Building a Better Bond: 6 months and older

A basic obedience dog training program typically covers a range of issues and exercises to help your dog become well-behaved and responsive to your commands. Here's an overview of what such a program may include:

**Issues Covered:**

1. House Breaking: Teach your dog where and when to eliminate waste properly.

2. Separation Anxiety: Addressing anxiety when you leave your dog alone.

3. Excessive Barking: Training your dog to bark less on command and in appropriate situations.

4. Biting: Managing and curbing aggressive or nipping behavior.

5. Destructive Chewing: Teach your dog what items are appropriate to chew on.

6. Jumping Up: Discouraging jumping on people or furniture.

7. Hole Digging: Preventing or redirecting digging behavior.

8. Fecal Matter Consumption: Addressing and discouraging this undesirable habit.

9. Other Issues: Any other specific behavioral problems your dog may have.

**Exercises Taught:**

1. Heel: Teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash by your side.

2. Sit-Stay (timed): Training your dog to sit and remain in position until released.

3. Down-Stay (timed): Similar to sit-stay, but with your dog lying down.

4. Come: Teach your dog to come when called, even in distracting situations.

**Training with Distractions:**

Exercises are typically practiced with various distractions to ensure your dog can follow commands in different environments. Distractions may include food, toys, the presence of other dogs, bicycles, traffic, and more.

It's essential to be patient and consistent in your training to achieve the desired results. Many dog owners find professional trainers or training classes beneficial to ensure their dogs learn and generalize these behaviors effectively.