Basic Dog Obedience

I receive a lot of calls regarding dogs who are uncontrollable (their human’s words) on a leash when out in public.  If the dog sees a bicycle or another dog, they pull and “go crazy!”  One of my first questions is have they done basic obedience with their dog?

They sound a little skeptical, as they respond hesitantly, “We took him through the puppy class at PetSmart and he knows how to sit and lie down and that stuff.”   I say, “Good, we can work with that.”  Puppy classes are a great foundation for teaching your dog to listen and respond to you.  It doesn’t matter if your dog was trained in the basics years ago, they will never forget it.  It’s the human that forgets how to use these tools in every day life with their dog.

For starters, remind yourself and your dog of what you both know.  And, that is they know how to respond to you when asked.  You may need to work a little harder on the leash training and teaching your dog to walk in a relaxed state by your side.  Once they do, when faced with a distraction of any kind, they are more likely to respond when asked to “sit and stay” or whatever is expected of them at the moment.

If you are having issues with your dog out in public and you have been through basic obedience, think of how to put that to use when outside on a leash.  I’m sure you didn’t initially put the time into the training only to have a dog who doesn’t listen when it was really necessary.

If I can provide additional tips or you are need of specific guidance, please send a note in the box to the right.

Stop A Car-Chasing Dog

If your dog is one of those that loves to focus and obsess on moving objects, i.e., cars, golf carts, or even vapor trails from airplanes, this post is for you.

This activity may now be a pattern of behavior that is rapidly becoming a habit.  See car - chase car.  Sound familiar?  You hear the engine in the distance (just after the dog) and brace yourself with the you-won’t-pull-me-down-this-time stance as you feel embarrassed and aggravated that your dog is officially a car chaser.

• First, you want to master (and be the master) of having your dog heel.  This means your dog is walking on a loose leash next to your side.
• Work with them to sit when you stop and on command even when they are distracted.  Add stay and increase their ability to stay by throwing treats in front of them, walking all the way around them, and using other staged distractions.
• Now, take your dog to the street and have someone in a car work with you to desensitize the dog to the moving vehicle.  Have the car drive by slowly and stop in front of you allowing you time to have your dog sit.  Repeat this process eventually working with your dog in a down and stay.  This is a more submissive and relaxed position and they can’t lunge when lying down.
• The second you sense they are beginning to focus on the car or even just the sound of it approaching, say their name in a positive tone.  You want them to shift their focus to you.  You will be wasting your voice and energy if they have already bolted, you’ve lost control, and you are yelling their name followed by sit.  Take a breath, get yourself focused and feeling confident, and continue the training.

If this behavior has been tolerated for awhile, it may take awhile to break their pattern of response.  Some breeds are more prone to chase moving things, so you are also working against or with that instinct.   Take it slow.  Too much, too fast, and your dog may get over-stimulated.

It’s also important to consider that if your dog has been confined all day and has energy to burn, provide exercise prior to training so all of that energy isn’t going toward the behavior you want to correct - in this case, car chasing.

Please contact me in the box to the right if you have any questions!  (I share this box with Melody)