Pete the Vet: What are the ten essential skills to teach dogs?

A well trained dog is a joy to have in your life: make sure your new best friend has mastered the essentials.

What are the essential skills that dogs need to learn for them to become relaxed, easy, companions?

With the ending of COVID lockdowns, animal rescue groups are reporting a surge in the number of dogs being surrendered for rehoming: around eight unwanted dogs were brought to Dogs Trust every day during June and July. People who acquired small cuddly puppies when they were working from home have discovered the challenge of having a bouncy adolescent dog, especially when they have to go out to work. Issues like excessive barking, chewing random objects around the home, and jumping up on visitors can make people fall out of love with their new canine companions. What can be done to prevent this? What are the essential skills that dogs need to learn for them to become relaxed, easy, companions?

Traditionally, there are three key canine skills: