How To Train A Dalmatian (5-Ways)

Want to know how to train a Dalmatian? You’re in the right place!

Training is an essential part of owning a Dalmatian and helps to build confidence, provide mental stimulation and solidify the development of a human-dog bond.

image of Dalmatian at agility course

Dalmatians that have timid personalities extremely benefit from training as this gives them a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

In this Digdoggy.com guide, you will learn:

  • The tools and supplies you will need to train a Dalmatian
  • Things to keep in mind when training a Dalmatian 
  • Basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “lie down” and “come”

What's In This Guide?

What Do You Need To Know About Training A Dalmatian?

To train a Dalmatian, you will need to establish ourself as the dominant alpha. A leader of the pack is important to this breed.

Make them heel behind or beside you when taking a walk.

Broadly speaking there are two main types of training sessions. Primary and secondary training sessions.

For a primary training session, you should be completely focused on your dog and work on teaching the basics such as sit, stay, lie down or stay.

Ensure to use really good treats that your Dalmatian will love.

A secondary training session is more of an impromptu training session that you jump into whenever a training opportunity presents itself.

For example, if you leave the fried chicken on the floor (on a plate of course). Your dog is left with an amazing temptation to get to the food.

That’s when you stop what your doing, intervene to get his attention on us, and then show them what we prefer they do instead.

Place treats in small containers all around the house so you can easily get to them when a training opportunity presents itself.

What should you be Aware of when training a Dalmation?

It will be easier to train a Dalmatian that understands their rank, rather than a dog that assumes they are leading. Always remain in charge!

No harsh treatment should be used as dalmatians are sensitive dogs that respond excellently to positive reinforcement.

Socializing a Dalmatian early on will help to reduce timid behavior, encourage a positive attitude and friendlier manner towards others.

Training methods to choose from include:

  • Potty training
  • Obedience trainining (includes basic commmands)
  • Crate training
  • House training
  • E-Collar training
  • Socilization

Each method has its benefits, however, for the purpose of this post, we will start with Obedience training.

Obedience training begins with basic commands such as sit, stay, down, or to come when called which are essential for a well-behaved pet.

You can even challenge your Dalmatian further by testing advanced methods such as “rollover” or “go-to place” fetch and so forth.

How Often Should You Train A Dalmatian?

IA good place to start training your dog is from 3 months old (12 weeks), once per day for 30 – 40 minutes.

But, no matter how old a Dalmatian is, you will be faced with a short attention span when training. So, the length of training will be determined by the amount of attention you can get.

No attention, no training!

To increase the effectiveness of your training, I recommend starting daily with the same start times in order to establish a routine.

Reward positive behavior with a treat your dog loves, and make sure to remain consistent as good habits will only come from repetition.

Supplies You’ll Need To Train A Dalmatian?

You will need the following supplies to train your Dalmatian:

  • Dog treats
  • Leash and collar
  • 2 people
  • Ideally 1 other dog
  • A spacious area to train (prefferably)

How to teach a Dalmatian to Sit

  1. Reach out with a treat and hold it in front of your dog’s nose so they can pick up on the scent.
  2. Once your dog acknowledges the scent of the treat, give an instruction to sit and wait until they sit down before moving on. If our dog fails to follow this step, then repeat the process until they do.
  3. Once your dog has sat it’s a good time to give them the first treat as a reward for good behavior. Proceed to feed them the first treat.
  4. Step backwards and away from him, then encourage him to stand and then hold out another treat.
  5. Give the command “sit” and use body language to help
  6. Once they have sat back down, its time for another treat
  7. Rinse and repeat this a 2 – 3 times per day until your dalmatian has mastered it

How to teach a Dalmatian to Lie down

  1. Use your dogs favorite treat and hold it in closed fist
  2. hold your hands near to your dogs snout, when they sniff it, ove your hand down to the the floor so they follow you
  3. slide your hand along the grond in front of them to enocurage their body to follow the head
  4. Once they are down in position, give the command “down”
  5. Reward their good behavior with a treat

How to Teach a Dalmatian to Stay (5-steps)

In order to start teaching “stay”, you’re Dalmatian must have first mastered the “sit” cue.

  1. Ask your puppy to sit if they are not already
  2. Raise youre hand infront of you with your palm open and say stay (like a police officer)
  3. Take a few steps back and ensure he doesnt walk towards you
  4. reward them with a treat
  5. Repeat the method and gradually increade the number of steps you take each time

How to Teach a Dalmatian to come On command(4-steps)

  1. Put a leash and collar on your Dalmatian
  2. Go down to their level ad give the command “come” while gently pullong on the leash
  3. Reward them for coming with treat
  4. Repeat until mastered

How to teach a Dalmatian Loose Leash Walking(9-steps)

  1. Put a leash and collar on your dog
  2. Give your dog a treat for allowing you to put on the leash
  3. Stand next to your puppy and allow the leash to remain loose
  4. If they stay next to you, give them a treat for staying
  5. Take one step forwrad and encourage your dog to follow
  6. Give them a treat for following you
  7. Walk forward and enourage your puppy to follow, then reward them with treats for every 2 steps you take with them following
  8. If they run ahead, trn th eopposite directoin and reward them en they come back next to you in place
  9. Repeat when out walking or even at home

how to Socialize a Dalmatian(9-steps)

Understand that the younger your Dalmatian is, the better benefit you’ll get from socializing them.

However, you’ll want to ensure they are properly vaccinated before introducing them to others. Consult with your vet to make sure you have the go-ahead!

Ideally, you’ll want to introduce your dog to other dogs in a very controlled way, in other words, a controlled setting.

  1. Find a neutral area large enough for you, your dog and one other dog and person
  2. Attach a leash and collar to both dogs
  3. Allow for the leash to be loose, then let your dog familiariaze themself with their surroundings (including people and dogs)
  4. Pay attention to your dogs body language and eyes to read how they are reacting to the situation. If you notice your dog is scared, then create distance between the them and the others.
  5. Allow for your dog to sniff the other dog (this is really good)
  6. Make sure to remain loose on the leash
  7. Let them explore eachother and let them play (if you feel like they get to rough on play, then pull your dog out)
  8. Look for any signs of discomfort or stress. Do. your best to minimize this
  9. Repeat the process with other dogs on a one to one basis

You want to introduce your dog to as many people and other dogs as possible. People with hats, big people, small people, different ethnic origins as this will really help them to become comfortable in a variety of environments.

Final Thoughts On Training A Dalmatian

Training a Dalmation requires time, repetition, and remaining in charge.

Begin with basic commands such as sit and stay, then move on to more difficult cues later. Make sure to reward your dog with lots of treats, playtime, and cuddles.

Train at least once per day for a minimum of 2 minutes, then ramp it up as your dog gets into the swing of things.

Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela

Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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