Basic Commands Questions
How do you teach a dog to heel while walking on uneven terrain?
Teaching a dog to heel while walking on uneven terrain requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of both the dog's physical capabilities and the challenges posed by the environment. Heeling is a skill where the dog walks closely beside you, typically on your left side, with their shoulder...
What should you do if your dog becomes distracted while heeling?
If your dog becomes distracted while heeling, it is important to address the issue calmly and effectively to maintain focus and reinforce good behavior. Heeling is a fundamental obedience skill where the dog walks closely beside the handler, typically on the left side, without pulling or straying. D...
How do you teach a dog to "leave it" when they’re around garbage or litter?
Teaching a dog to "leave it" when they’re around garbage or litter is an essential skill that can prevent them from ingesting harmful substances, choking hazards, or toxic materials. This command is not only useful for safety but also helps reinforce good behavior and impulse control. Below is a d...
What should you do if your dog doesn’t respond to the "sit" command in a new place?
If your dog doesn’t respond to the "sit" command in a new place, it’s important to understand that this is a common issue and often stems from environmental distractions, lack of generalization, or stress. Dogs are highly context-dependent learners, meaning they may not immediately associate a c...
How do you teach a dog to heel without a leash in a distracting environment?
Teaching a dog to heel without a leash in a distracting environment is a challenging but achievable goal that requires patience, consistency, and a strong foundation in basic obedience. Heeling off-leash is an advanced skill that demonstrates a high level of trust and communication between you and y...
What is the best way to reinforce the "leave it" command with a treat?
The "leave it" command is one of the most important cues you can teach your dog, as it helps prevent them from picking up dangerous or inappropriate items. Reinforcing this command with treats is an effective way to ensure your dog understands and obeys it reliably. Below is a detailed guide on how ...
How do you teach a dog to sit and stay before being groomed?
Teaching a dog to sit and stay before being groomed is an essential skill that helps ensure the grooming process is safe, efficient, and stress-free for both the dog and the groomer. This training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve...
What should you do if your dog doesn’t respond to the "stay" command at the park?
If your dog doesn’t respond to the "stay" command at the park, it’s important to approach the situation with patience, understanding, and a structured plan. Dogs often struggle with obedience in distracting environments like parks, where there are numerous sights, sounds, and smells competing fo...
How do you teach a dog to come when called during a playdate?
Teaching a dog to come when called during a playdate is an essential skill that ensures their safety and allows for better control in social situations. This behavior, known as recall, can be challenging to train in distracting environments like playdates, but with patience, consistency, and the rig...
What is the best way to practice "heel" with an older dog?
Teaching an older dog to "heel" can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the dog's physical and mental capabilities. The "heel" command is a foundational obedience skill where the dog walks calmly and closely beside you, typically on your left sid...