Basic Training & Socialization | Best Friends Animal Society - Save Them All

Basic Training & Socialization

Caring for independent eaters

Tips on kitten feeding, health, litter box training, socializing, and more.

Two kittens with a variety of three different types of solid food in trays in front of them

Video: How to Crate Train Your Dog

Watch this video explaining how to crate train a dog to help your pup become comfortable with going into a crate.

White puppy in a crate, learning the crate training process

Dog Training Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Learn some of the best dog training tips — plus what not to do with your dog.

Person teaching a dog to trade using a high-value treat, one of the best dog training tips

How to Teach a Dog to Trade

Teaching a dog to trade a low-value item for a high-value item can help with resource guarding. Here are steps to teach your dog to drop and trade items.

Person teaching a dog to trade with a bone and some treats

How to Stop Dog Mouthing

Dog mouthing (aka mock or play biting) with people can get too rough. To discourage a dog from mouthing, follow these steps.

Dog and woman looking into each other's eyes.

How to Help a Dog Sensitive to Touch

Is your dog sensitive to touch? You can help your dog learn to enjoy being handled by teaching positive associations with touch.

White dog who is sensitive to touch being handled in a positive manner with head pats

How to Socialize a Dog

Socialization helps dogs become comfortable in different situations with people and other animals. Here are some helpful tips for how to socialize a dog.

migrated image

Tips for Taking a Dog in Public

Taking your dog in public should be a positive experience for everyone: you, your dog, and those around you. Learn tips to make that possible.

a dog in public being walked on leash on a sidewalk

How to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing

Chewing is a natural and healthy dog instinct. However, our canine pals don’t always chew on appropriate things. Here’s how to stop destructive dog chewing.

Two puppies chewing on shoe laces, an example of destructive dog chewing

How to Relieve Dog Car Anxiety and Fear of Car Rides

Learn step-by-step instructions and tips to help with dog car anxiety and fear of car rides to help your dog relax and enjoy going for a ride.

dog going for a car ride

'Look at That' (LAT) Training for Reactive Dogs

Teaching a dog to look at you is especially helpful for reactive dogs and can help all dogs in scary or exciting situations when they are distracted. Follow this step-by-...

Dog in a dog training class learning to look at his person

How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other

Introducing dogs to each other can be stressful, but it need not be. Here are tips for how to introduce dogs successfully.

Two brindle dogs who have been successfully introduced to each other are standing side by side outdoors in snow.

How to Teach a Dog to Speak and Be Quiet

To teach a dog to speak, it is usually best to teach the dog the 'quiet' cue first. Here's how.

Woman teaching a dog to speak (bark)

How to Train Your Dog to Come

Teaching a dog to come should involve rewards. Give praise, treats, affection, and/or toys. Make it a party every time your dog comes.

Woman who is teaching this dog to come

How to Teach a Dog to 'Leave It'

The 'leave it' command can prevent a dog from being hurt or even save their life. Here's how to teach a dog to 'leave it.'

Black-and-white dog learning the leave it command

How to Teach a Dog Their Name

Learn tips for how to teach a dog their name — plus information on choosing a name for a dog.

person sitting next to black-and-white dog