Teaching Patience to your Dog

The truck door opens and the dog bolts from the truck, running across the parking lot onto a busy road, narrowly missed by vehicles or, unfortunately, hit in traffic. Or the front door comes open and the skittish dog bolts out the front, remaining at large for a few weeks, dragging a leash, until she disappears from sightings. These things haunt dog owners.

Proper training can help your dog be happier, better behaved and safely in your control. When you prepare his food insist he sit quietly before feeding him. If you’ve taught him that you always go through the doorway first then teaching him to wait for permission to come out is but another step. Have a routine to riding in the car – and have him either in the seat or behind you. Don’t let the dog crawl in your lap (a danger not only to him and you but to other drivers on the roadway). Use one door to let him in and out of the car and be consistent. Tie him in and don’t allow him to come out unless you tell him to..with him safely tied leave the door open for short periods until charging out is not a thought for him.

When you’re on your walks, stop before crossing the street and have your dog sit. That hesitation can prevent a dog from bolting into traffic. Practice having him calmly sit and stay on the deck while you work out there – have him restrained to make sure he stays!

These things need not be major training ordeals. Have him sit in the doorway for a few commercials while you’re watching television. Have him nearby while you’re working in the garden so he learns to down and relax while you work. With proper training and exercise this is a chance for your dog to just be with you, but also for you to institute control needed to keep him safe. When he’s learned to relax he’s less apt to dart away after a cat or squirrel.

Training on a daily basis results in a safe, obedient pet who is a joy to be with.