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Sending Your Dog Back to School

September 15 2017

Believe it or not, fall is already just around the corner, and it’s time for the kids to head back to school. If your dog hasn’t mastered basic doggy obedience yet, you may also want to consider sending Fido back to school as well. Read on as a local McHenry, IL vet discusses Fido’s educational needs.

Basics

Most dogs can learn about 20 commands, though some of our canine pals know as many as 250. However, there are only five crucial ones that all pups should know. These commands, which are Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down, are very important, not just for petiquette, but for safety. For instance, Sit can stop your pooch from running up to a dangerous area or intersection, while Lay Down can stop Fido from jumping on guests as they arrive. Make sure your four-legged buddy has these key commands down before moving on to fun tricks or advanced training.

Advanced Training

Once your furry pal has mastered the basics, you can continue his education if you like. Many dogs love learning, while others really thrive when they have a ‘job’ to do. You can teach Fido to put his toys away, turn lights on and off, or fetch your slippers. The Leave It command is also helpful, especially if your canine buddy has a tendency to try to eat anything and everything he finds on the ground. Of course, cute classic tricks like Shake and Roll Over are also good options.

Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind when training your pup. First, be patient and consistent. Don’t get frustrated with Fido for not picking something up quickly enough: just focus on rewarding him when he does make progress. Speaking of rewards, snacks can be a great training aid. Choose smaller treats, so you don’t overindulge your canine companion. Bits of kibble, shredded deli meat, or cut-up hot dogs are all fine. It’s also important to keep classes short and sweet, to avoid boring your furry student. When teaching your cute pet vocal commands, be sure to use the same phrasing each time. Last but not least, show your four-legged pal one command at a time.

Do you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your local McHenry, IL animal clinic, today! We are always happy to help.