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.

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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

Dog Chasing Cat: How to Stop This Behavior

Learn tips to help stop a dog from chasing a cat, including helping your cat be comfortable around dogs.

close-up of a black dog's nose

Dog Body Language: Signs of Comfort, Stress, and More

Dog body language can tell you a lot about what dogs are feeling. Learn about signs of comfort, stress, and more in a dog.

dog displaying playful body language in a play bow

How to Crate Train a Puppy or Dog

Check out step-by-step tips for how to crate train a puppy or dog, including two different methods.

Brown-and-white dog in a crate practicing crate training

How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat

Learn different methods for how to introduce a dog to a cat, including how to introduce puppies and kittens.

properly introduced dog and cat leaning on each other and getting along well

How to Potty Train a Puppy or Dog

Learn basics of potty training a puppy or dog. Find out how long house-training will take and how to positively reward your pup for making progress.

Woman and Pomeranian, a dog she's working on potty training (aka house-training)

How to Help Dogs Tolerate Grooming and Vet Handling

Teaching a dog to be handled and touched makes trips to the vet and groomer a lot easier. Here are step-b- step instructions for helping a dog tolerate grooming and vet h...

Dog being handled by a vet tech while being examined by a veterinarian