Jean Smith's Dog Training Courses
1-800-833-1913
Teach Me Please Dog Series Inc. - since 1992
"How to Train a Puppy"
after all shots to 4 months
things you could do to start the bonding
Before serious obedience training, it is important to allow your puppy time to adjust and learn the do's and don'ts, boundaries, and such up to the age of four months.
Even though a dog's brain is completely developed, the focus is scattered, and he will bounce from one activity to another. Your puppy will drop off to sleep at a moment's notice since physical growth takes almost all the puppy's energy.
“No!” will be the most used word for the first few months. Remember, when reprimanding your dog you need to catch him in the act for him to understand the correction. Set up times when you actually let your dog do the misdeed so you can correct and teach him. Eventually just a firm “No!” when he is tempted will be enough to stop any wrong moves.
The “Sit!” command is the second command I teach after teaching the dog to come back. If you teach your dog to sit every time he comes to you, it will stop problems of jumping on people. This can be taught in a soft manner as early as eleven weeks. Later, the pup learns to sit properly alongside the handler.
These are the weeks and months to instill a winning attitude in your dog. The Introduction section of the Basic Obedience video will guide you on the right course to take. The result will be a puppy that wants to come back to you, who will listen to you, and who will be broken to the leash--and ready for formal training lessons at four months.
Following are some training tips:
· When your dog is in the house, teach him that this is the place to be quiet. If your pup is not in his crate or in the confined area, he should be carefully monitored. Keep a leash on your puppy, and don't let mistakes happen.
· If you want the puppy on your lap, do not pull him up. If he jumps up, front paws on you, tell him, "No, off!" and put all four feet on the floor. Tell him, "Good," and then pick him up, placing him on your lap.
· When playing the Fetch game, do only a few retrieves at each play session. Stop while he still wants more. Puppies get tired and bored easily. Save their energy for later.
· Your puppy will start leaving you to explore at about three months. Keep a long lunge line on him at all times. When he stops to bite the line, you run ahead of him. He'll soon follow and forget about the leash. You will be able to give a tug on the line if he gets too far away. Now is the time to teach your pup to come to the whistle!
· When making corrections, study your pup’s reaction to stress; that will tell you the amount of correction you should give.
· Never play tug-of-war with your pup as it will encourage grabbing and aggressive behavior, but do play with your dog to maintain a healthy attitude.
· Expose your pup to people, objects, and sounds.
Condition your dog to the above while observing his reaction. For example, set a vacuum in the middle of the room and leave it there for a few days, allowing the pup to sniff and get used to it. When you turn it on for the first time, have your dog at a distance. If your dog appears frightened, he’ll get over it faster if you don’t rush to his rescue. Appear natural and let him know it’s okay.
Dogs fifteen pounds and under especially need to be given opportunities to explore. Let the dog stay on the ground instead of constantly picking him up. This is the way to build courage in your dog.
60 minute DVD & Workbook
includes:
FREE "puppy Manual" "Training Tips" "How to Pick a Puppy"
$29.95 - free priority shipping
order online or call 1-800-833-1913 - click here
Teach me please Dog Series Inc.
33470 Chinook Plaza Box 356
Scappoose, Or. 97056
jean@series1dogtraining.com