FAQs

Basic Obedience & Behavior

  • 1. How do I stop my dog from barking excessively?

    Identify the cause (boredom, anxiety, alert barking, etc.) and address it. Use commands like "quiet" and reward silence. Increase mental and physical stimulation.

  • 2. How can I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash during walks?

    Use a no-pull harness, stop moving when they pull, and reward loose-leash walking. Consistency is key!

  • 3. What’s the best way to house-train my puppy (or adult dog)?

    Set a schedule, take them out frequently, and reward successful potty breaks. Supervise them indoors and use a crate if needed.

  • 4. How do I stop my dog from jumping on people?

    Ignore jumping (no eye contact, no touch), reward calm greetings, and teach an alternative behavior like "sit" for greetings.

  • 5. Why does my dog chew on everything, and how do I stop it?

    Dogs chew due to boredom, teething, or anxiety. Provide appropriate chew toys and redirect them when they chew on something inappropriate.

  • 6. How do I teach my dog basic commands like sit, stay, and come?

    Use positive reinforcement with treats or praise. Keep sessions short and consistent, and practice in different environments.

  • 7. How can I correct bad behaviors without using punishment?

    Redirect unwanted behaviors, reinforce positive ones, and use timeouts if needed. Avoid yelling or physical punishment, as it can create fear.

  • 8. What’s the best way to train a stubborn dog?

    Use high-value rewards, keep training fun and short, and be patient. Some dogs need more repetition than others.

  • 9. How do I stop my dog from digging up my yard?

    Provide a designated digging area, increase exercise, and remove temptations (like buried food or toys).

  • 10. How do I stop my dog from begging for food or stealing from the table?

    Ignore begging, never feed from the table, and teach a strong "place" command or "leave it" cue.

Socialization & Aggression

  • 1. What’s the best way to socialize my dog properly?

    Expose them gradually to new people, dogs, and environments in a positive way. Reward calm behavior and avoid overwhelming situations.

  • 2. How can I prevent my dog from being aggressive toward other dogs or people?

    Identify triggers, use controlled exposure, and reinforce calm behavior. Seek professional help if aggression is severe.

  • 3. What should I do if my dog is fearful or anxious around strangers?

    Allow your dog to observe from a distance, use treats to build positive associations, and never force interactions.

  • 4. How do I help my dog overcome separation anxiety?

    Start with short absences, reward calm departures/returns, and use puzzle toys or calming aids.

  • 5. Why does my dog resource guard (food, toys, etc.), and how do I stop it?

    Teach "trade" and "leave it" commands, hand-feed meals, and avoid taking items by force.

Training Duration & Expectations

  • 1. How long does it take to fully train a dog?

    It depends on the dog and the training goals. Basic obedience can take a few weeks to months, while advanced training may take longer.

  • 2. How many training sessions per week should my dog have?

    Ideally, daily short sessions (5-10 minutes) work best. However, at least 3-5 structured sessions per week can still be effective.

  • 3. How long should each training session be?

    5-15 minutes per session, multiple times a day. Puppies and easily distracted dogs may need shorter sessions.

  • 4. At what age should I start training my puppy, and is it ever too late to train an adult dog?

    Start as early as 8 weeks old. It’s never too late to train an adult dog—older dogs can still learn with consistency and patience!

  • 5. How can I maintain my dog’s training long-term?

    Practice commands daily, incorporate training into walks/play, and reinforce good behavior with rewards.