Should Fido Go Back to School?

Summers go by too fast! It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for the kids to go back to school. There’s a good chance that your loyal family dog will be paying close attention as the kids sort through their new school supplies and pack up their book bags. While Fido would probably prefer snacks over homework, he may benefit from going back to school himself. Below, a Tipp City, OH vet discusses continued education for dogs.

In addition to being housebroken, every dog should know the five basic commands, which are Sit , Stay , Heel , Lay Down , and Come . These commands are very important, not just for ‘petiquette’, but for safety reasons as well. Making sure your pup is properly trained can help you keep him from running away, or stop him from approaching a dangerous area. Take a few moments to run Fido through this repertoire. If he doesn’t know and obey these orders, work with him until he masters these basics. Crate training is also beneficial: if your pup isn’t crate trained, you may want to address this.

If Fido passed his test with flying colors, why not teach him some fun tricks? You can go with classics, such as Roll Over , Gimme Paw , or Sing , or try a fun new trick. You can teach your pup to Gimme Five , or show him how to cover his eyes, turn in a circle on command, or even fetch your slippers.

You may be surprised to find out how many useful things our furry friends can learn! Leave It and Drop It are two good examples, and may be particularly helpful if Fido tends to pick things up off the ground. Man’s Best Friend can also be taught to turn lights off and on, which can come in very handy!

If your pooch is a furry bundle of energy, consider doing some agility training with him. You can set up a course in the backyard using tires, ramps, and tunnels. Before starting physical training, ask your vet for recommendations.

If Fido needs some work on his manners, or suffers from anxiety, consult a professional. Proper training can make a world of difference in helping dogs overcome fears or bad habits.

Please contact us, your Tipp City, OH vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs.