Skills All Dogs Should Master

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service
By: Hilarie Erb

Training is the best way for responsible dog owners to build relationships with their dogs, to communicate with them, and to give them a way to know what’s expected. All dogs don’t need to be obedience champions, but all dogs should have several basic skills under their collars!

Training will be fun and effective when you keep your training sessions short and provide rewards and praise for success! If you find yourself getting frustrated, stop the session and retry later.

This helpful article will “Teach Your Puppy (or Dog!) the 5 Basic Cues” that every dog should learn:

• Walk nicely on a leash
• Come when called
• Sit
• Down
• Stay (for a short time, at least)

It is also important not to forget crate training! Many owners use crates during puppyhood but do away with them once their pups are housetrained. But a crate provides a safe refuge when needed, say when a repair person is in your home or during an emergency when your pup needs a place to be. Crates are helpful when your dog needs to be separated from children, or out of the way while you are busy in the kitchen or kept safe while traveling in a car. Read How to Crate Train Your Dog in Nine Easy Steps for tips on how to get your dog to think the crate is a good place.

Socialization is also critical part of training your dog. Not every dog is an extrovert, and that’s just fine. There are things you can do to make any puppy or dog more comfortable in new and hectic situations. Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do It Right will tell you how to socialize both puppies and adult dogs.

When you see your dog learning, you may find you’re having so much fun that you decide to pursue dog sports! To learn about the many exciting options available, visit AKC’s Dog Training page.

For more tips and advice on training your dog, join the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers: www.akcgooddoghelpline.org.