Category archives: Pets & Animals

Best Way to Train Your Dog to Sit

Teaching “Sit” is another way to get your dog to pay attention and understand that you are boss. “Sit” is also helpful when you need to get a collar on your dog, snap on a leash, cut toenails, clean ears, keep your dog still while you prepare his food, slow… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Train Your Dog to Lie Down

“Down” is a tricky command to teach because it asks the dog to assume a submissive posture. Because most puppies and preadolescents do this easily and naturally, even rolling onto their backs for a belly rub, youth is the easiest time to teach this command. Once a dog is an… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Train Your Dog to Leave It

Does your dog scarf up cigarette butts or chicken bones in the street or steal defrosting steaks from your kitchen counter? “Leave it” is the command you need. “Leave it” is said with a deep tone of voice. It’s serious. Indoors, use it to warn your dog when he’s ogling… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Train Your Dog to Come When Called

When you want your dog to come over, small or vast, you want to project the message that you are friendly. This will make him run to you.

  • Beginning at home, indoors, using your new “sit/stay,” put your dog on command, crouch, put your arms out to the

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Best Way to Train Your Dog to Hold the Leash

With your dog on leash, ask him to sit. Hold the leash folded, so that it is taut, not tight, and stand near your dog, no more than one step away. Swing your flat, open hand, palm facing your dog, toward your dog’s nose, stopping two inches in front of… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Train Your Dog to Catch

Catch is a great game. It’s fun to play out in the yard or at the park. It’s even better when you are comfortably ensconced on the couch and your dog wants something to do.

Straight Catch

Most dogs take a few days to catch on to catch. When you… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Read a Dog’s Body Language

If you want to know what a dog is feeling, almost what he’s thinking, his body language will tell you. It can be as clear a mes­sage as those delivered by cartoon dogs.

A tucked tail, a play bow, a submissive show of chest and belly, legs apart in an… Continue Reading…

Best Way to Deal with Dog Aggression

Here are some guidelines for preventing and dealing with aggression:

  • If your male is aggressive toward people or dogs, the best thing you can do is neuter him. It’s not a panacea. Your dog will still need training. But neutering removes a lot of the tension from a

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Best Way to Train a Dog to Jump

Most dogs love to jump onto things, over things and even, after an initial introduction, through things. For any dog with a healthy back and legs, jumping modest heights can be terrific exercise as well as a very satisfying activity. Here are three jump­ing games to try.

Jump over LegsContinue Reading…

Best Way to Correct Your Dog’s Problems

When I was a little kid, no one ever hired a dog trainer. In the morning, after breakfast, we opened the door and let the dog out. In the evening, before dinner, someone would stand out front and call the dog to come home. In between, we might meet up… Continue Reading…