Imagine: You’re sitting outdoors, enjoying a cup of coffee or a beer with your friends. The conversation is flowing, you’re having a good time, your friends are having a good time. And your dog is lying quietly and politely under the table – no leash pulling, no barking, no begging, just politely waiting until you’re done.
Not all dogs can do this yet, and that’s okay! The above scenario takes more than one skill, and for some dogs it can take some time. Today, I’ll cover some of those skills!
Skill #1: The Settle
Why it matters: The Settle helps your dog learn how to relax and be calm in every situation!
How to teach The Settle: I actually have a blog post written up on this exact thing! Go read HELP! My Dog Will Not Settle Down! to get more help on teaching the Settle! Another great video is “The Calm Settle” by Emily Larlham (AKA Dog Training By Kikopup) on YouTube.
Skill #2: Polite Leash Manners (Even Under the Table)
Why it matters: Tangles, tripping hazards, and leash reactivity can all ruin the vibe.
How to teach Leash Skills: I like to start very simply by teaching three main skills – Attention Game, Walk With Me, and Respond to Leash Pressure. Here are videos of me showing how to teach the Attention Game, Walk With Me, and Respond to Leash Pressure! I also have blog posts: My Dog is Dragging Me Everywhere and Give In! To Leash Pressure! that go over loose leash skills as well!
If your dog is reactive or barks at other dogs or people, I recommend seeking a professional to help you work on that FIRST, so you don’t accidentally throw your dog into a situation he’s not ready for yet.
Skill #3: Ignore Food and Strangers
Why it matters: Patios = tempting smells + people reaching to say hi. You want your dog to be able to completely ignore those temptations!
How to teach Automatic Leave Its: An Automatic Leave It is exactly that – a Leave It that doesn’t need any verbal cues – the presence of the thing IS the cue to Leave It. There are quite a few ways to teach Leave It effectively – my favorites are Emily Larlham’s Safety Leave It and Leave It From Trash & Food and Susan Garrett’s ItsYerChoice!
Skill #4: Comfortable Around Other Dogs and People
Why it matters: People and dogs will be there, and your dog needs to feel safe and comfortable around them.
How to teach Comfortability: This is a little dog-dependent, but there’s a lot that you can do to help. #1 is proper socialization – not throwing your dog into daycare or a dog park and letting them “figure it out” but rather controlled, safe, and pleasant experiences with safe dogs and people. Adding settles and impulse control exercises helps as well!
If your dog is reactive, aggressive, or doesn’t really like other dogs or people, please seek help from a professional before attempting to bring them to dog-friendly spaces.
Skill #5: Solid Recall (Just in Case)
Why it matters: Dogs are dogs, not robots. There may be a moment where your dog loses their brain for a second and forgets to control their impulses. It’s important to be able to get them back immediately so your dog doesn’t get hurt, or accidentally hurt someone else.
How to teach Recall: Recall (or “Come When Called”) is pretty simple to teach, but it requires a lot of patience and training to be totally solid. I like to start with something called the Name Game (say your dog’s name, give them a tasty treat, over and over again) and build on that. I also play the Attention Game (linked under Leash Skills above) and add my Recall word once the dog is getting really good. Playing Hide n’ Seek indoors and outdoors can be another great way to make Recall a lot of fun – which means your dog is more likely to listen!
BONUS: Just Have Fun!
The best training happens when you’re having fun with your dog – mistakes and all. If you treat it like a drill, you’re both going to be disappointed and dissatisfied.
Remember, if you ever need help, Espresso Dog Training has got you!
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