What five commands must every dog be trained to know?

Tuesday, 19 January 2010 14:00

No matter how far owners intend to go with dog training, there are five commands an expert has said all pooches must know.

Behaviour specialist Dayton Vance told the Suffolk News Herald that it was important to teach them "sit, down, stand, stay and come" early.

He said being rigorous in training could even have a long-term positive effect on welfare as there would be fewer creatures in adoption and rescue centres.

"Once you get a puppy, if he grows up and isn't trained the likelihood of him going to animal control is so much greater," he explained.

In addition to these five commands, it is also important to have the pooch under control when walking.

Mr Vance said this was so owners do not get pulled around when out for a stroll, but animal behaviour expert Cesar Millan cited another reason why this is important.

The US TV pet guru has said that allowing a dog to strain ahead instead of staying at heel communicated the message that it is the alpha dog instead of the owner.

As one of the biggest independent dog insurance providers in the UK, Animal Friends Insurance products are available to buy online or the phone ( 0844 70 50 300 ). We offer a wide range of affordable dog insurance options to suit all budgets from accident only policies to full lifetime cover.

Posted by Elaine