We may think we have the capabilities of the Dog Whisperer when it comes to managing our pups.
But reality sets in....
It becomes even more apparent when we take a lovely stroll in the neighborhood or nearby dog park, and something is not clicking.
After several (and many) unsuccessful attempts, we search for help on basic training.
Tips from a 5-Star Rover.com Sitter
To help our Petcube users (and dog parents from all walks of life), we chatted with 5-star Rover sitter Danielle H. based in Salisbury Mills, NY.
She had the following advice (in her own words).
Check out Danielle's five great dog training tips.
Tip #1: "Drop it" and "Leave it" command
This is vitally important when out on walks. I’ve walked dogs on neighborhood streets and as they’re sniffing grass, they find chicken bones or other food! If I see something in our path ahead, I’ll tell them "Leave It" and keep a tight leash so they’re close to me and steer them away from the bad item. Reward your pup with a kibble or liver treat for listening. If they’ve already picked up a bad item like a cigarette butt or food wrapper, quickly stop the walk and give a "Drop it" command.
Tip #2: Trade up for something better!
When I ask the dog to drop something they shouldn’t have, like food, a sock or a toy they’ve nabbed, I ask them to "Drop it" and quickly reward them with something more valuable. That way, they're encouraged to always listen to the "Drop it" command.
Tip #3: "Recall" or "Come"
I use the word “Recall” as well as “Come” to call pups in from outside. They get big treat rewards for running in quickly and sitting nicely (and quietly) at the treat station. We practice this several times a day. This is great if there is a loud siren or other disturbance outside that gets the dogs agitated or barking.
Tip #4: No 'demand barking' allowed
Dogs are always ignored for 'demand barking', and then asked to do something else like sit and focus on me in order to get a treat. They can only be rewarded for good things, and this helps by interrupting their thought patterns.
Tip #5: Do a 180 turn to change directions
Have your dog do a 180-degree turn whenever they start to pull on the leash. This keeps you in control of the walk."
Well, there you have it. Five great tips from Danielle, a 5-Star Rover sitter.
Petcube Care Members can try out Rover
Through a Petcube Care membership, subscribers can try out walking and sitting services from Rover.com. Subscribed members get $30 OFF their first booking (includes walking, sitting, boarding services). It's also a great way to connect with 'dog (and cat) whisperers' who have great knowledge and experience working with pets of various temperaments and backed by a number of user reviews and references.