The top two dog lessons every pup should learn

Rhiannon van Lidth de Jeude Roemer

Tip 1: The World Is A Safe Place

The first dog lesson every dog should learn is that the world around them is a safe place. This safety begins with you - comfort your pup when they are afraid, and allow them to explore their natural behaviors such as sniffing and running (in a safe, non-destructive manner 🙂). As their world expands, intentionally create positive experiences for your dog, always staying close as a ‘home base’ should they need a spot to hide. A comfortable, confident dog is unlikely to develop severe behavioral issues such as reactivity or aggression.

Tip 2: Being Alone Isn’t Scary

Separation anxiety is an extremely common issue for pet-parents, and can have a huge negative impact on the lives of both dogs and humans. Prevention is your best friend! Teach your pup from day one that your coming and going is boring. Starting with quick absences, such as popping out of the room for just a few seconds, is best. As your dog becomes comfortable, you can slowly increase the duration of time you are gone. Slow and steady is key!

This Month’s Thought

Dog Training Priorities

While basic behaviors such as sit, stay, and recall are extremely useful for managing your dog in day-to-day life, the first priority with any dog should be to ensure they feel safe and secure. Start your socialization early, showing your puppy that the world is a fun place. As they mature, continue to provide plenty of positive experiences for your dog, reinforcing this confidence with any chance you get.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to a professional trainer for support!