Using a vacuum cleaner can be a little more difficult when you have a dog. However, it’s something that your pup will need to get used to, as we all have to use ours – particularly when there’s lots of pet hair lying around.
You might find that your dog is a little afraid of the vacuum cleaner, or they might simply want to take part in a game of chase with it. But if you’d rather they play with one of the best dog toys or sit nicely while you’re using the vacuum cleaner, professional dog trainer and behavioral consultant Amelia Steele, or Amelia the Dog Trainer, has shared some tips on Instagram – let’s take a look!
“The first thing you’re going to need is some background in teaching your dog ‘place’ or ‘settle’ on a mat,” Steele begins. “I find teaching a general ‘leave it’ in this context is too ambiguous for dogs, so having them do a really clear task like settling on a mat is much, much easier.”
When your dog is settled, Steele advises getting the vacuum cleaner and reinforcing them for lying on their bed while it’s around them – it doesn’t need to be switched on at this point. Once they’re consistently settling, you can practice moving the vacuum cleaner around and rewarding them. Each time you repeat, you can move it a little more. And remember, training dogs with treats is important!
The next step is to turn the vacuum cleaner on and then off straight away, again rewarding after each repetition. Gradually increase the duration for which the vacuum cleaner is on, until you’re able to use it as normal with your dog nice and settled.
“Practice when you don’t need it,” Steele adds. “With this skill, you need to build up in increments slowly. If you jump ahead before your dog is ready you’ll just go back to square one!”
She recommends giving your dog other outlets, too. If your dog likes to chase the vacuum cleaner, give them other things to occupy them. Toys and flirt poles can come in handy here! But if you need to clean and your dog isn’t quite ready yet, Steele advises simply putting your dog in another room with a chew or enrichment toy.
For more advice that could help you when it comes to housework (and being able to do it in peace!) here are five of the most important dog commands and how to teach them.
