How To Teach A Dog To Cross The Street

Most dogs are crazy to go outside. While we can get them to keep their composure a little, when it comes to crossing the street, it gets complicated. They want to run and cross between cars without thinking about what might happen.

It’s obvious they don’t think. Thus, they do not see the danger of throwing themselves among cars on an avenue. It is our duty not only to keep them under surveillance, but also to try to make them learn to cross the street. Yes, it is actually possible to teach a dog to do this and we will teach you how.

Teach your dog to cross the street

There are two main commands the animal must learn: sit or sit, and pass or go. They are paramount, as they tell the dog exactly what to do.

Teach your dog the “quiet” command

Choose a place, such as a board on the floor, or even a plastic table. The animal should be on it and when it wants to move you should tell it “No” (something your dog already understands) while holding it still with your hands and saying “quiet”.

The dog, when he hears this order several times, will associate the word “quiet” with the fact that he cannot move or go where he wants. Afterwards, we will remove the animal from the place where it is (the board or the table) and let it loose. We’ll say quiet while we keep it still with our hands.

Don’t expect him to learn the first time. You already know that teaching a dog a command takes time and patience. But after your dog hears the order several times and associates the command with the gesture, he will learn, no doubt about it.

Teach your dog the let’s order

Once the animal has learned the order of quiet, this is a good time to teach him the order of go or pass. How to do this? Once you get him to be quiet, then make a hand gesture while telling him “let’s go.”

It’s possible that the dog looks at you and thinks he’s crazy and doesn’t understand what you expect from him. Call him by his name and say “come”, then walk and say “let’s go”. Remember to follow the order with a gesture so that the animal will list you and thus make it easier for him to obey.

now the street

Well, once your pet has learned the two most important commands/orders, it’s time to teach him how to cross the street.

The main thing to do is to keep him by our side at all times through the collar, not behind, nor much less in front.

We shouldn’t wait to reach the end of the sidewalk, it’s better to stop a few meters before, when the traffic lights are still red. Then we will tell you “quiet”. When we see that the light changes to green, we will say “let’s go”, keeping him always by our side.

Little by little, he will become familiar with both orders and relate them to crossing the street. So, you can use them when you are in front of a traffic light, because the animal will already know when to stop, be quiet and walk. It is possible that he will even learn to do it without the need for a collar, but if you intend to practice in this way, do it on a street that is not trafficked.

Also use positive reinforcement to cross the street

The best way to teach is using positive reinforcement. Every time your dog learns a command or recognizes and obeys an order, give him one of his favorite treats and pet him so he feels you love him and are proud of him.

Don’t yell or get angry if at some point he doesn’t obey or doesn’t seem to respond to your order. If he associates obedience with the prize, it will be easier for him to obey. However, if he sees you getting angry, he may not know what to do and the pet will not obey, for fear you will fight with him.

Remember that with love you can achieve many things, and also with patience and perseverance.