I’ve come up with a list of my top 5 favorite good dog skills that every dog should master. File these in the back of your head and remember to practice good dog skills every day!
- STAY PUT. Very handy for so many situations. By the front door, in the car, when a cat strolls by. A good stay will solve charging out the door, jumping on people, jumping out of the car and more…
- HEEL. Great for fearful or dog aggressive dogs because it gives them something else to do and because they have to focus on YOU they can’t focus on the other dog. (Also solves leash pulling problems.)
- COME HERE. If you can call your dog in any situation from anything, you’ve got many problems solved. Your dog get’s to be off leash and think about all that freedom you both will enjoy.
- STAY CLOSE. Wouldn’t it be great to have your dog stay close to you while hiking? They don’t need to walk right next to you, but to stay with in a 20 foot radius?
- LEAVE-IT. This is another ticket to freedom for both you and your dog. Bones, cat poop, garbage, donuts anyone? I’ve seen it all, and it’s nice to be able to call my dog away from these things.
What’s your favorite dog skill? Mine is LEAVE-IT, but my dog Simon still needs work on some of the others. If you want your dog or puppy to learn some new skills, try a Good Puppy or Good Dog Skills class or one of the Dog Training Clinics this fall!
