“Wait at the Door” Command - How to Train the "Wait at the Door" Command: A Step-by-Step Guide

Teaching your dog to “wait at the door” is essential for their safety and well-being. This command helps prevent door-dashing accidents and ensures your dog behaves calmly around entryways. Watch how this is done with Caesar Milan

How to Teach It:

1. Start Indoors: Leash your dog and approach a closed door.

2. Give the Command: Say “Wait” while holding the leash and standing between your dog and the door.

3. Open the Door Slowly: Begin to open the door. If your dog moves forward, gently close the door and repeat the command.

4. Reward Success: When your dog waits calmly, reward them with praise or a treat.

Practice Regularly: Repetition is key to mastering this behavior. Gradually move to practicing with external doors for real-world application.

Sniff Walk + Parkour Combo 

See why a minute 20 minute "sniffari" is equivalent to a 1 hour walk

What Is a Sniff Walk?

A sniff walk is a leisurely stroll where your dog’s nose leads the way. Unlike a structured walk, the focus here is on scent exploration, giving your dog the freedom to sniff and investigate their surroundings. This activity offers significant mental stimulation and relaxation for your dog.

Key Benefits of Sniff Walks:

• Mental Stimulation: Sniffing engages your dog’s brain, providing enrichment akin to reading for humans.

• Stress Relief: This relaxed style of walking can help calm your dog.

• Encourages Natural Behavior: Dogs explore their world through scent, making this a highly fulfilling activity.

How to Combine Sniff Walks and Parkour

• Choose Your Route: Pick a location where your dog can freely explore scents, such as a quiet park or nature trail. Make sure the path ends at a destination where your dog can safely practice parkour, like a playground or park.

• Parkour Time: At your destination, practice “Under” and “4 Paws On” behaviors using a variety of obstacles. These commands strengthen your dog’s physical skills and confidence.

• Sniff Walk Back: After parkour, let your dog take a relaxing sniff walk back to your starting point.

Pro Tip: Use a long leash to give your dog more freedom during the sniff walk.

Problem-Solving Activity

Engage your dog’s problem-solving skills with this fun and interactive game from the American kennel Club. It’s a great way to strengthen your bond while giving your pup some mental exercise.

How to Play the Ribbon-Treat Game:

1. Prepare the Setup: Tie a ribbon or small rope to a treat and hide it under a low platform or piece of furniture. Ensure it’s far enough back that your dog can’t reach it with their mouth or paw.

2. Encourage Exploration: Show your dog the ribbon and encourage them to investigate.

3. Watch Them Problem-Solve: Let your dog figure out how to tug the ribbon to retrieve the treat.

4. Celebrate: Once they succeed, celebrate with lots of praise and play.

Doggy Massage Learn more doggy massage techniques at PetMD 

Help your dog relax with a calming forehead massage. This simple technique promotes relaxation and can reduce stress for your pup.

How to Give a Forehead Massage:

1. Start at the Nose: Place your thumb gently at the top of your dog’s nose.

2. Apply Gentle Pressure: Slowly run your thumb from the top of the nose, over their head, and toward the back.

3. Repeat: Move back and forth in a slow, calming motion for a few minutes.

4. Monitor Their Reaction: If your dog seems relaxed, continue. If they’re uncomfortable, stop and try again later.