This post was written by our friend Melissa R. Shyan Norwalt, Ph.D., CAAB

According to the Washington Post, there were 26,000 more pet adoptions in the first nine months of the Coronavirus pandemic than the year before, January 6, 2021. Puppies purchased from breeders were also dramatically increased. Rover.com polled 1000 owners and 68% of Generation Z owners, and 42% of millennials plan to hire dog walkers or reserve spots in doggy daycare for their transition back to the workplace.

Basic obedience training is an essential part of you and your dog’s relationship. Obedience training establishes the communication between you and your dog to ensure you can maintain control of them with basic commands. There are a few basic commands that should be at the top of the list to learn.

There are many types of “treats,” like praise and playing together. But, let’s face it, when most pet owners think about treats, they’re thinking about the food kind. It’s fun to see that look of delight on your pup’s face when you offer something tasty!