How to teach a dog new tricks: training tips for essential commands!

Planning on bringing your pet to the mall or visiting the paw park? We gathered a list of essential tricks to teach your pet and some tips from expert trainers!

There are so many benefits to training your dog. Training works as exercise, it strengthens the bond with the pet parent––and let’s face it, it’s always fun to show off your dog’s talents. 

But more crucially, teaching your dog tricks is also very important for your pet’s safety, especially if you’re taking them to a new environment. Planning on bringing your pet to the mall or visiting the paw park? We gathered a list of essential tricks to teach your pet and some tips from expert trainers! 

1. Leash training

Tip: If your dog’s still getting used to wearing collars and leashes, it could be safer to start off with a shorter leash. This will give you more control of your dog’s movements and it'll be easier to hold on to them in case of an emergency. 

2. Name recognition 

Tip: Practice calling your dog’s name everywhere and anywhere! You should practice calling out to your pet inside your home, outside, in environments with more people and animals around. It’s also great if you can have other people call your pet’s name too! 

3. Drop it

Tip: Try not to run after your dog to get something from their mouth. They could interpret this as a fun game of chase and might even swallow whatever they’re holding to prevent you from getting it. 

4. Sit 

Tip: Avoid physically forcing your dog to sit. This could be confusing or upsetting for your pet. 

5. Stay 

Tip: Use your voice and hand gestures when teaching your dog! Put your hand out and command “stay” with a happy, positive tone. 

6. Wipe paws 

Tip: Train your dogs to wipe their paws with context! If you want them to wipe their paws outside your door or before stepping into the car, make sure you’re training them in these scenarios too. 

Have more training tips and suggestions? Let us know in the SPC Community Chat! 

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