Let’s face it – dogs love to be playful. They love meeting new humans, they love exploring new places, and they get very excited when the doorbell rings. And while we love to see our dogs engaging in the life around them, it is also necessary to teach them appropriate behavior.
If your dog jumps, barks, or gets overly excited when he encounters a new situation, this blog is for you.
Here are some basic dog training tips you can employ to teach your best friend how to be a well-behaved and calm dog, no matter the circumstance.
5 Tips for Training a Calm Dog
- Make Long Walks a Priority: If your dog rarely gets out of the house, it will be harder to acclimate him to new sights, smells and sounds. By taking your dog for regular long walks, they can exhaust much of their curiosity and energy – and they will be a lot less likely to respond to every bit of new stimuli. By making regular excursions the norm, your pet is much more likely to go with the flow and remain calm.
- Get Them Used to Other Dogs: If your dog never encounters another animal up close, a chance meeting on the street is bound to get them excited. Take your dog to the dog park, or plan play dates with friends dogs. A calm dog is one who is used to socializing with other animals and doesn’t get riled up at the sight of every passing pooch. Here’s a Hint: Depending on your dog’s temperament, you may need to keep him on a leash until he is used to interacting positively with other animals.
- Use Calm Words and Gestures: Yelling at your dog when they get over-excited may just make them think it is part of the game. Instead, use a calm voice and gentle gestures to settle the dog down – and then reward them with a treat when they listen, sit down and stop barking. A dog whistle may be used at the beginning of training, but should quickly become unnecessary as they associate the sound with their rambunctious behavior.
- Ignore the Dog: Your dog revels in your attention and praise, so ignoring him when he acts up is often an effective way to train a calm dog. They should quickly learn that they are no longer the center of attention when they are misbehaving; and will learn to modify their behavior to actions which once again elicit the coveted praise.
- Consider an Obedience Class: When all else fails (including your patience) you may decide that having a calm dog is worth some professional assistance. Experienced dog trainers can provide the consistency and constancy which your dog may need to learn new, positive behaviors. Whether obedience training or learning to play with other dogs, a professional can work wonders and save you the time and sanity required to change your dog’ actions.
Your dog is looking to you for guidance, and he expects you to set the rules. Ultimately, a calm dog who understands how to act in every situation will be happier and more well-adjusted. Not to mention, your home will be a lot less chaotic!
At Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we specialize in training your best friend to be the best dog he can be, in any circumstance. Give us a call today to learn about Sarasota and Bradenton area Play Care, Obedience Training or to simply ask us a question.
