How to Train Your Dog to Stay Beside You

Hello Ramani, Check out the Premack Principle from the article I have linked below. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ This also might be a case where remote collar training could be considered. Check out this trainer. https://www.youtube.com/c/JamiePenrithDogTraining/search?query=come Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Elijah, Which commands are you needing pup to obey from a distance? Different commands are proofed from a distance in different ways. Often a 40 foot training leash can be used, with the excess coiled up for things like a distance Stay. You can loop the leash from pup, around something like a tree behind pup, then to you in front of pup. The leash allows you to pull pup back when they try to get up to come toward you, like a pulley system. A long leash is also great for enforcing a distance Come, for teaching following, and for mimicking off-leash heeling, when pup isn't ready to be fully off leash yet. For example, a long training leash and clipped to pup's padded back clip harness can be used with the Reel In method from the article I have linked below. When doing distance training on a long leash, I recommend pairing the leash with a padded back clip harness (look up ruffwear front range or webmaster for examples of the type of padded harness to use for safety). A good harness protects pup's neck better than a collar if pup were to get jerked on the leash accidently. Also, pay attention to how much slack is in the leash so pup can't take off running and hit the end of the leash, pulling you over and jerking pup's body. Reel In method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall More Come - pay attention to the PreMack Principle and long leash training sections especially once pup has learned what Come initially means. These need to be practiced around all types of distractions like dogs and kids at the park to ensure pup is reliable before attempting true off leash. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ Another activity you can practice is walking around places like your yard or a field with pup on the long training leash and changing directions frequently without saying anything. Whenever he takes notice (at first because the leash finally tugs, but later just because you moved), then toss a treat at him for looking your way or coming over to you - without calling him; this encourages him to choose to pay attention to where you are and associate your presence with good things on his own, so he will want to be with you. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello Matthew, If pup was taught a behavior that directly helped in the event of a seizure, like going to get help during one, pup could likely become a service dog since you have a medical condition that would likely qualify and it sounds like your goal is to train pup well enough for to meet the public access requirements. Additional commands could be taught on top of the qualifying service dog skill. In the US there is not an official certification for qualifying as a service dog, rather you must have a qualifying medical condition (a doctor's note may be required some places like planes and housing), pup must be trained to perform at least one task that directly helps with your condition, and they must be thoroughly trained for public access without any behavior issues that would cause a public disturbance. It can help access to have a copy of your doctor's note, necessitating the use of a service dog, a laminated copy of ADA law which explains the laws regarding service animals, and a vest that says pup is a service dog (often patches with service dog are added to whichever vest is most practical for your needs). https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html Pup could also be trained as a therapy dog - which is what dogs who visit hospitals generally have certification in - that wouldn't allow pup as much access as a service dog with you outside of hospital settings personally, but it is more generally recognized for hospital patient visitations, and involves a testing and certification process. It sounds like pursing both service dog training and therapy certification with pup might be worth your time. https://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello, I assume you are training Neive off-leash? Remember she is pretty young and does not have her recall down pat, so do be careful that she cannot run into traffic. This guide has excellent tips and methods for off-leash work: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-off-leash. Read the entire guide - I expect it will be very helpful. The Reliable Recall Method as described in the guide is something you can practice in a safely enclosed area. First, make sure that Neive knows her 'sit' and 'stay' commands so that she'll sit and wait in a situation where you need her to. I see she has an ID tag, and microchipping may be wise, too. All the best and happy training!