A well-disciplined and trained dog is equivalent to having a happier and healthier dog. In today’s post, we’ll discover why! After your dog is trained, you will need to scoop their poop when you are out in public. Shop now with The Original Poop Bags® for all your animal waste needs! 

It is believed that training a dog resolves some behavioral problems. Aside from understanding your Fido’s vital needs such as food, shelter, preventive care, and regular vet consultation, dogs need to learn basic obedience from you. Dog training will not only give a pet owner peace of mind, but also boost the dog’s mental stimulation so that they can be less stressed. According to a survey, less than 5% of dog owners attend a training class. Your main responsibility as a master is to mold your dog into a well-behaved companion in any situation. Thus, you need to teach your dog essential commands or actions that are beneficial to make them more active, and keep them safe from harm. 

Command: Dog's Name

The very first thing you need to teach your dog is to know his or her name. It should come first, so they know you are addressing them when you use their name. You know that your dog responds well when he or she looks at you whenever you call his or her name. As part of the training, make sure to reward your dog with treats or physical and verbal praise. 

Command: Look or Watch Me

To get attention, you should know how your dog responds to a “look” or “watch me” command. This action is normally a bridge to teach your dogs other commands. To perfectly execute this action, offer your dog a treat then move your hand to his or her nose towards your face. Give the “watch me” command when you have your dog’s attention. Make sure to establish eye contact as well, so you are aware your dog is paying attention.

Command: Come

The “come” command is a helpful exercise to protect your good boy or girl from getting into trouble. Start by putting dog collar and leash on your pet. In a specific distance away from your dog, say “come” while carefully pulling the leash towards you. As the dog comes to you, it is important to reward him or her with a treat. Practice this activity repeatedly in an enclosed and safe area.

Command: Sit-Stay

This activity is a combination of “sit” and “stay” command. You need to teach your dog first to sit, which is quite basic. Start by offering a treat close to your dog’s nose. Gently move up your hand, so your dog’s head will follow the direction of your hand holding a treat while putting him or her in a natural sitting position. This is the time where you need to say “sit.” Reward your dog and repeat the exercise.

Once your dog learned the “sit” command, combine this with “stay” command. When your dog already assumes a sitting position, start to open the palm of your hand, then say “stay.” Give your dog a treat or affection. Repeat the exercise. Gradually move several steps away from your dog and give the “stay” command. The goal of the sit and stay commands is to calm your dogs and manage their behavior.

Command: Down

The “down” command is also beneficial in resolving a dog’s behavioral problems. This exercise is very common to calm down a hyper-energetic or excited dog. It is quite challenging, as it puts your dog in a submissive position. To execute this command, start by finding a better smelling treat for your dog. Holding the treat with a closed hand, move it closer to your dog’s nose. Allow him or her to sniff it, then gradually move your hand to the floor, so your dog will eventually follow. Slide your hand along the floor to encourage his or her body to follow the food until he or she assumes a lying down position. Once your dog is in the down position, give the “down” command. Give your dog a treat or praise. Do this command repeatedly until your dog has perfected the exercise.

Command: No or Leave it

You don’t want your dogs to eat something accidentally (or on purpose) that can cause them harm. That is why a “no” or “leave it” command is amazingly essential. To teach your dog this command, start by holding some treat on both hands. Move the first hand closed towards your dog face, so he or she can sniff, lick or bark at it. Give the “leave it” command. If the dog is trying to get it, then ignore his or her behavior. When your dog loses interest, that’s the time to give the treat from the other hand. Make sure to repeat this exercise until your dog finds no interest in the first object (or treat) when he or she hears the “leave it” command.

Command: Take it and Drop it

If you want your dogs to take away anything they grab easily, train them with the “take it” and “drop it” commands. Say “take it” from the moment that your dog is willing to catch a thing and open his or her mouth. Allow him or her to play with it, then gradually introduce the second object which is a duplicate of the first one. Since it gives the same value to your dog, it will provoke him or her to grab the second object. By the time your dog drops the first one, say the “drop it” command. Give the command “take it” when your dog opens his or her mouth and catches the second object. Repeat this command until your dog has perfected it.

Command: Heel

The “heel” command teaches the dog to behave properly when he or she is beside you. To execute this command, hold the leash of your dog with your right hand. Using your left hand, guide your dog while walking and commanding him or her to sit. Hold the treat with your left hand and say the “heel” command. Each time you move or make a few steps, guide your dog while keeping the treat by your side. Walk forward with your dog and start giving praise or reward him or her with a treat.

Command: Wait

The “wait” command is helpful when teaching a dog to stop or not move until you say so. This command signals your dog not to run away in public places, but wait in front of the closed door or outside the car instead. By doing this exercise, say the “sit” command while your dog is in front of the closed door or a car. Point your fingers upward and open the palm of your hand, then give the “wait” command. Repeat this activity until he or she masters it.

Command: Stand

In teaching your dog a “stand” command, start by instructing him to “sit.” Hold a treat in your hand then move it closer to your dog’s nose forward and down. As the dog follows the direction of the treat, gently move your hand forward with a treat until the dog assumes a standing position. Once the dog is already in standing position, give the “stand” command and reward him or her with a treat. Practice this exercise with your dog repeatedly.

Final Thoughts

Based on 2017-2018 APPA National Pet Owner Survey, there are 89.7 million pet dogs owned in the US, while approximately $69.51 billion was spent on our pets for the year 2017 alone. We don’t want this amount of money wasted because of irresponsible pet ownership, so you need to ensure your dog’s health and safety. On top of their basic needs, you should also make sure that your canine companion is trained correctly and well-behaved. In this way, your Fido can be a pleasant companion at all times.

While you’re out with your buddy, make sure you carry some of The Original Poop Bags® with you. These eco-friendly animal waste bags will help keep your neighborhoods clean, and the environment healthy. Shop now for the best poop bags available!

Author Bio: Maria Harutyunian is the PR team lead at Vet Organics. She writes about dogs and pets, in general, to help pet owners like her take better care of their furry family members. She loves pets and believes that all the organic remedies offered by Vet Organics are vital for keeping up your pet's health.