A Moment of Paws

By Dr. Edward Schettino

When it comes to your canine companion, few things are more important than training. While having a pet in the home can benefit and bring us joy in so many ways, it also comes with tremendous responsibilities and challenges - and training can go a long way in mitigating these challenges.

The benefits of training are undeniable. Training builds confidence, enhances positive social behavior, and provides your pet with structure and routine. Additionally, training serves as quality time, strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

Young or old, our pets are constantly learning. If you feel like your pup could use a little work in the training department, consider taking these 5 steps during Dog Training Education Month:

1. Enroll in a class. There are dog training courses for all levels – from puppy kindergarten that covers the sit, stay, and basic manners, to more advanced classes that focus on particular areas of training. Classes also offer an opportunity to talk with other dog owners who may be facing the same challenges as you!
2. Always focus on positive reinforcement. Rewarding your pet with praise and high-value treats for doing something correctly, the animal is more likely to repeat the behavior.
3. Keep it short. In order to get the most out of training, limit at-home sessions to about 15 minutes, up to 3 times per day.
4. Commit to a training schedule. Our pets thrive when they have a structured routine, and repetition is critical to reinforce your pet’s new skills. When you commit to a training schedule and stick to it, you’ll be amazed at the results.
5. Teach an old dog a new trick. If your dog has a firm grasp on the basic commands and the two of you are looking for challenge, consider a particular area of training to focus on which could include nose work, tricks or even tackling an agility course.

Finally, you can reinforce skills they already know. We all need to brush up on skills from time to time, so whether it be loose-leash walking, sit/stay, among others, a refresher course could be just what your pet needs.

If you’re having trouble getting started with training, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) can help.

ARL offers a free pet behavior help line to guide pet owners through a myriad of behavioral issues. To take advantage of this free service, simply call (617) 226-5666, or email [email protected].

ARL also offers dog training courses that range from puppy kindergarten to advanced training for older dogs, as well as enrichment courses just for fun! For more information, visit arlboston.org/dog-training

Training is a special journey for us and our pets, and the end result is a happy and thriving animal, and a bond that will remain for a lifetime.

Dr. Edward Schettino is the President and CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and has a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.