Dogs bring so much happiness and joy, but our adorable furry friends can sometimes be a handful. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our pawsome friends at BorrowMyDoggy, the UK’s most active community of dog lovers, to share five training tips for both younger pups and mature doggies. Learn how to train your dog with the useful video tutorials below.
1. Teach your dog to not jump up
Some dogs are so excited to see you they can’t contain their enthusiasm. Turn away and wait until they’re a little bit calmer before returning the greeting. Offering lots of praise when a dog jumps up at you will be seen as encouragement.
2. Teach your dog to not pull on the lead
Dogs love to be at the front of the pack which can be why they tend to pull on the lead. Use the simple ‘About Face’ trick to train them to walk with you instead of trying to pull ahead.
Find a wide-open space and begin walking, as soon as your dog begins to pull, call their name and head in a different direction. Your dog will begin to focus on you and follow your lead. After you’ve changed direction a few times, reward your canine companion with a yummy treat!
For a more in-depth look at how to keep your dog from tugging you around on your daily walks, take a look at our article 'How to Stop Your Dog Pulling on the Lead' - there are tips on the best equipment to help too.
3. Teach your dog to play fetch
This is a fun one. Encourage your dog to get excited about the toy and reward them with tiny training treats and affection when they grab it.
Next, throw the toy a short distance and when the dog gets it, reward them again.
Continue to throw the toy further and further and reward your dog every time they return the toy to you. You’ll be playing fetch together in no time!
4. Train your dog to eat more slowly
If your dog loves their food so much they can’t help wolfing it down, try simply placing a ball in the food bowl. As they eat, they’ll have to move the ball around the bowl ensuring they eat more slowly. Beware of clever dogs who may quickly figure out they can push the ball out of the bowl!
5. Teach your dog not to snatch food from your hand
It’s no surprise dogs love tasty treats! If your dog has a habit of snatching food from your hand, try holding a treat in your closed fists and holding it close to your dog. Each time the dog sniffs, paws or tries to get the treat from your hand simply back away. When they calm down, reward them with a treat from your other hand (make sure it’s your other hand to ensure this training works correctly!).
Repeat this routine until they back off on their own when you present your fist. Patience will be your friend during this training as it may be difficult for your dog to resist such a delicious temptation!
Once your dog has caught on, repeat this process with an open palm and don’t forget to keep praising your dog for their good behaviour.
Treat yourself
Put these obedience tips into action and let us know if it helped your pawsome dog.
Did these get your tail wagging? Here’s even more dog care tips, expert training tricks and health advice.
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.