5 dog training tips all dog parents should know

Training your dog may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

According to Mark Siebel, owner, Doggie Steps Dog Training, you can start with 5 easy training tips that every dog owner should know.

Siebel says every dog naturally has a high energy drive, since they are descendents of Grey Wolves, he goes on to say, there are a variety of ways to bring “calmness” and reduce that high-energy-drive in your dog.


Sit
Sit is the "home base" command for a dog to bring calmness and control. To do this, Siebel says show your dog the treat, and stand with your hands held together in front of you at your waist. Then treat your dog with a flat hand.


Preventing jumping
If your dog is a jumper, Siebel says don’t give them the karate chop, instead turn your hip toward the dog. This is the same behavior dogs will do to each other in packs to show which dog is the alpha. Turn your hip to the dog so it slides between your leg, and then show affection.


Down and stay
Stay will help to create boundaries with your dog at the front door, kitchen, and street Siebel says combining down and stay is basically a time out for your dog. If they are acting up, you will want to calm them down with this command.


Stop or Halt
Certain words/commands to be used are: "zip it", settle, calm, relax. Siebel says, when used in the proper context, your dog will learn to turn their energy “off”, reduce their desire to stalk prey, and be more calm.


Begging
To keep your dog from begging at dinner time, Siebel suggests giving them something to keep them busy. Try a Kong filled with a treat, or another type of treat, Siebel says after a while when the dog smells dinner they will automatically go to that treat.


Doggie Steps Dog Trainings methods are strictly voice and posture with the use of no choke chains, prong collars, or correction "shock" collars.  Siebel teaches his customers how to interact with their dogs as if they were actually a part of the dog pack! He also shows his customers how to “think” like a dog, and what actions dogs would use in a dog pack to bring harmony to the pack.