Does your dog pull on the leash? Jump on your guests? Bark at people on the street? Chew up your favorite shoes? The good news is that all of these behaviors are completely manageable and can be fixed with some consistent training and time. And you don’t have to go to expensive classes or hire a dog trainer to help you; there are plenty of helpful hints online that will get you started, like these 10 ways to have the best behaved dog on the block!
Introduce your dog to new people
Introducing your dog to new people is a good way to train her that meeting new people is fun and welcoming. For safety, ask the person if it’s alright if you let your pup sniff their hand before letting them pet her. If they say yes, allow your pup to sniff their hand and once she is comfortable enough, have them pet her. This will teach her that new people are friends and not enemies.
Play with your dog
If you want your dog to be obedient and well-behaved, it’s important for him or her to get a lot of exercise. Regular walks are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for both you and your dog. Plus, it will build trust between the two of you.
Schedule some time for training
Training a dog can be an intimidating task for many people, but it is an important and rewarding experience. Training is a lot of work, but in some cases it may save your dog’s life. Even if you don’t want your dog to become a Service Animal, there are plenty of reasons why training your pup should be high on your list.
Meet the neighbors and walk around your neighborhood
In order to make your dog a good neighbor, it’s important to understand how he or she sees the world. For example, dogs can be afraid of unfamiliar people and dogs. If you introduce yourself calmly and slowly, not too close, but not too far away either, your dog will probably feel more comfortable. It may take some time for your dog to accept this new person in his or her life.
Walk more – which includes off-leash playtime at the park
Off-leash playtime is a great way for your dog to get some exercise and socialize with other dogs. It also strengthens their bond with you! Walks are important for mental stimulation, but off-leash playtime will help them be more obedient when it’s time for you to head home.
Keep treats handy in case you see someone walking their dogs
In order to have a well-behaved dog, you need to be able to train it. Keeping treats handy is a great way to reward your pup when they’re being good and also teach them commands like sit or stay. Reward behavior that you want more of by giving them a treat for doing what’s expected. Be sure to praise and show how happy you are with the good behavior so that your pup knows exactly what he did right!
Get toys and let them do their own thing with it
Dogs need toys in order to keep them from getting bored. However, you may not know what kind of toy is best for your dog. To find out, observe your dog when they play. Does your dog like squeaky toys? Or does it prefer something sturdy and heavy? Toys that are big enough for their mouths can also be a good option. If you have multiple dogs, consider buying toys that are suited for multi-dog playtime such as balls or tug ropes.
Encourage your kids to play with them by playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee
Your dog needs some exercise too! Playing fetch with your dog is an easy way to provide them with exercise and bonding time. Don’t have a ball? You can also use a Frisbee, which is easier for dogs to catch than a tennis ball. Throw it in one direction and then call your pup over; if they don’t come back, walk in that direction until you find them.
Spend time near others while they are being kind and gentle with your dog
Spending time near others while they are being kind and gentle with your dog is a great way to make your dog feel comfortable around people. The more time you spend with your pup, the more confident they will be when meeting new people.
Never allow aggressive behavior
Dogs need to be taught how to behave, not just told what not to do. The best way to teach a dog is through using positive reinforcement. This means you should reward your dog when he behaves in the desired way and ignore him when he misbehaves. There are many ways of rewarding your dog, such as treats and praise, but also by giving them time outside or playing with them.