This time of the year has all of thinking about the year that is coming to a close, and how we can try to be better in the new year. New year’s resolutions run a broad spectrum of realistic to fantasy, but everyone seems to make them. But its not only humans who can strive to be better-behaved in 2020 – this is a great opportunity to brush up on your dog’s obedience and enter the new year with good dog habits!
Before you start working on the skills your dog should know to successfully navigate the new year, be sure that you understand the basic concepts.
Practice Makes Perfect: Whether your dog used to be well-behaved and you haven’t kept up with your consistency, or you’ve never taken the time to really establish good habits – it will take practice. Be patient, be consistent, and you should see results before long.
Keep a Positive Attitude: Study after study has proven that positive reinforcement works far better than negative reinforcement, which is sometimes just mean. Keep your voice upbeat and positive, don’t strike your dog, and never create a fearful environment.
Tis the Season for Giving: Ok, it’s always a good time to give dog treats! When reinforcing good dog habits, be sure to reward your pooch for his hard work and diligent effort.
Top Good Dog Habits
From leaving the holiday cookies on the table to going to Grandma’s house, there are many occasions that a dog needs to be well-behaved. Here are the basics to make sure your dog has mastered before the New Year’s Eve party:
1. Come: Making sure that your dog comes when called is more than obedience – it will keep him safe from traffic, other animals, and running away and getting lost. Here’s a great way to make sure your dog comes when you call – sync up his training with mealtime. Call your dog to your side, then feed him. After a few times (and when you think he understands the command), replace the meal with small treats. Before long, he will come when you call and be by your side throughout the new year.
2. Leave It: You can start teaching this command as a puppy, given the fact that they have a penchant for chewing on things that should not. The trick is to replace the item you want them to “leave” with something even more enticing or tasty.
3. Heel (Don’t Pull): Here in South Florida, we can take our dogs for long, warm walks throughout the holiday season. With everyone on vacation and visitors at every home, there are bound to be a lot of dogs and strangers along your walk. Teach your dog not to pull on the leash and to walk next to you no matter the distraction. Reward your dog when he walks next to you, ignores distraction, and keeps pace without pulling. (Here is more information on teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash. )
The last of the good dog habits you’ll want to brush up on is being a polite traveler. Whether you are headed to Grandma’s house for the holidays or cruising to the beach for some winter fun, your dog needs to learn to travel well in your car. The safest thing to do is keep him in a safe crate with his favorite toys or blankets to reduce stress. Be aware of any nausea and bring medication if necessary, and be sure to let him out if he needs to potty.
The team at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training wishes you and your dog a wonderful holiday season. If we can help you with obedience training in the new year, give us a call!
