Advice & More

Training Tips and Tricks

Dr. Sophia Yin was a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and author, as well as an internationally renowned expert on Low-Stress Handling. Dr. Yin was a pioneer in positive reinforcement dog training and a wealth of knowledge and information. Check out Dr. Sophia Yin’s Top 10 Dog Training Tips.

Bringing Home a New Dog

A new relationship is like a blank behavioral slate. You can teach, shape, and mold your new friend into the ideal canine companion. In addition to socialization, structured play, and daily obedience, practice nothing in life is free training principles to help train your dog into a perfectly proper and courteous canine companion.

Leash Skills

One of the most important parts of training your dog to be polite on the leash is showing your dog where you want her. Start leash training by teaching her where to stand while on the leash, next to you. Next show her that she gets treat rewards for walking within arms’ reach. As you step forward, continue to treat her with every few steps.  Always reward your dog for walking next to your side. Encourage her to follow your lead but don't try to use the leash to steer. Think of the dog leash more as an emergency break rather than a steering wheel. Leash skills are manners for both humans and canines.

Housetraining

Potty training requires routine, supervision, diligence, patience, practice, and a good floor cleaner. The goal is to teach your dog to tell you that she needs to go outside, the appropriate place to eliminate. Always set your dog up for success! Take your dog outside many times throughout the day. Have realistic expectations. A puppy can only hold it for about one hour per month she is old until about six months. If you have a very young puppy, be sure to take her out very often. Always reward her while outside after she eliminates in the correct place.

Reliable Recall

Your dog’s rocket, reliable recall is crucial. It is important to teach your dog to come to you quickly once called, regardless of environmental distractions. Start with realistic training expectations. Set your dog up for training success. Begin by teaching your dog to respond to her name regardless of distractions. Once your dog knows her name, introduce the come command with short distances and no distractions. Slowly build on the command by adding distance followed by introducing distractions. For the best training success, it is important to know what distracts your dog the most. Practice with your dog’s low distractions, such as a treat on the floor then work up to high distractions, like a squirrel running nearby. Do not take your dog’s recall off-leash until your dog is responding reliably with distractions on leash. A recall should always end with your dog in an auto-sit in front of you followed by a collar tap and lots of praise from you.

Training & Dominance

Sadly, many have caused great confusion with the concept of dominance and being an “alpha dog”. Some label disobedient, willful, and sometimes aggressive behaviors as “dominance” leading to this large misconception of the term. Most often, mistakenly labeled “dominant dogs” were not trying to seek dominance over their owner, but typically the dogs were anxious, scared, confused, frustrated, and even fearful. Using force or pain to dominate or discipline these unwanted behaviors often exacerbate the issues.