Continuing Canine Education: 5 Ways to Keep Teaching Adult Dogs

Training is about more than teaching your dog that they go to the bathroom outside, and impressing people when they extend a paw after you say “shake”—it’s the cornerstone of a harmonious relationship between human and dog. Learning new skills can be fun for your best friend and solidify your bond, because doing so involves lots of tasty treats that come from you. And, in many cases, training will help keep dogs happy and safe. As such, here are five articles about ways you can keep teaching a dog well past puppyhood.

Snappy Comeback: Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called
Recall—dependably returning to you when asked—is one of the most valuable skills you can teach any dog, even if you don’t plan to let them roam off leash outdoors. Here are some tips on how to get your dog to come running (almost) every time.

How to Teach Your Dog to “Leave It”
Dogs may be tempted by all sorts of stuff they find out in the world—food, debris, even other pups. If you want them to keep moving, you’ll need to make it worth their while.

Why, and How, to Teach Your Dog to “Drop It”
Sometimes a dog gets ahold of something they shouldn’t have—but if you train them ahead of time, there’s a good chance you can convince them to let go of it because they think you’ll give them something better.

How to Have Better Walks With a Leash-Reactive Dog
Reactivity can make walks tough on dogs and their people. Here’s how to achieve happier strolls together.

So You Want to Start Your Dog at Agility
A sport like agility can be a great way to keep your pup’s body and mind active. We talked to a champion handler for tips on getting started.