Train Your New Dog

One of the basic commands your dog needs to know is how to stay. It is usually the second command that is taught, after the sit command has been mastered. Training your new dog to stay is straightforward but may take longer to learn than the sit command.

Find a quiet, secure place to train. If you are training outside, keep your dogs collar on and use a long leash so they can’t get away.

The stay command can be taught with your dog sitting, lying down or standing. To begin with work on the position which they are most comfortable with, this is often sitting.

1. Ask your dog to sit and wait until he is settled and focused.

2. Stand to the right of your dog, (this is where you would be if out walking), put your left hand just in front of their nose, palm towards them, and say “stay”.

3. Take one step forward with your right foot, then turn to face your dog.

4. Wait about 5 seconds and then step back to your dog, standing beside them. You can repeat the command “stay” during the 5 seconds if you need to. If your dog moves, say nothing, just return to them, have them sit and start the exercise again. Give a treat when you return to your dog so long as he has not moved.

5. Say your release word (e.g. OK, done or finished), allow your dog to get up, and then praise him (do not give a treat so they do not get confused and think the treat is for getting up).

Repeat the exercise several times, limiting sessions to no more than 15 minutes. When your dog is staying reliably, then gradually challenge them by increasing first the time, then distance between you. Finally add distractions such as walking other dogs past or placing a favorite toy or treat close by. If you find your dog keeps moving, then go back to a distance or time where they stayed reliably and resume training at that point.

Training your new dog stay should be fun for both you and your dog. Long sessions with few rewards quickly become boring and your dog will stop listening and learning. Keep sessions short but frequent and you will succeed.

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Training your new dog to sit should be fun and a positive experience so your dog wants to continue learning. Sessions should be short, lasting no more than 15 minutes and should be undertaken several times a day.

The sit command is very important; being a skill on which more advanced training is based. Sitting when told prevents unwanted behaviors (for example jumping up), improves your relationship with your dog, and reinforces your position as pack leader.

There are different methods of training your new dog to sit. Some people train by holding the collar and pushing the dog into a sitting position. This may work, but may also be a problem if your dog has a painful back or hips. It is also not a positive way to train; luring and capturing are much more positive methods.

When capturing you start informally; if you see your dog sit, say “sit” at the moment they do and give them a reward. Luring is as it sounds, you use something of value that the dog will follow until it achieves the position that you want.

To train the sit:

1. Find a quiet place to train. Have a reward (treats or a toy) close at hand.

2. With your dog standing, hold the treat in front of, and just above their nose and move it up and over their head. As they follow it, they will sit (canine anatomy makes it impossible for them not to sit or lift their front legs when they lift their head up and back). Be careful not to hold the treat too high above the nose or your dog may jump up or back off.

3. At the exact moment the dog sits, say “sit” (so he’ll associate the action with the word) and give him the treat followed by praising in an upbeat manner.

4. Repeat several times but don’t overdo it. Have a break and come back later.

5. As your dog becomes more reliable, train in different areas and with different levels of distraction.

Training your new dog to sit may take some time, especially if they have come from a stressful environment such as a shelter. Be persistent, and reward any progress that is made, even if it is not the complete skill. With perseverance you will succeed and in the process will develop a bond with your dog who will be eager to learn other behaviors.

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Cleaning a dog’s ears is an important part of their care. Dog’s have L shaped ear canals that often accumulate debris and harbor bacteria that can cause an infection. Before starting to clean a dog’s ears you need to check them first. Look for swelling, redness or discharge and make a note any smell. Also record if dog is shaking their head or rubbing their ears.

If you notice anything abnormal you should take your dog to vet before you clean so that the underlying cause can be identified and appropriate treatments prescribed. It is important to wait until your vet has given the okay to clean because if your dog has a perforated ear drum, the cleaner can enter the middle and inner ear which, as well as being painful, can cause deafness and neurological problems.

Cleaning Steps:
1. Take a cotton ball and soak it in an ear cleaning solution formulated for dogs. Place it just into the ear canal and massage the ear canal well for 15-30 seconds, allowing the cleaner to run down the ear canal. Let dog shake head to loosen debris. You may want to do this step outdoors as liquid and waxy debris shaken out of the ear can travel a long way.

2. Using another cotton ball, wrap it round the end of one finger. Use this to remove as much debris as possible without causing bleeding or irritation. Remember to never use Q-Tips in the ear canal, as you risk perforating the ear drum. You can use them to remove debris from the pinna (ear flap).

3. Gently dry the ear with a dry cotton ball and repeat the process on the other ear.

4. Reward your dog when you have finished so that they see ear cleaning as a positive experience.

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