Top 5 Dog Training Questions and Tips — From PetMed of Key West

Training is one of the most important parts of raising a happy, well-behaved dog. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or you’re working on behavior challenges with an adult dog, consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, IA, we hear a lot of common training questions from dog owners. Here are our top 5 training FAQs and how we recommend approaching them.

1. How Do I Stop My Dog From Pulling on a Leash?

Pulling on the leash is one of the most common frustrations for dog owners — and one of the easiest to improve with the right tools and consistency.
Tips:

Use a front-clip harness or a Gentle Leader® head collar to help redirect pulling without causing harm.
Start in a low-distraction area and reward your dog for walking by your side.
Stop walking when your dog pulls; resume when the leash is loose — this teaches that pulling gets them nowhere.

2. How Do I Stop My Dog From Chewing?

Chewing is a natural behavior, especially for puppies, but it can be destructive if directed at furniture, shoes, or other household items.
Tips:

Provide safe, engaging chew toys and rotate them to keep things interesting.
Supervise your dog and redirect them to an appropriate toy if they start chewing something off-limits.
Make sure your dog is getting enough mental stimulation and exercise — boredom often leads to chewing.

3. How Do I Crate Train My Dog?

Crate training provides your dog with a safe, den-like space and helps with house training.
Tips:

Choose a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Make the crate inviting with soft bedding and treats.
Start with short crate sessions and gradually increase time.
Never use the crate as punishment — it should be a positive, safe place.

4. How Do I Stop My Dog From Jumping on People?

Jumping is often a sign of excitement, but it can be unsafe and unwanted.
Tips:

Ignore your dog when they jump — no eye contact, talking, or petting until all four paws are on the ground.
Reward calm greetings with treats or attention.
Teach an alternative behavior, like sitting, and reward that instead.

5. How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking All the Time?

Barking is normal dog communication, but excessive barking can become a problem.
Tips:

Identify the cause — boredom, fear, alerting, or attention-seeking.
Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom barking.
Teach a “quiet” command by rewarding your dog when they stop barking on cue.
Avoid yelling — it often makes barking worse.

Training Takeaways

Training takes time, patience, and consistency. Use positive reinforcement, reward good behavior, and set your dog up for success by managing their environment. For more personalized advice, our team at PetMed of Key West can recommend local trainers and behavior resources tailored to your dog’s needs.

📍 PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic
2262 Flint Hill Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003
📞 563-583-8387
🌐 dbqpetmed.com