Skip to content

Public Dog Etiquette: Expert-Recommended Tips to Ensure Your Canine Behaves Maturely in Social Situations

Calm down your canine during strolls: Here are some strategies to consider.

Avoid the awkwardness of a poorly-behaved dog in public with these veteran-endorsed tips for...
Avoid the awkwardness of a poorly-behaved dog in public with these veteran-endorsed tips for ensuring your canine companion's composure in public settings.

In the world of dog training, one name that consistently stands out is Melissa Goodman, a certified dog trainer from Mission Pawsitive. Here, we'll share some general tips from Goodman on teaching your dog to settle, a skill that can greatly enhance the life of both dog owners and their furry companions.

Goodman stresses the importance of encouraging calm behavior before setting off on a walk. Wait for your dog to be calm and focused on you before you start your journey. During the walk, she suggests taking short, frequent pauses to reward calm, settled behavior. This not only reinforces the desired behavior but also provides a moment of relaxation for your dog.

Incorporating loose-leash walking techniques is another key aspect of teaching your dog to settle. By minimizing pulling and encouraging your dog to remain relaxed at your side, you're creating an environment that promotes calmness.

Goodman also recommends using settling cues such as “easy” or “settle” and rewarding your dog for responding calmly while walking. This helps your dog associate these words with relaxation and rewards.

As your dog becomes more accustomed to settling, Goodman suggests gradually increasing distractions and reinforcing calm behavior consistently during walks. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise should be used when the dog stays settled.

When it comes to taking your dog out and about, EcoKind Premium Yak Chews are a great choice. These natural, long-lasting dog chews are the best overall in a guide to such chews and come with resealable packaging, making them ideal for taking out and about.

Practicing settling while walking your dog in random, quiet places can help your dog take in their environment, which can have a calming effect. Spontaneous practice in various spots can also help generalize this behavior.

Goodman was able to get a dog named Butters to settle for around five minutes, a significant step in the training process. However, it's important to remember that teaching a dog to settle takes patience, perseverance, and the best dog treats.

For specific tips from Melissa Goodman directly, you may need to check her official resources such as her training videos, website, or social media accounts. An article titled "I tried a 45-minute 'sniffari', and it tired out my border collie more than a two-hour hike!" might also provide insightful information for those hoping to tire their dog out and calm them down.

Lastly, it's worth noting that the article does not offer new advice on training a dog to settle beyond the advice already given. Nor does it provide information on how to calm down a hyper dog beyond the advice already given. However, by following Goodman's tips and maintaining consistency, you're well on your way to teaching your dog the valuable skill of settling.

Read also:

Latest