Having a well-mannered dog is an important aspect of responsible dog ownership. Not only does it make your dog a pleasure to be around, but it also ensures that your furry friend can comfortably adapt to a variety of social situations.
Teaching your dog good manners will not only improve your bond with them, but it will also make them a welcome companion when you're out and about.
Manners are an essential part of a dog's education, and they go beyond just sitting and staying. Good manners include polite greetings, respectful behavior around people and other dogs, and responding appropriately to everyday situations.
In this article, we'll cover a range of manners that you can teach your dog, from the basic to the more advanced, and provide tips on how to handle common rude behaviors.
So, whether you have a new puppy or an older dog who needs a refresher, read on for a comprehensive guide to teaching your dog manners.
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| Guide to Teaching Your Dog Manners |
Understanding Dog Language and Communication
To teach your dog manners, it's important to first understand how dogs communicate. Dogs have their own unique language, and by interpreting their body language and behavior, we can better understand what they are trying to tell us.
Body Language
A dog's body language is a key indicator of their emotional state and intentions. For example:
- A relaxed, wiggly body with a loose mouth and a soft gaze suggests your dog is happy and comfortable.
- A stiff body, hard stare, and still tail suggest your dog is focused and may be feeling anxious or unsure.
- A lowered body with ears back and tail tucked indicates fear or submission.
By understanding these subtle cues, you can better read your dog's reactions and respond appropriately to encourage good manners.
Vocalizations
Dogs also use a variety of vocalizations to communicate. From the obvious barks and growls to whines and howls, each sound has a different meaning. For example:
- A single bark may be a warning or an alert, while continuous barking may indicate excitement or frustration.
- Growls can indicate discomfort, fear, or aggression, depending on the context and accompanying body language.
- Whining is often a sign of seeking attention or expressing frustration, while howling can be a response to high-pitched sounds or a way for your dog to express loneliness or boredom.
Interpreting these vocalizations correctly will help you identify what your dog is trying to tell you, allowing you to address any issues and encourage polite behavior.
Scent and Body Contact
Dogs also communicate through scent and body contact. They have scent glands all over their bodies, and they use their sense of smell to gain information about their environment and other dogs. Sniffing is a dog's way of saying hello and gathering information.
Additionally, dogs will often touch or lean on people or other dogs as a form of communication. For example, a dog may nudge your hand to ask for attention or lean on you for comfort. Understanding these subtle forms of communication will help you better interpret your dog's behavior and needs.
Basic Manners: The Foundation for Good Behavior
There are several basic manners that all dogs should learn. These foundational behaviors will set the tone for your dog's overall manners and make more advanced manners easier to teach.
Sit
"Sit" is one of the most basic commands and an excellent default behavior to teach your dog. It's a calm and polite position for your dog to be in and can be used in a variety of situations, such as when greeting people or waiting for their dinner.
To teach your dog to sit, start with a treat in your hand and hold it just above their nose. Let them sniff it, and as they do, slowly raise the treat upwards, causing their head to follow.
As their head goes up, their bottom will naturally lower, and they will sit. As soon as they do, say "yes" or click (if you are using a clicker), and give them the treat. Repeat this process, gradually phasing out the treat once they have mastered the command.
Down
"Down" is another important command, teaching your dog to relax and be calm. It's a great behavior to use when you want your dog to settle, such as when you're eating dinner or watching a movie.
Start by getting your dog in the "sit" position. Then, hold a treat in your closed hand and lower it to the floor just in front of your dog's nose.
Let them sniff and lick your hand, and when they lie down, say "yes" or click and give them the treat. As with "sit," gradually phase out the treat once they have mastered the command.
Stay
"Stay" is a crucial command for your dog's safety and manners. It teaches them to remain in one place until released, which is especially important in situations where they need to be calm and still, such as when guests arrive or when you're out in public.
Begin with your dog in either a "sit" or " "down" position. Then, open the palm of your hand towards them and say "stay." Take a step back and pause. If they hold their position, reward them with a treat.
If they get up, simply say "oops" and try again, taking a smaller step back this time. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the "stay" as your dog improves.
Come
Recall is an important skill for your dog to learn, and it can be a matter of safety. Teaching your dog to come when called will ensure they return to you when needed, rather than running off or ignoring your calls.
Start by putting a leash and collar on your dog and kneeling a few feet away from them. Call their name and say "come" in an excited, happy tone. When they come to you, reward them with lots of praise and a treat. Gradually increase the distance and add distractions to make the command more challenging.
Polite Greetings: No More Jumping or Mouthing
One of the most common complaints about dogs is that they jump up on people or mouth at hands during greetings. While this behavior may be excusable in a puppy, it's not polite for a full-grown dog. Teaching your dog how to greet people politely is an important part of their manners training.
No Jumping
To teach your dog not to jump up:
- Ignore the behavior. When your dog jumps up, turn your back to them and fold your arms. By removing your attention, you're removing the reward for the behavior.
- Reward four paws on the floor. When your dog has all four paws on the ground, praise them and give them attention. This teaches them that keeping their paws on the floor results in the attention they crave.
- Practice sits for greetings. Teach your dog to sit when people approach by asking them to "sit" before you greet them. This will help them learn that sitting is the expected behavior when meeting someone new.
No Mouthing
Mouthing, or gently biting at hands, is another common greeting behavior that needs to be discouraged. Here's how to teach your dog to greet people without mouthing:
- Yell "ouch" and ignore. When your dog mouths at your hand, let out a high-pitched "ouch" to startle them and then ignore them for a few seconds. This teaches them that mouthing results in the loss of your attention.
- Redirect to a toy. If your dog is mouthy, offer them a toy to chew on instead. This will help satisfy their chewing needs while teaching them what is appropriate to bite.
- Encourage calm behavior. Reward your dog for calm behavior, such as sitting or lying down, with treats and praise. This will help them learn that calm behavior gets them the attention they want.
Advanced Manners: Taking it to the Next Level
Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can start to teach them some more advanced manners. These behaviors will not only impress your friends and family, but they'll also make your dog a pleasure to take out in public.
Leave It
"Leave it" is a command that teaches your dog to ignore something that they might otherwise want to investigate or eat. It's a useful behavior to prevent your dog from picking up something harmful or eating something they shouldn't.
To teach "leave it," place a treat in your closed hand and hold it out to your dog. When they try to get to the treat, say "leave it." As soon as they look away or back off, reward them with a treat from your other hand. Gradually increase the difficulty by trying the command with different objects and in different environments.
Heel
Heeling is an important skill for walking your dog on a leash. It teaches them to walk calmly by your side, rather than pulling or lagging behind.
Start by holding a treat in your closed hand at your side. Begin walking, and when your dog matches your pace and is walking nicely by your side, say "heel" and give them the treat.
If they start to pull or lag, simply stop and wait for them to return to your side before continuing. With practice, your dog will learn that they only get treats and praise when they are walking nicely by your side.
See also: Boost Your Dog's Learning with Target Training
Quiet
Teaching your dog to be "quiet" on command is especially useful if you have a barker. This command will help them learn to control their barking and only do so when necessary.
Wait for a moment when your dog is barking, and then hold a treat in front of their nose. When they stop barking to sniff the treat, praise them and give them the treat. Repeat this process, adding the "quiet" command just before you give them the treat. With time, your dog will associate the command with stopping their barking.
Take It and Drop It
These two commands go hand in hand and are useful for teaching your dog polite behavior around food and toys. "Take it" teaches your dog to gently take something from your hand, while "drop it" teaches them to release an object on command.
To teach "take it," simply hold a treat in your hand and offer it to your dog, saying "take it" as they take it gently from you. For "drop it," start with a low-value treat in your dog's mouth.
Hold a higher-value treat in front of their nose and say "drop it." When they drop the first treat, praise them and give them the second treat. With practice, you can start to add in a "take it" after they "drop it" to create a polite exchange.
Common Rude Behaviors and How to Handle Them
Even the best-mannered dogs will occasionally display rude behaviors. It's important to understand why these behaviors occur and how to handle them appropriately. Here are some of the most common rude behaviors and tips for addressing them:
Begging for Food
Begging for food is a common issue, and it's often unintentionally encouraged by owners who give in to those pleading eyes. To stop begging:
- Feed your dog before you eat. This will help ensure they're not hungry and are less likely to beg.
- Ignore the behavior. Don't make eye contact or give in to their pleas. Only give them attention when they are calm and quiet.
- Teach an alternative behavior. Ask your dog to go to their bed or a specific spot during mealtimes and reward them for staying there.
Stealing Food
Some dogs take begging a step further and steal food right off counters or tables. To prevent this:
- Never leave food unattended. If your dog gets a successful steal, they're more likely to do it again.
- Teach "leave it" and "drop it." These commands will help you prevent and address stealing behavior.
- Use deterrents. Place items on the edge of counters that will fall and startle your dog if they try to steal food.
Barking at Guests
Barking at the doorbell or guests is a common issue, and it can be a challenge to address. To reduce this behavior:
- Desensitize them to the doorbell. Ring the doorbell yourself and reward your dog for calm behavior. Gradually open the door a little each time they remain calm.
- Teach a "quiet" command. As mentioned earlier, teaching "quiet" will help you address barking when it occurs.
- Greet guests calmly. Ask guests to ignore your dog until they are calm and quiet, and then reward your dog for their good behavior.
Pulling on the Leash
Pulling on the leash is not only rude, but it can also be dangerous. To address this:
- Use the right equipment. A front-clip harness or head halter can help reduce pulling.
- Practice loose-leash walking. Reward your dog for walking by your side and stop when they pull to teach them that pulling doesn't get them where they want to go.
- Increase mental stimulation. Make sure your dog is getting enough mental exercise, as pulling can be a result of pent-up energy or frustration.
Jumping on Furniture
If your dog jumps on furniture without an invitation, there are a few things you can try:
- Teach "off." Use this command to ask your dog to get off the furniture. Reward them with treats when they listen.
- Block access. Use baby gates or other barriers to prevent your dog from accessing furniture when you're not around.
- Provide alternatives. Give your dog their own comfortable bed or spot to relax, and reward them for using it.
Consistency, Patience, and Positive Reinforcement
Teaching your dog manners requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Dogs thrive on routine, so aim to practice their manners training at the same time every day. Be patient with your dog, as some manners may take longer to learn than others.
Always use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Reward your dog with treats, praise, and attention when they display good manners. This will help them understand what behaviors are expected of them and motivate them to repeat those behaviors.
Avoid punishment or scolding your dog, as this can create fear and damage your bond with them. Instead, focus on rewarding the behaviors you want to see and redirecting unwanted behaviors. With consistency and patience, your dog will learn to be a well-mannered member of your family and society.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog manners is an ongoing process that requires dedication and patience. By understanding how dogs communicate and what manners are appropriate for different situations, you can effectively teach your dog how to behave politely.
Remember to start with the basics and build up to more advanced manners as your dog progresses. Always use positive reinforcement and be consistent in your training. With these tools and a good understanding of dog behavior, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a well-mannered canine companion.
So, go ahead and start teaching your dog some new manners today. With the right approach, you'll both be reaping the rewards of better behavior in no