Basic Dog Obedience

Basic Dog Obedience

by Tynia Johnson

Basic dog obedience includes a dog learning to sit, lie down, come, stay and walk calmly on leash. Basic good behavior includes doing and not doing a few  other things. For example, not excessively barking, not jumping on guests, not biting or chewing. Potty training is part of both basic good behavior and basic obedience, because either way, if your dog soils the house he will quickly acquire the label “bad dog”.

All dogs should learn basic obedience or manners just as children should. Small dogs that are not taught manners are a nuisance and on occasion dangerous. Medium and large dog that are not taught manners are a nuisance, but more often they are dangerous and a financial liability.  Impolite children can end up in jail or worse; the same fate befalls many unruly dogs-the pound or worse. With the dogs the solution is easy, training or behavior modification at any age.

Basic obedience and good behavior can be taught individually or in a group, at home or in other environments. There are always varying degrees of success that depend on the owner, the trainer, and the dog. For example, if the best trainer and the smartest dog were joined by an owner that never practiced or heeded any of the trainers advice, then the training would not produce many long term good results.  If you make the financial commitment to dog training, you should find the time to do your homework (just like when you were in school). The homework helps the dog training process to progress.

Over the years, I have found the best method of training to be the in-home scenario with as many household members as possible present. While in the home, we can discuss the specific problems and come up with effective solutions. I can see exactly what the family is experiencing, therefore the solutions suggested are tailored to the specific needs of the family. Small class settings can also benefit the family (pet) because social interaction and bigger distractions add to the training experience.

Under normal circumstances, one to 4 home visits or 6 to 8 classes is all that takes to create a pet that you can live with.

The Sassy Trainer

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