Behavior and Training Questions
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What is the best way to practice "stay" with a high-energy dog?
Teaching a high-energy dog to "stay" can be challenging but is entirely achievable with patience, consistency, and the right approach. High-energy dogs, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, or Jack Russell Terriers, often have shorter attention spans and a strong desire to move, which can m...
How do you teach a dog to come when called during a thunderstorm?
Teaching a dog to come when called during a thunderstorm is a challenging but achievable goal. Thunderstorms can be highly stressful for many dogs due to the loud noises, changes in atmospheric pressure, and flashes of lightning. This stress can make it difficult for them to focus on commands, even ...
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...
How do you teach a dog to leave a piece of trash alone?
Teaching a dog to leave a piece of trash alone is an essential skill for their safety and your peace of mind. Dogs are naturally curious and often explore their environment with their mouths, which can lead to them picking up or chewing on dangerous or unsanitary items. Here’s a detailed guide on ...