Dogs are man’s best friends. All of them have different levels of intelligence. They are capable of learning so many things. Some breeds are very smart and can learn many things in a few minutes. Some may take time and patience. With enough training, they can be very useful indoors.
Importantly, all humans should have the perspective that all dogs can be trained. We need to keep in mind that there are no un-trainable dogs. Only trained humans should have the patience to train them. All of us can train our own dogs. We can get information online. But the main quality we should to successfully train our dogs is patience.
Just like humans, dogs have five senses too. They see with a wider angle of view, and they are sharp at noticing movements. This makes them respond better to hand signals when you give them commands. In terms of hearing dogs can hear four times further away than humans do. Their ears are designed to gather more available sound waves. This makes them very sensitive to noise.
Different dog breeds have different reactions to touch. Some dogs like a good scratch, while some love mild rubbing. While dogs’ sense of taste is very much linked to their sense of smell. Dogs know the taste of delicious food if it smells good. While the most prominent among the 5 senses is their sense of smell.
Based on scientific research, dogs’ sense of smell is 100,000 times more powerful than humans. Give them something to smell. And by using their nose they can easily find similar things inside the room. This is why bomb-sniffing dogs are the most effective canine partners of any bomb squad. With their kind of intelligence and sensitivity, training them should be very easy. In fact, most of them love being trained. And this summer season is the best time to teach your dogs new outdoor tricks.
With full knowledge of their senses, teaching them outdoor activities can be easier. It is also important to observe their behavior and patience. But most of the time going out with your dog will be worth the while.
2 Activities You Can Teach Your Dogs
#1 The Heel Command
This basic command means your dog walks by your side and stays by your side. This means you walk together at the same speed and the same pace. When your dog moves away and you call “heel”, a well-trained dog would go back in the correct line. And this is right beside the owner.
The first thing to teach your dog is to get used to wearing a leash or a collar. And the most effective way to do this is known as the “leash drag”. This is where you put the leash on the dog, and for a few hours or even days let your dog drag it around. It is also important to have your dog’s favorite treat. That every time you call your dog and you see no resistance you instantly give the treat.
Once your dog is already used to wearing the leash, you can now hold the other end of the leash and begin walking with your dog. This time it is suggested that you use another training tool known as the “lure stick”. This is where you put the treat. Keep in mind that you have to hold the leash without pressure. This will help your dog not feel pressure and avoid resistance.
Begin to walk with your dog while following the lure stick with a treat. Then when you suddenly make a turn and your dogs follow, instantly give the treat. Make sure to shower the dog with praise and a good rub. This is to motivate the dog, and he remembers the positive experience of obedience.
Do this repetitively until your dog is used to walking with you at the same pace. Try to remove the leash once in a while to check if your dog still follows. When your dog is well-trained with the heel command, walking your dog outdoors will be a fun experience.
#2 Water Training
Do not mistake this training for teaching dogs to swim. Most dogs naturally know how to swim. Only a few breeds are not natural swimmers. More information is available online.
This training is to teach dogs where the exits of a pool are. Some tools that will be useful for this training are the dog bowl, some pet treats, a leash, and a harness. Next is to identify the pool’s exit. This exit is usually made of steps, an area where the dog can easily exit the pool.
Next is to put the bowl right on the pool exit. Then put some treats in the bowl, let your dog enjoy a few treats, so he gets familiar as to where to go when he needs to exit. If you are in the process of building a pool in your house, it is good to request your trusted pool builders to create multiple exits for the safety of your dog.
The next step is to let your dog smell the treat, then show that you put it in the bowl. Put the dog in the pool just 2 feet away from the water. Then watch the door reach the exit and into the bowl. Do this repeatedly and increase the distance your dog swims away from the exit. Soon you will notice that your dog is safe to swim in the pool with you.
Keep in mind that if dogs are good pets indoors, wait until you are able to train them outdoors. They are naturally outdoor animals. Not only can you get them some needed exercise, but they will also protect you from possible harm. Summer will be a good bonding time for you and your dog.
