Fido Getting Feisty? Here Are 8 Dog Training Tips You Need To Know

Occasional bad behavior is common in all dogs, regardless of breed or age. Whether your new puppy won’t stop chewing on the furniture or your older pup still hasn’t learned how to heel on walks, hiring a trainer could be the solution you need.

With Thumbtack — a popular app that connects people to top-rated local professionals — you can easily find hundreds of recommended trainers in your area that can help correct your pup’s unwanted behavior. In addition to hiring a professional, you can take steps to start treating behavioral problems at home with these eight easy dog-training tips.

Related: How much does it cost to hire a dog trainer?

1. Go For Walks

Taking a walk with your dog provides great benefits for you both. Walking has been proven to help lower blood pressure, increase cardiovascular health, and support mental health. Daily walks help alleviate boredom and give your energetic dog a healthy outlet to run and explore. If you’re away from home for more than a few hours at a time — whether you’re at work or running errands — consider hiring a dog walker to make sure your dog gets enough exercise and time outdoors.

Walking is also a great way to train your pup. It gives you the opportunity to practice leash training, an important habit to help dogs stay safe when out for walks. Bring treats along to encourage your dog to heel and stop pulling on the leash.

Related: How much does it cost to hire a dog walker?

2. Change Your Dog’s Diet

If you’ve noticed any changes in your dog’s behavior, their diet may be the culprit. There are numerous behavioral issues linked to food, including over or undereating, chewing on furniture, and eating things that they shouldn’t be eating — whether it’s human food they stole off the counter or an object like a sneaker. You may also notice your pet gaining or losing weight.

Consult with your veterinarian to see if they recommend changing your pet’s eating habits. Switching up their food, feeding them at different times of the day or changing the location of where they eat may alert you to an allergy, alleviate a dog’s upset stomach or help them gain or lose the weight they need. Always follow the instructions of your dog’s vet and be sure to report any improvement or regression.

3. Listen And Observe Body Language

Listening to your dog can be one of the most effective ways to curb bad behavior. Dogs can’t communicate as humans can, but they can speak to us through their body language. While every dog is different, there are a few universal signs of stress, such as dilated pupils or heavy panting, whereas happy dogs will have soft eyes with relaxed eyelids, and some may even smile.

Learn your dog’s body language to know when they’re feeling anxious, scared, excited, or upset. If you notice them showing signs of this behavior, try removing them from the stressful situation and giving them space.

Consult with your veterinarian to see what they recommend. Ask about products like CBD-infused dog treats for pups that experience anxiety frequently and use only as instructed.

4. Give Lots Of Affection And Love

Consider scheduling blocks of time with your pup so they consistently feel loved and cared for. If you don’t work from home, you can hire a dog sitter or get a remote treat dispenser and camera so that they receive affection even when you’re not physically present.

The more they receive positive reinforcement for a desired behavior, the more likely they’ll perform the desired behavior. Hiring a dog trainer can help with consistent training and reinforcement.

5. Keep Commands Consistent

Consistently training your dog and using the same commands will help them learn behavioral expectations. The key, however, is consistency. Giving your dog a command twice in one day and four times in another will not help them establish a pattern. It’s also good to combine verbal and non-verbal commands so that your pup can match the words you say with a visual gesture.

6. Proactively Socialize Your Dog

One of the most important training tips is to socialize your dog, ideally when they are young. Without proper socialization, dogs can develop life-long behavioral problems, which can also negatively affect their mental health.

Dogs can be socialized by exposing them to human touch. Introducing them to new environments and allowing them to play with other dogs will also help acclimate them and make them friendlier. Doggy daycares, which are typically pet boarding facilities that allow shorter stays, can be a great option. With proper supervision from the daycare staff, your dog will have a safe environment to interact and play with other dogs.

Related: How much does doggy daycare cost?

Older dogs can be socialized, too, though you’ll want to do it safely with the help of a professional dog trainer. This individual can help you learn the proper techniques for encouraging socialization and understand what to do when your dog encounters another one out in the world.

7. Use High-Value Treats Wisely

Dogs learn a lot through positive reinforcement. They appreciate rewards when training, so have treats on hand and give them a lot of verbal praise and petting. According to the American Kennel Club, high-value treats go a long way, so instead of offering your dog their standard treat, try rewarding them with a small piece of cheese or chicken breast. Your pup will appreciate the delicious reward and be more inclined to repeat the desired behavior.

8. Praise Your Dog When They Come To You

When training your dog, they may come to you unprompted. While it may be frustrating during the training process to see your pup come without you calling them, the American Kennel Club emphasizes how important it is to praise them anyway.

No matter what the dog did before coming to you — whether they ran away or misbehaved — show them that you’re happy to see them again. When they get close to you, say their name in a happy tone and give them pets or treats. This can help you establish a more trusting relationship between you and your pet.

If you want to train your dog the right way, Thumbtack can help. Use the app to search for local service providers in your area, including professional dog trainers, dog walkers, pet sitters and more. You can read reviews from other Thumbtack users, compare rates and easily book your chosen provider through the app.

Want to instill good habits in your pooch? Find a top-rated local dog trainer on Thumbtack.

*A note about project costs linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.