Train & Gain 50 Amazing Training Tips for Your Playful Pooch

Alka Paul
Having a pet is the most wonderful thing in the world. They are the epitome of loyalty, affection and unconditional love. Their morning kisses and cuddles cannot be traded for anything at all! In our 99th issue we share with you 50 amazing tips to become better pet parents.

Truth be told, sometimes it can get tiresome and frustrating if your bundle of joy does not behave the way you want him to. To make the most of our relationship with our pets, we need to teach them some basic training skills which will help them live peacefully and in harmony with humans.
Here are 50 quick tips that will guide you to raise your pet on the right track.

1. Start slow, end legendary!
When you begin training take it slow. You need to keep calm and display assertive energy.

2. Consistency goes a long way
Your pet is just like a human toddler who cannot differentiate between right and wrong. Being consistent and repetitive are the keys for correction.

3. Let him be a crate mate
Having a crate or a designated area for your pet is necessary, as he will feel secure when you are away for few hours.

4. Install baby gates at restricted areas in your home. They are an added training tool and will help your pet understand that they aren’t allowed in certain places of the home.

5. Let him learn from his mistakes
Don’t lose your temper if he makes a mistake, as he is not aware of his wrong doing.

6. Distract your pet to do something you want him to do, instead of saying ‘no’ each time.

7. Set Boundaries early in life
Don’t give into things they like to do, such as jumping on humans. Make him understand what is acceptable and what’s not.

8. Positive professional help
When you have to learn something new you enrol yourself in a class or online course. The same holds true for your furry friend. You can take the help of a professional obedience trainer to train your pet just right.

9. Motivation – the perfect driving force
Just like you motivate yourself with a treat or a little shopping spree after hard work, your pet will also benefit from some motivation. Find out what motivates your pet, whether it’s attention or food and train him accordingly.

10. ‘Puppy Please’
Your pet wants to please you, he only needs to know how to do it. And who better than you to help him understand this!

11. Toys adding fun to training
Buy him a Kong toy and fill it with some peanut butter. Freeze and give it to him when you have to step out.

12. Snuggle up, but with a little training
Get used to him sleeping on your bed, if you are not going to crate him.

13. Stop the chewing menace
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 litre water and spray this mixture on all the things you don’t want your pet to chew.

14. Chew toys like ropes and chew toys can be their best friends, especially during the teething stage.

15. Walk off the worries!
If your pet barks unnecessarily, try taking him for a walk to comfort him and lighten the mood.

16. To leash or unleash, that’s the question
It’s best not to use retractable leashes, give length—let him sniff and enjoy.

17. A harness which is connected to the leash in front of the chest is the best, as it prevents pulling.

18. Learning the art of socialising
Socialising your pet with other pets and humans is a must.

19. Party animal – yes please!
If you have a specific breed, you could have meet ups with pets and pet parents of the same breed, wherein you can share concerns, get advice, and have a fun play time.

20. Introduce your pet to all kinds of surroundings, places, people and other pets, making him feel at ease.
Start with the basics and go a long way

21. Sit: By teaching him to sit properly, you can control his behaviour in several situations.

22. Down: The down command is given to keep your pet in a relaxed position, especially when you have some workers or guests at home.

23. Stay: This command will protect your pet from danger, mainly when you are walking with him on public roads.

24. Come: If you plan to take your pet for a walk without a leash, he should understand the come command whenever he is called.

25. Heel: This is used when you want your pet to walk peacefully next to you, without pulling on the leash.

26. Off: Most pets love to jump on visitors. Here you can use the off command for him to lay off and get down.

27. No: This command is used when he shouldn’t be doing something which is wrong.

Potty training your pet

28. Define a designated spot for your pup to eliminate.

29. Catch the signal & practice positive reinforcement when done in the right area.

30. Don’t scold him if he mistakenly pees or poops outside his designated space.

31. Relax, unwind, and enjoy hush
Sleep time is vital, so give him enough space and time to relax.

32. Goodness of grooming
Grooming your pet along with regular bathing and brushing will keep his skin and hair coat clean as well as shiny.

33. Balance of Physical and Mental well-being
Take him for regular walks and exercises to keep him calm, active, fit, and happy. Exercising with your pet can be such a fun way to spend time together and get fit together!

34. Take care of those pearly whites
Annual examination of your pet’s teeth by the vet is important, as bad teeth can result in kidney and heart disease.

35. Let your pet get used to you touching him everywhere – face, ears, legs, paws, mouth etc. This will make your visit to the vet and the groomer in a stress free way.

36. Keep your pet away from public places when they are small, as they can catch infections by licking the surfaces.

37. Get those wanderlust feels on point
Take your pet for frequent car drives, getting him used to travel with you for long trips or vacations in the future.

Breed specific training

38. Benevolent Beagles
As Beagles are hyper active, they should be provided with regular exercise to release their energy.

39. Bounty Boxers
Boxers are very playful, curious and learn to accept new challenges. So keep their training sessions engaging with new exercises and puzzle toys.

40. Dashing Dachshunds
Dachshunds have a long and wiener like body shape with short legs. Hence they have physical limitations. Keep that in mind when taking them for training.

41. The Gems – Golden Retrievers
They are known to enjoy water so you can introduce them to swimming as a puppy. It’ll be a great stress buster and a good exercise as well.
42. Loveable Labradors
They are immensely energetic and require lots of physical activity. Take them for long walks, go for runs with them, and play active games like fetch, hide n seek etc.

43. Loyal Lhasa Apsos
Lhasas are known to be friendly dogs who enjoy the company of children. You can integrate their play time with kids to strengthen their bond.

44. Poignant Pugs
Pugs are playful breeds and love to engage in some kind of physical activity. Keep in mind they are a small breed and don’t get into strenuous exercise.

45. Elegant English Cocker Spaniel
Spaniels are intelligent family dogs and are always agreeable to learning.

46. Smarty Shih Tzus
This breed loves attention and can get temperamental when ignored. So make sure you take extra care of their behavioural training as well.

47. Gentle Giants-Great Danes
Great Danes can reach handles on the doors and anything on a height. You may need to dog-proof your home.

48. Playful Pomeranians
Pomeranians are bold and love to use their voice, hence they make great watchdogs.

49. While teaching tricks, do it in short intervals for them to learn quickly.

50. Patience is the key to every lock
Last but not the least – the game changer in training your pet is patience. You need to be extra patient with them, let them take it slow, and of course shower them with lots of love!

(Second part of this article will appear in the next issue – Century (100th) Issue, with 50 more tips.)