|
Basic Puppy Training
When Should You Start Training
a Puppy?
It is never too soon to start training
a puppy, however give your puppy as much freedom as
possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age. That
does not include running amok in public places. Always
keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places
where there is danger from road traffic and so on. In
many countries it is against the law to allow a dog
to run free, so be careful if that applies to your country.
Also be careful in parks if there are
older dogs loose as they may attack a crazy pup they
think is infringing in their territory. A boisterous
young pup of a larger breed can also harm very young
children or frail elderly people by jumping on them
excitedly. Always keep your pup in sight when he's off
a lead.
Plenty of exercise and fresh air is
essential for a fast growing young puppy. He needs the
exercise to strengthen his bones and fresh air for the
development of strong lungs. Being in public places
also allows him to interact with people and get used
to the noises of traffic and life in general. He should
be exercised daily if possible, with a side benefit
being that he will sleep well and not get bored, which
is the main cause of bad habits and destructive behavior
seen in so many young dogs today. Another thing it prevents
is shyness, which is primarily caused by isolation as
a pup, although shyness is also a trait that can be
inherited.
Starting Basic Puppy Training
You can start training a puppy from
about 4 to 6 months of age. It is possible to train
older dogs, but it's a lot harder. Don’t overdo
these exercises, 10 minutes a day is adequate. You'll
find that your puppy tires fairly quickly, and a tired
pup won't learn anything. Be regular in your training
sessions, taking him out at about the same time each
day. Dress in the same shoes or jacket each training
session, and the pup will soon associate those shoes
or that jacket with training.
Teaching a Puppy to Heel
Walk at a steady pace with your puppy
on a firm fitting collar and lead. Have him on your
left side, occasionally saying the command HEEL. Each
time you say HEEL, slap your thigh or the side of your
leg. If your pup pulls away or gets distracted, just
keep walking, he'll soon get the message and follow
along. If you don't stop, he'll have to follow. As he
follows you after a distraction, pat him saying GOOD
DOG or GOOD BOY or GIRL. If he tries to run or pull
against the lead, say a very firm HEEL! When he obeys,
give him a pat and praise him and he'll soon get the
message.
Teaching a Puppy to Sit
Once your puppy is heeling properly,
it's time to teach him to sit. With him walking at your
left side, stop, transfer the lead to your right hand
and while pulling up on the collar, press down on his
back end with your left hand. He will have no choice
but to sit. While lifting with the collar takes weight
off his front legs the motion causes the pup to want
to sit, especially with your hand pressing him down.
Firmly say the command SIT as you press down. Repeat
this several times, praising him each time he sits.
Now walk further along and repeat this exercise several
more times in a 10 minute walk.
1howto.com
--------------------------------------------------
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
