Beyond House Training – Life with Fido

by guest blogger Susan Henson

Have you ever met someone walking their dog or have been a guest at someone’s home and you ask if their dog has been trained?  How many of you have gotten the answer, “sure, he is” he never messes in the house!

If you are reading this blog I’m pretty sure you know that there is more to training a dog than housebreaking.  Having your dog as a welcome companion in your daily life takes a little more effort and consistency on your part to teach your dog manners.

Basic foundation training is the basic training for a dog who is a pleasure to be with. As foundation training I mean basic tasks, such as sit, down, stay, leave it, come when called and wait. These basic skills can keep your dog from eating the garbage, licking the dishwasher, getting hit by a car etc.  Only your imagination can put limits on what your dog can learn.

I used to have a nightmare that I was traveling with one of my dogs and I stopped at a truck stop on the interstate.  I opened the tailgate to let the dog out of his crate and when I did, you guessed it, he bolted.  Thank goodness it was only a dream (nightmare).  If your dog understands “wait” this would not happen.

Not wanting to be boring, I can’t stress the importance of foundation training enough.  It is important to train at different locations, different circumstances and most importantly throughout the dog’s life.  Yes, his or her whole life.  A quick brush up is all it takes.  A refresher class for you and your dog is a good idea.  Keep it fun, short and positive.  If you are cranky wait for another time or day.  Train with a buddy, human and or human and dog.  Involve the family.  Let your imagination run wild.  After all you brought your dog into your life to share and enrich your life and your family’s life.  A well mannered dog is a dog who is welcome wherever he is allowed access to go.