other a bit (sniff butts and pee on everything).

Give them a crate, it’s a bedroom to a dog, without it at best they will pace the house and at worst eat your favorite shoes.  Find a place where the dog can see the family’s activity but not be in the center of it. They are like teenagers wanting to be the center of attention on their own terms.  

Housetraining is the same for all dogs in the beginning.  If you establish a routine of taking them outside they won’t establish a routine of leaving you presents. 

Some dogs have never been leashed and they will roll over and cry like you’re killing them others will fight the harness or look at you as if you’ve turned green and grown antennae.

If they are unfamiliar with a leash, try this,

·         Place the leash on dog while he eats and just let it lie at his side, he may just start carrying it himself.

·         Place the leash on your dog and follow them around the house.

• Go outside and let the dog to roam with the leash dragging behind, but you might have to wash it when you bring it in.
• Coax the dog along by offering treats and praising the dog when he/she follows you.

With training everyday can be a walk in the park.

Dogs learn at different speeds, so be patient.  Outdoor training should be done in an area that has little in the way of distractions “SHINY BALL”.  If your dog is easily excitable “Squirrel”, tire them out before going for a leash walk.

Don’t forget, when training always use positive reinforcement.

http://www.ccbtr.org/ and http://www.apdt.com/ are great resources for dog training.