Command for Preventing Canine Counter-Surfing and Greeting Jumps on Visitors
Teaching Your Dog the "Go to Bed" Command: A Helpful Training Technique
Sherry Nativo, a certified professional dog trainer from All About Training Dogs, has shared a useful training technique for teaching dogs to go to their bed and stay. This command is not only beneficial for managing common dog behavior problems but also for promoting calmness and impulse control in your furry friend.
The "Go to bed" command is a simple yet effective training cue that instructs the dog to move to and stay on a designated bed, mat, or place. To teach this command, Nativo suggests choosing a comfortable dog bed, setting a consistent verbal cue like "go to bed" or "on your bed," and rewarding the dog with treats or toys when they comply.
This command can help address several common dog behavior issues. For instance, teaching a dog to go to its bed can reduce the chances of counter surfing or begging for food during mealtime. By sending the dog to their bed, you redirect their attention away from the dining area and decrease the likelihood of them jumping up or begging.
Moreover, the "go to bed" command can be used to prevent jumping up at guests. By sending the dog to their bed when guests arrive, you encourage calm, controlled behavior and prevent jumping up, which can be bothersome for visitors.
Another benefit of this command is that it helps in addressing demand barking. When a dog is told to go to their bed and stay there calmly, it reduces attention-seeking barking because the dog's focus shifts to the mat rather than to the source of excitement.
The "go to bed" command also aids in teaching impulse control and helps the dog settle in one spot for a duration, which naturally promotes calmness. This can be particularly helpful for dogs who are fearful of strangers, as having a safe, designated space controlled by the dog (their bed) can help reduce anxiety during unfamiliar situations, giving them a place to retreat and feel secure.
The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, available in various sizes and colors, can be a useful tool in helping your dog calm down or relax, as well as in managing fearful behavior towards strangers. This dog bed, featuring high-density egg crate foam and a four-sided bolster design for support, can help support your dog's head, neck, and joints, providing comfort and aiding in relaxation.
In Nativo's demonstration, a puppy who is learning to stay in his bed during dinner is used as an example. The puppy needs to be lying in the bed, not sitting, according to Nativo. The trainer sits at the dinner table while the dog is in his bed, still tossing him treats as he stays lying down. This consistent practice and positive reinforcement are key to effective training.
In conclusion, teaching your dog the "go to bed" command is a foundational behavior cue that encourages calmness, impulse control, and reduces undesirable behaviors by providing the dog with clear boundaries and a place to relax. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, this command can help transform your dog's behavior, making both you and your furry friend happier and more comfortable at home.
- Sherry Nativo, a certified pet trainer, suggests teaching dogs the "go to bed" command using treats, toys, and a comfortable pet bed.
- The "go to bed" command can help in managing dog behavior problems like counter surfing, begging, jumping up at guests, demand barking, and fearful behavior.
- Another benefit of the "go to bed" command is that it helps teach impulse control and promotes calmness in dogs, especially fearful ones.
- The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, available in various sizes and colors, can provide comfort to dogs and aid in relaxation, making it a useful tool in teaching the "go to bed" command.
- Consistent practice and positive reinforcement are crucial in effectively training dogs to follow the "go to bed" command, improving their behavior and increasing the bond between owner and pet.
