Just like humans, dogs never stop learning. So whether your pup is 6 months old or 16 years old, it’s never too late or too early for them to learn something new. Training your dog is an important part of keeping them safe and healthy, especially in Montana.
Along with building trust, training is a way to make sure that your dog knows your voice and knows when to listen. Training your dog to obey your voice commands could even save their life! Wild animals are extremely unpredictable, and in Montana, the chances that your dog will have some encounters with wildlife are higher.
Training Keeps Dogs Safe from Montana Wildlife
Grizzlies, elk, mountain lions, wolves, and many other dangerous animals are all a part of our beautiful state. While seeing them from a distance is always majestic, a close encounter with wildlife in Montana can be a death sentence for untrained dogs. Getting too close to a snake, bear, or moose can land your furry friend with injuries, or even land you with fines.
Fast rivers, steep cliffs, and rugged landscapes make Montana one of the best states for hiking and spending time in nature. But those same beautiful features can be dangerous for dogs who are ill trained. If you go on a hike, keeping your dog in sight and under voice control—or on a leash—is the best way to keep them safe from mother nature as well as wild animals.
Training Tips for Dogs in Montana
There’s a lot more to dog training than sit and stay. You can teach your dog to follow at your heels or to return to your side if they hear a loud noise. One of the most effective ways to train your dog is by using positive reinforcement like praise, treats, or toys to reward them when they do the right thing.
Here are some training tips that will help your dog stay safe, whether you’re at home, at the vet, or out exploring Montana.
Loud Noise Training
Every time there is a loud noise, offer your dog a tasty treat. That way, when they hear a loud noise they know that they should head back to you. Noise training will help keep your dog nearby if a fire alarm goes off in your home, or if you hear the crack of a gun or the bugling of an elk while hiking.
Leave It
Being able to leave something alone is a useful skill for every dog to learn. It can keep them away from dangerous foods that fall to the floor, or even protect your child’s favorite stuffy. And when you’re out on a walk or a hike, a “leave it” command can keep your dog from eating excrement, (Yuck!!) rolling in a rotten carcass, or harassing wildlife.
Lay down
Dropping down on the floor can be more than just a fun party trick. It can also be helpful if you need your dog to get down quickly, like when they are running toward a street.
Follow
Teaching your dog to “heel” or “follow” is very helpful when climbing through difficult terrain, or when passing others on sidewalks and trails.
Touch Training
Training your dog to tolerate touches on their paws, legs, and face is also important. If your dog is ever injured, touch training will make it easier for you to apply first aid and for your veterinarian to give them a thorough examination.
Dental Pain Can Keep an Old Dog from Learning New Tricks
As dogs age, they become more likely to develop dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. But decaying teeth can cause pain to surge through your dog’s mouth, and they also lead to infections that could spread to other parts of your pet’s body. If you notice that your dog refuses to listen, lashes out, or is not acting normally, they could be in pain.
Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery offers the best dental care for dogs in the entire state. Our convenient location in Bozeman makes it easy to get top-notch veterinary dental care. Contact us today to schedule an exam and teeth cleaning for your pet.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/19/23). Photo by Reed Shepherd on Unsplash.