{"id":36,"date":"2019-02-25T02:32:55","date_gmt":"2019-02-25T02:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/?p=36"},"modified":"2019-02-25T02:49:21","modified_gmt":"2019-02-25T02:49:21","slug":"the-7-most-important-dog-training-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/?p=36","title":{"rendered":"The 7 Most Important Dog Training Skills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Dog training is a lifelong process, but some skills are more important than others. &nbsp;Think of mastering&nbsp;these essential dog training skills as laying the foundation, and preparing your dog for a lifetime of good behavior and companionship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you just brought home&nbsp;a puppy, adopted a shelter dog, or want to brush up your old dog\u2019s training, these are the absolute most important skills to teach your dog (and yourself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure><iframe width=\"336\" height=\"280\"><\/iframe><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start, it\u2019s a good idea to review the basics of dog training: be patient, be positive, mind your body language, work in bursts (10-15 minute training sessions at a time), and add variety to help your dog respond reliably in any situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">House Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/training-potty-pad.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/training-potty-pad-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"training-potty-pad\" class=\"wp-image-30126\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>VIA&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/aww\/comments\/29y6xi\/this_is_my_puppy_when_i_tried_to_potty_train_him\/\">REDDIT<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Potty training is all about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Start with the basics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Supervise your dog<\/strong>. When you\u2019re just starting to house train her, limit her access to other parts of the house, whether that means closing off doors to bedrooms or crate-training so she has her own space.<\/li><li><strong>Set a routine.<\/strong>&nbsp;Dogs are creatures of habit. By feeding your dog at the same time each day and offering regularly spaced walks and outside potty breaks, you can condition her to \u201cgo\u201d at set times each day.<\/li><li><strong>Never punish your dog for eliminating indoors<\/strong>. Accidents happen, and dogs don\u2019t understand cause and effect the same way people do. Clean up the&nbsp;mess, remind yourself that it will get better the more consistent you are and move on.<\/li><li><strong>Reward your dog for getting it right.<\/strong>&nbsp;Give her a treat as soon as she goes potty in the designated spot.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more detailed tips on housetraining a puppy or dog, check out this trainer\u2019s complete&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/complete-guide-puppy-potty-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Successful dog&nbsp;training is all about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Come<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coming when called is one of the most important skills for your dog to have on lock, because it can keep her safe in potentially dangerous situations. \u201cMake it a party\u201d every time your dog comes when called. No matter what they\u2019re leaving behind, coming to you should be the best thing that happens to them all day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To train your dog to come when called,&nbsp;<strong>start on leash in a quiet area<\/strong>. Back away from your dog while enthusiastically telling her to \u201ccome!\u201d Only give the command once, but&nbsp;<strong>be enthusiastic<\/strong>, and keep your body language relaxed and open. You can show your dog a treat to encourage her to head your way. Once she starts towards you, say \u201cyes!\u201d (or click) and&nbsp;<strong>reward<\/strong>&nbsp;her with a treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, you can gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, and start practicing in a variety of situations. View our trainer\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/how-to-teach-dog-to-come-tips-in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide<\/a>for more tips to teaching your dog to come when called.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching your dog to \u201cstay\u201d isn\u2019t only about getting them to sit still. Like \u201ccome,\u201d it\u2019s a command that can keep her safe from harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/training-stay-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/training-stay-1-776x1024.jpg\" alt=\"training-stay\" class=\"wp-image-30142\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>VIA&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.arlboston.org\/dog-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE BOSTON<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Build on your dog\u2019s \u201cstay\u201d skills with&nbsp;<strong>the Three D\u2019s of training<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Distance<\/li><li>Duration<\/li><li>Distraction<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Start up close to your dog, placing her in a sit or down position. Hold a hand out toward and say \u201cstay.\u201d After a moment, reward her. Repeat this until your dog gets the idea that she\u2019ll get a treat if she holds her sit or down position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over several training sessions, increase your distance from your dog and the duration before you release her, and introduce distractions to test her resolve. Visit this puppy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/train-puppy-sit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training guide<\/a>&nbsp;for more detailed instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Remember the three D\u2019s of training: distance, duration, and distraction<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leave It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cleave it\u201d command is another essential for keeping your dog safe, whether from something they might pick up and swallow or another dog growling at them from across the street. It\u2019s also a skill that takes time and consistency to master, so be sure to take it in gradual steps,&nbsp;building on the three D\u2019s mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To teach \u201cleave it,\u201d start with a treat in hand and your dog in a sit or down position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Show<\/strong>&nbsp;your dog the treat, say \u201cleave it,\u201d then place it under your shoe.<\/li><li><strong>Wait<\/strong>. Your dog will try to get the treat \u2014 sniffing, licking, even pawing at your foot. Let her try.&nbsp;When she eventually&nbsp;gives up, immediately say \u201cyes!\u201d and give her a treat from your hand (not the one still under your shoe!)<\/li><li><strong>Repeat<\/strong>. Your dog may go back to sniffing around your foot; as soon as she stops and looks away, mark the desired behavior with \u201cyes\u201d or a click, and reward.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your dog has mastered the art of ignoring a hidden treat, you can work up to a treat in plain view, and eventually \u201cleaving\u201d more compelling distractions. Then, put the training in motion by asking her to walk past and \u201cleave\u201d other the floor. See this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/teaching-your-dog-a-super-strength-leave-it-command\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">article&nbsp;<\/a>from trainer Shoshi Parks for detailed instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qExwIfed7jg?enablejsapi=1&amp;autoplay=0&amp;cc_load_policy=0&amp;iv_load_policy=1&amp;loop=0&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;showinfo=1&amp;fs=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autohide=2&amp;theme=dark&amp;color=red&amp;controls=2&amp;\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Useful in so many situations, \u201csit\u201d is often the first command dogs learn. In fact, most dogs \u201csit\u201d on their own, so all you have to do is connect the command to the behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, while your dog is in a standing position, hold a treat in front of her nose and raise it slowly towards the back of her head. When her head follows the treat up, her butt will go down. Once her butt hits the floor, say \u201cyes!\u201d and give her the treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your dog is sitting reliably with the treat lure, you can&nbsp;<strong>transition to a hand signal and verbal command<\/strong>. View the above&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/useful%20in%20so%20many%20situations%2C%20%22sit%22%20is%20often%20the%20first%20command%20dogs%20learn.%20in%20fact%2C%20most%20dogs%20%22sit%22%20on%20their%20own%2C%20so%20all%20you%20have%20to%20do%20is%20connect%20the%20command%20to%20the%20behavior.%20first%2C%20while%20your%20dog%20is%20in%20a%20standing%20position%2C%20hold%20a%20treat%20in%20front%20of%20her%20nose%20and%20raise%20it%20slowly%20towards%20the%20back%20of%20her%20head.%20when%20her%20head%20follows%20the%20treat%20up%2C%20her%20butt%20will%20go%20down.%20once%20her%20butt%20hits%20the%20floor%2C%20say%20%22yes%21%22%20and%20give%20her%20the%20treat.\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video<\/a>&nbsp;from the AKC for a clear explanation of the whole process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Most dogs \u2018sit\u2019 on their own, so all you have to do is connect the command to the behavior<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Down<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/training-down-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/training-down-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30138\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>VIA&nbsp;FLICKR\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/106635966@N07\/21663695905\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">106635966@N07<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like \u201csit,\u201d you can start training your dog the \u201cdown\u201d cue with a&nbsp;<strong>treat lure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Start with your dog sitting in front of you<\/li><li>Hold a treat near her face.<\/li><li>Move the treat straight down to the floor, and then slowly away from the dog. She will follow the treat by moving her front feet forward, eventually lying down.<\/li><li>Be clear with your movements, and be patient! Once your dog lies down, say \u201cyes!\u201d and give her the treat.<\/li><li>Repeat.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Settle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trainnig-sit-stay.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/trainnig-sit-stay.jpg\" alt=\"trainnig-sit-stay\" class=\"wp-image-30129\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>VIA&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/wildstray\/18318767639\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FLICKR\/WILDSTRAY<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching your dog to \u201csettle\u201d on command is an awesome way to help an anxious or fearful dog manage emotional reactions. As with sitting, settling is something dogs do on their own. Your job here is to&nbsp;<strong>connect a cue to a familiar behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To start training your dog to \u201csettle,\u201d leash her up and take a seat. Step on the leash so your dog has only enough room to sit, stand, and turn around, but not stray from your side. Then, wait. Your dog may be excited at first, and try to jump up on your lap or run around the room. Let her figure out that she can\u2019t go anywhere. Once she settles down on her own, say \u201cyes!\u201d and give her a treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After your dog is settling on her own, it\u2019s time to add in the cue. You\u2019ll start by saying it after your dog is already settling, then gradually \u201cback up\u201d the cue to the beginning of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The \u201csettle\u201d command helps anxious or fearful dogs manage their emotional reactions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Laying a solid training foundation will make life with your dog&nbsp;easier and more fun.<\/strong>&nbsp;If you\u2019re not sure where to start, sign up for an in-person obedience class; there\u2019s no better way to train your dog than to practice with an expert IRL.&nbsp;You can also follow any of the helpful links above, and check out our blog&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/category\/training-your-dog\" target=\"_blank\">archives&nbsp;<\/a>for additional tips and tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sub>Top image via flickr\/<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/quinndombrowski\/3989271846\/\" target=\"_blank\">quinndombrowski<\/a><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Original Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/important-dog-training-skills\/\">https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/important-dog-training-skills\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dog training is a lifelong process, but some skills are more important than others. &nbsp;Think of mastering&nbsp;these essential dog training skills as laying the foundation, and preparing your dog for a lifetime of good behavior and companionship. Whether you just brought home&nbsp;a puppy, adopted a shelter dog, or want to brush up your old dog\u2019s &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=36"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36\/revisions\/50"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.wataugahumane.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}