It’s really important to think about the kind of dog you want and what expectations you’ll have for him. As well as thinking about doggy equipment and training
What makes a great family pet?
A super friendly dog that wants to be with you, can come anywhere with you and be involved in everything you do?
A dog that’s safe with everyone, loves children, is ready for action when you are but will snooze away in a corner when you’re busy?
A cuddle bunny that just wants to sit on your lap anytime, anywhere?
How to have a Perfect Pet
There are three key training successes you’ll want your Perfect Pet to have (excluding puppy stuff such as housetraining and stopping biting).
These are:
- that your dog walks nicely on lead, all the time
- that she comes back when you call her – every time
- and that your dog doesn’t jump up at visitors
Walking nicely on lead is a challenge for most dogs – they all walk faster than us slow humans. But how much of a problem it is for you will de- pend on what dog you’ve got.
A pulling German Shepherd is a dangerous handful, whereas a pulling Yorkie is unlikely to cause you serious injuries.
Pulling dogs are at risk themselves from potentially life changing bony and spinal injuries or damaged larynxes and tracheas.
To teach your dog to walk nicely, you need good equipment.
A flat collar, a well fitted two point harness, or a well-fitted headcollar are all good choices.
Your lead should be a fixed, flat lead rather than an extending lead. The length should be between 3 and 5 feet long.
Just hold the lead handle, don’t wrap it round your wrist in the grip of death.
Then teach your dog where you want her to walk by simply rewarding her well with treats whenever she’s by your side.
Simple but not necessarily easy.
That’s why we’ve produced on online course to take you step-by-step through teaching your dog to Simply Stop Pulling. Check it out here: https://downdog.thinkific.com/
Coming back every time you call allows your dog to have more freedom than a dog who ignores your screeches and screams of frustration.
If your dog won’t come back when you call, it’s no laughing matter. It’s no fun for you, your dog or for other owners and dogs.
Training a good recall starts at home – if you can’t get your dog to come when you call at home, you’ve no hope on the beach or in the park.
The difficult bit about recall is that you need to practice on all sorts of places with all sorts of distractions.
Check out the website for more information on our signature Perfect Pet classes and our other courses and packages.
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Go to the website, https://downdog.co.uk/ to find out more.
