After getting a new dog, there will be so many things you have to teach them. Most people start with potty training, then move to things like sit, stay, and come. While these are all very important, there are other things that your dog should know as well. Teaching your dog the name of its body parts will go a long way toward helping you, or the veterinarian provide care to your dog. These are some of the body parts my dog knows, and why I felt it was important for her to know them.
Ears
A dog should know what you mean when you say you are going to touch their ears. Dog’s ears require weekly cleaning to avoid infections, and even with regular cleaning they can still have issues. My dog has allergies that cause her to get ear infections. Her ears become red and swollen, develop a strange smell, and can even be painful. Since she knows what her ears are, I can simply tell her that I’m going to look at her ears when I need to clean them or put medication in them. Knowing where I’m going to touch helps settle her down.
Paws/Feet
A lot of dog owners neglect their dog’s paws. It is important to inspect your dog’s paws on a regular basis. You need to check between the toes looking for insects, rocks, or debris of any kind that can cause pain or injury. You also need to watch the pads of their paws to ensure they don’t have any sort of injuries there. Along with regular inspections, your dog need regular nail trimmings to avoid breaking a nail which can be painful. I taught my dog that her paws were her feet. I began working with her when she was very young to let me handle her paws, and now that she is nearly six years-old, all I have to do is ask to see her feet and she will hand me her paw.
Teeth
One of the first things a veterinarian will look at during an exam is your dog’s teeth and gums. The health of a dog’s teeth/gums can tell its doctor a lot about its overall health. However, having someone they don’t know poking around their face and mouth area can be scary. If your dog knows what it means when you say: “I’m going to look at your teeth,” it will be less scary. My dog associates the word teeth with me touching her mouth area, and never puts up a fight. Not only does it help me see what is going on inside her mouth, but it also helps when I have to brush her teeth.
These are just a few body parts that my dog knows, and that your dog should know. Do yourself and your dog a favor by teaching them what these things are.
References
Author’s personal experience