Every January, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers celebrates National Train Your Dog Month, highlighting the many benefits of dog training and the strong bond it creates between dogs and their humans. And it’s true—training your dog is a very meaningful way to connect and build trust.
As dedicated dog walkers in Columbus, Ohio, we often reinforce existing training commands with the dogs we care for, helping deepen their bond with us and, most importantly, with their parents.
If you’re looking for tips to jumpstart or boost your pup’s training routine, you’re in the right place—we’re excited to share what we’ve learned!
Sit: The Foundation of Obedience Training
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the simplest yet most essential commands for basic obedience. This command provides a foundation for more complex tricks and is a great way to help your dog stay calm and focused. Plus, it’s an ideal first step for pet owners in Columbus, Ohio looking to build a stronger bond with their dog through training.
Here’s a quick, effective way to teach your dog to “sit”:
- Grab Some Treats: Start with a few small treats in hand. Make sure they’re something your dog finds rewarding!
- Say the Command: Allow your dog to come over, then say “sit” in a clear, calm voice.
- Wait for the Action: Be patient and let your dog figure it out. When they sit naturally, reward them with a treat and plenty of praise.
- Repeat and Reinforce: Step away so your dog stands up again, then repeat the process. Consistency is key—after a few repetitions, your dog should begin to sit on command.
Paw: A Fun, Interactive Trick
Teaching your dog to give their paw is a fun and straightforward trick that both strengthens your bond and improves your dog’s social skills. As any experienced dog walker in Columbus, Ohio can tell you, training tricks like “paw” not only stimulate your dog mentally but also create a friendly way for them to interact with new people.
Here’s how to teach your dog the “paw” command:
- Get a Treat Ready: Have a treat in hand, making sure it’s something your dog loves.
- Show and Command: Hold the treat near your dog’s nose and say, “paw.” They’ll naturally begin to reach out.
- Guide if Needed: If your dog doesn’t raise their paw right away, gently lift it off the ground and place it in your hand, reinforcing the desired response.
- Reward and Repeat: When their paw is in your hand, reward them with the treat and plenty of praise.
Fetch: A Dog’s Favorite Game
Teaching your dog to fetch can be a rewarding experience, but it may take a little patience, especially for dogs who are less naturally inclined to chase after toys.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching fetch:
- Spark Their Interest: Start by getting your dog intrigued by the item you want them to fetch, such as a ball or toy that suits them. Place it on the ground and hold a treat near it to draw their attention.
- Reward Curiosity: Encourage your dog to look at, sniff, or paw the item. Reward them with a treat for any interaction, reinforcing their interest in the toy.
- Encourage Picking It Up: Once they’re comfortable, encourage your dog to bite or grab the toy. Reward them again when they successfully pick it up.
- Practice Bringing It Back: Take a step back with the toy in your hand, say “treat” or another prompt, and encourage your dog to come to you with the toy.
- Increase the Distance: Gradually extend the distance, rewarding them each time they bring the toy back.
Roll Over: A Crowd-Pleaser
The “roll over” trick is a classic favorite among dog owners and a fun, engaging way to bond with your dog. Not only does this trick impress friends, but it also helps strengthen your pup’s focus and responsiveness to commands, which is great for active dog parents and dog walkers in Columbus, Ohio.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching “roll over”:
- Start with a Treat: Have a treat in hand to catch your dog’s attention.
- Guide to Lie Down: Use the treat to get your dog to lie on their stomach. Move the treat in front of their nose, coaxing them to lie on their side.
- Encourage the Roll: With another treat, move it slowly from their shoulder toward their backbone. As they follow the treat with their nose, they’ll naturally perform the rolling motion.
- Add the Cue: As they roll over, say the command “roll over” to associate the action with the phrase.
- Reward and Repeat: Once they’ve completed the roll, give them the treat and praise them.
Stay: An Absolute Essential Command for Managing Behavior
Teaching your dog to stay is an essential command that promotes discipline and safety. Whether you’re at home or out and about in the various dog-friendly places in Columbus, Ohio, a reliable “stay” can make a world of difference in managing your dog’s behavior.
Here’s a simple approach to teaching “stay”:
- Start with “Sit”: Begin by asking your dog to sit. This creates a stable position for practicing “stay.”
- Use the Cue and Signal: Hold your hand up, palm facing your dog, and say “stay” in a calm, firm voice.
- Step Back and Reward: Take a small step back. If your dog stays in place, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.
- Increase the Distance: Gradually increase the distance and time you ask them to stay before rewarding, always returning to praise and reward when they hold their position.
Building a Lasting Bond Through Training
Remember that each command you teach your dog is more than just a skill—it’s an opportunity to deepen your connection and build trust. Likewise, training isn’t only about obedience; it’s about mutual understanding, respect, and creating a happier, more confident pup.
Whether you’re working on the basics like “sit” and “stay” or tackling more playful commands, enjoy the journey. As dog walkers in Columbus, Ohio, we’re always here to support our clients with tips and reinforcement to help their dogs thrive. Whether you’re introducing a new command or fine-tuning a favorite trick, training can strengthen the bond between you and your pet, bringing out the best in both of you.
Here’s to a happy and successful National Train Your Dog Month—filled with new skills, stronger connections, and lots of tail wags!
