When it comes to living in our modern world, many things perplex our overworked brains. For instance, if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Did George W. Bush ever own a dictionary? And, of course, the obvious question: when I play fetch with my puppy, why does he fetch the cat’s poop instead of the stick?
While we can’t definitively answer the first two questions (though our guess is yes and probably not), we can help with the cat poop issue. Read on for simple tips to train your pet more efficiently and with less frustration.
Lesson One: You Can’t Lose if You Can’t Fail
Teaching your dog the ins and outs of obedience can sometimes feel like a losing battle. You yell fetch, but he goes for the nearest object you didn’t throw.
When teaching the fetch command—often one of the first tricks attempted by pets and their owners—it’s smart to stack the odds in your favor. When you head to the backyard, eliminate “failure factors.” If other toys are scattered around and you throw a ball, chances are your dog won’t head for the ball. Distractions will derail your pup’s focus every time.
For lesson one, the strategy is simple: you’re more likely to succeed if failure isn’t an option. Keep distractions to a minimum.
Lesson Two: Bribery Works Wonders
When training your pet—or getting your kids to clean their rooms—a little bribery goes a long way. Reward your pet for a job well done. When working on the sit command, slip him a bacon treat for keeping his feet firmly planted. When he retrieves an object, offer a Milk-Bone.
Lesson Three: Be a Blubbering Idiot (We Won’t Tell)
When rewarding your pet, treats and praise go hand in hand. When your pet masters a command or nails a trick you’ve been practicing, shower him with praise. Here’s where things get fun—and a bit silly. A simple pat on the head may not cut it (especially if you’re already very affectionate with your pet).
When we say sing his praises, we mean it. Treat him like a rock star who just walked into a crowd of adoring fans. From repeated pets and “good boy” cheers to belly rubs and “who’s mama’s little baby,” you can’t go wrong, even if you sound completely ridiculous.
Lesson Four: Just Say No
We often wonder where we went wrong when the answer is clearer than we’d like to admit. We let Mr. Fluffkins jump on our legs when we answer the door but scold him when he knocks over our mother-in-law. We allow him to lick macaroni off our plates, then act horrified when he snatches ice cream from a child in the park.
To teach your pet human manners, consistency is key. Just as you wouldn’t expect a four-year-old who stuffs spaghetti up her nose to sit through a four-course meal at the Ritz, you can’t expect your pet to behave properly without clear guidance.
You can still indulge in small luxuries with your pet, but set boundaries. Your poodle can lick the plate—after you offer it. Jumping is fine—when invited with a friendly pat on the knees. While it may be challenging at first, consistency will save you from a world of “I’m sorry” in the future.
