Page 326 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

326 C ARE AND TR AINING

More advanced commands
Teaching your dog a command that means “stay there and
wait for me to come back to you” is useful in any number of
situations. This command works well for everyday use, both
in the house and on walks, but it can also be helpful in other
more difficult situations. For example, if your dog escapes
and runs across a road, you will want him to wait where
he is rather than recrossing the road and putting himself in
danger again. Your dog’s natural instinct is to follow you,
so when you want him to stay in a particular position, it will
make training easier if you turn sideways to him and avoid
eye contact. By doing this, he doesn’t think you are
communicating with him and will therefore be less likely
to move toward you.
All dogs need to learn to walk on a leash and must do
so without pulling, if going for walks is to be an enjoyable
experience and not a constant battle. Puppies do not
instantly understand what a leash is for, and it is natural for
them to pull in an attempt to reach an exciting destination
sooner. If they learn from the start that pulling on the leash
is never successful, they will soon stop trying. Make sure RESISTING TEMPTATION
that whenever your puppy pulls, you either stop and wait The “stay” command can be used to teach your dog to ignore food
and other temptations. Reward your dog for staying away from
until he stops or call him back to the correct heel position. human food by giving him a more suitable treat.

TRAINING | WALK ON A LEAD

Start your session in an area where there Before your dog starts to lose interest Take a step forward and give your dog
ar
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1 ew distractions. Keeping your dog on 2 and attempts to wander off, show him 3 ommand “heel.” Immediately bend
the c
a long leash, lure him into the correct that you have another treat, but hold it down and give him a treat. Repeat this
position next to your left leg by offering a out of his reach. Use his name to keep his exercise, taking single steps, stopping, and
food treat. Praise him when he is in the attention, and do not allow the leash quickly pulling out another treat so that your
correct position by letting him take the treat. to tighten as you get ready to move. dog does not get distracted.

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