Dog Behaviors: Training Tips for Your Furry Friend
Training a dog takes a lot of effort, diligence, and patience, and sometimes it can be difficult to know where to begin without dog behaviors tips. Some things to consider include correcting behaviors that are undesirable, preventing boredom (as bored dogs are prone to chew or dig), and using positive reinforcement for good behaviors you want to encourage. It’s also important to remember that every dog is unique. Whether you are trying to teach a new behavior or modify an existing one, you’ll have to figure out what works best for you and your dog.
Below, we have outlined some helpful information in the area of dog behaviors that may help you in your training efforts. Of course, our Longwood team is always here for you to help answer questions or point you toward resources that will support you in your training journey with your furry friend.
Tip 1: Target Training Dogs with Touch
To start off our dog behaviors tips, we’ll cover targeting. Targeting is a method for teaching your dog to touch a part of their body, ie. paw, shoulder, hip, or nose, to a specific object. The most common manifestation of this tactic is asking the dog to touch his or her nose to a person’s hand, which we will refer to as “nose targeting.”
Why Employ Targeting?
Targeting is effective for many reasons. It is a fun and simple dog behavior to teach and serves as a building block for teaching other dog behaviors, such as:
- Moving your dog from one place to another, such as on or off the furniture, across the room, or into another room
- Entering or exiting a carrier, crate, or vehicle
- Directing your dog on and off the scale or exam table at the vet’s office
- An alternative cue for your dog to come when called
- Opening and closing doors, drawers or cabinets, or even the refrigerator
Target training can also help your dog in the areas of confidence, greeting new people, and even diverting your dog’s attention from something scary.
Learn more about target training with touch, and try it at home with your pup today.
Tip 2: Nailboards Instead of Nail Clipping
Another dog behavior you can teach that may make life easier is using a nail board. Many dogs don’t enjoy having their nails trimmed, and some find it so terrifying that it becomes quite a challenge. Did you know that dogs can be taught to file their own nails using a nail board? This dog behavior draws from their natural urge to dig and can eliminate the need for nail clipping.
Learning to Use the Nail Board
Dogs can learn quickly to use a nail board with minimal training. You can teach this dog behavior by breaking down the action into smaller steps and rewarding each completed step. Here are a few methods:
There are many creative ways you can encourage your dog to file down nails to eliminate the need for trimming, including:
- Place the board on the ground, sprinkle it with treats, then cover it with a towel. Dogs will often dig through the towel to find the treats, filing their own nails in the process.
- Place a squeaking toy on the ground underneath the filing board, then encourage your dog’s interest in the toy. Often your dog will dig at the board to get to the toy.
- Place the board in a high traffic area where your dog frequently walks. Walking over the board repeatedly will naturally file down the nails.
- If your dog scratches to go outside, place a small nail board on the door to encourage your dog to scratch the board instead.
Learn more about nail board use for dogs, and if you have any questions about dog training or behavior tips for your pets, chat with your Longwood veterinarian at your next appointment. We’d be happy to help! This is one of our favorite tips for dog behaviors.
Tip 3: Have the Crate Out and Open, Make it a Comfort and Not a Punishment
Proper crate training is another core dog behavior tip. A common mistake is using the crate as a time-out, making it a negative space for the puppy, which can lead to barking or whining. The crate should be a comfortable, familiar space for the puppy.
Nowadays, most of us spend hours in our home office. If that’s the case, then that’s where the crate and the puppy should be. If you are binging a tv show in the family room, have the puppy and crate in there with you! Some people prefer to have multiple crates so they don’t have to carry the crate throughout the day, whereas others prefer to get the puppy comfortable with one specific crate.
Puppy crates should:
- Be in the same room as you and in a spot where you can be seen.
- Be comfortable physically and emotionally. Think of a puppy pillow AND an old shirt with your scent!
- Have a treat inside and a safe chew toy for them to gnaw on.
Puppy crates should not:
- Be “compact.” If your puppy has gotten bigger, their crate might need to too.
- Be a prison. Don’t lock them inside for too long or use it to punish them.
- Be left dirty. If your puppy had an accident, please don’t make them sit in it as a lesson.
How to Get a Puppy Comfortable with a Crate
Once your puppy has gone into their crate, gently close the door to introduce the concept of confinement training. Then, stay in the room, and after a few minutes, let them out to show them it’s only temporary. Repeat this process, leaving the puppy confined for more extended periods each time.
Crate training takes practice and can be frustrating at times, but remember that patience is essential for teaching good dog behaviors. Avoid using the crate as punishment and ensure they have adequate exercise and have gone to the restroom before crating.
Crate training takes practice, and it will be frustrating at times. Do not lose your temper and use the crate as a punishment no matter what. Do not toss them in after they have an accident, bang on the crate when they are whining, or place it far away from you, so you don’t have to hear them. Ensure they have had plenty of activity and have gone to the restroom before putting them in the crate to relax. If they ever start to cry, take them out. A puppy crate is a lifesaver for dog owners, and it should be a happy addition to the puppy’s life too.
You can read more tips for dog behaviors about confinement training here and other Behavior Bytes here!
Check back often for more information on dog behaviors and training tips for your pup!
