TRAINING TIPS TUESDAY: TEACH YOUR DOG TO WIPE THEIR FEET

Have you ever wished your dog would just wipe their feet at the front door? I know I have. With a little persistence and some tasty treats as rewards, you can teach your dog to wipe their feet on command. Here’s how!

​Here in Ohio, we’ve officially reached the season of mud and mess. Periodic snowfall mixed with fluctuating temperatures create a perpetual stream of mud, snow, and muddy water through the house. Add to the fun four beagle mixes who want to play in the snow every hour, and you’re trapped in a cycle of let dog out, let dog in, clean floors, repeat- all day long. They wipe their feet outside in the grass…. so how can I get them to repeat that action inside on the mat?
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Here are a few helpful dog training videos to get started with.

​This German Shepherd got the idea pretty quickly.
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​Try this two-prong approach if your dog needs some extra practice:

​The training process is usually done using a training clicker. If you’re not using a clicker, you can use the normal verbal commands your dog understands. The use of treats your dog loves is integral in getting and keeping their attention during training. Try to keep training sessions short, and stop before your dog gets bored or exhausted. Training should be fun for both of you.

The training process is usually done using a training clicker. If you’re not using a clicker, you can use the normal verbal commands your dog understands. The use of treats your dog loves is integral in getting and keeping their attention during training. Try to keep training sessions short, and stop before your dog gets bored or exhausted. Training should be fun for both of you.

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​You can extend paw wiping commands to include after bath time, before getting in the car, or before entering a public building, store, or friend’s home. This impressive trick is sure to be welcomed wherever your dog goes.

The key to training is to be patient and consistent. You may have to change your approach several times before your dog “gets it”. And one approach that didn’t work early on may work well after a few sessions. Don’t give up! Make a game of it and keep it fun for your dog. Most dogs enjoy a little mental stimulation and will see the training game as a puzzle to solve- with big treat rewards as the prize.

​Have you tried teaching your pup to wipe their feet? How did it go? What advice or tips do you have for other pet parents? Share your comments below.