Train a Dog to Behave

• Step 1 Find your dog's button

  What is your dog’s favorite treat? A stick? Squeak toy? Peanut-butter-flavored dog biscuits? Figure out what gets your dog’s attention. Offer it, and he'll do just about anything for you.

• Step 2 House train

  Feed your dog small meals at the same time every day and follow each meal with a trip outside (or to his paper, if you're paper training). Load your dog with praise and treats when he performs his duty in the right place.

  For a dog that has frequent accidents, visit your vet to see whether the cause is medical.

  One way to help ensure success is crate training. When you can’t supervise your dog, let him safely relax in his dog crate.

• Step 3 Teach your dog to stay down

  Your neighbor may love your dog, but she probably doesn’t love muddy paw prints on her blouse. To train a dog to stay down, lift your knee into his chest when he jumps on you and say “Down!” in a strong voice. Tell your neighbor to do the same. Don't worry if he falls over backwards — he’ll get right back up on his feet.

  Repeat this trick a few times, and he'll stop this annoying and potentially dangerous habit.

• Step 4 Stop destructive chewing

  When your dog chews something inappropriate, it’s usually the human’s fault for leaving the dog unsupervised, skipping his walk or leaving tempting items out. Here's how to set him up for success:

  • Keep your floors clear of electrical cords, shoes, stuffed animals and other temptations.
  • Keep closet doors closed.
  • If your dog has a history of chewing and you'll be gone for much of the day, put him in his dog crate.
  • Exercise your dog as much as possible — a tired dog gets into less trouble.
  • Stock up on good chew toys and reward your pooch for making good choices.
  • Instead of punishing the dog, redirect him to an irresistible chew toy like a KONG® Toy filled with peanut butter or a durable chew toy like a Nylabone.

  Remember to heap on the praise when he chews the right things.

• Step 5 Reclaim control of the leash

  It’s embarrassing (and potentially hazardous) when your dog drags you around the neighborhood while on a walk. To train a dog to walk by your side, ditch those flexi-leashes that let the dog go wherever he wants. Instead, outfit your dog with a snug (not tight) choke chain (the Gentle Leader headcollar or Halti headcollar also works wonders) and a 6-foot leash. Let him walk ahead the full length of the leash and then reverse direction quickly. When he returns to your side and gives you his attention, lavish him with praise and reward. Repeat until your dog consistently walks at your side, waiting to catch your next move.

• Step 6 Stop food snatching

  A dog that steals food can ruin meals and scare children. To train a dog that likes to snatch food, plan a sting operation.

  First, load an empty aluminum can with about 50 pennies and seal the opening with plenty of heavy duty tape.

  When you and the dog are home alone, leave bread or antther tempting people-food morsel on the kitchen floor. Hide where you can see the bread, but the dog can’t see you. When the dog wanders in and thinks about eating the bread, shake the penny can like crazy. Repeat a few times for a day or two. Next time, he'll think twice about taking food off the floor for fear of that awful noise. Keep the penny can handy at all times.

  For more advanced penny can operations, get a volunteer to sit in a chair with some food in her hands. As before, hide out of sight with the penny can ready. When the dog approaches the food, shake the penny can. With some practice, your dog will soon give up his food-snatching habits.

• Step 7 Teach "Off!"

  Train a dog to take treats with good manners by teaching him the “off” command. Put 10 to 15 small pieces if his favorite treat in a bag. Show him a treat in your hand. When he sniffs or licks at it, keep your hand where it is and say “Off!” It’s important that you don’t pull your hand away. As soon as he backs off to a polite distance, give him the treat and say “Good off!”

  Repeat until the treats are gone. Practice for ten minutes a day until he gets it. Remember: don't move your hand away and don't give the treat until he backs off.

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