Training Your New Puppy or Dog
It is important to start training your new puppy as
soon as you bring it home. Training can be done yourself or a professional can
be hired. Local dog training classes are often available. Ask your veterinarian
to recommend a trainer or look in your local newspaper for a trainer in your
area.
There are two types of training: behavioral, and
obedience.
Behavioral training corrects bad habits that your
puppy or dog may have developed. Jumping, car chasing, begging, climbing on
furniture, and chewing are just a few. It is very important to be consistent
during the training process. For example, do not let your puppy on the couch
unless you are planning to always let him. This will confuse him, causing
problems.Obedience training sessions should be frequent but
short to prevent your dog from becoming bored: ten to fifteen minute sessions,
two or three times a day will be sufficient. It is best to train your dog right
before meals so it associates his meal with a reward for the training.
Before giving a word command to your dog, speak
its name to get its attention; then speak a one-word command such as
"stay," "sit," "come" or "heel." Do not
get impatient. You will probably have to repeat the command many times. Never
use negative reinforcement. Do not call your dog to come to you for punishment
because this will teach your dog not to come on command. Be sure to keep any
frustration out of the tone of your voice. If you feel yourself becoming
frustrated, take a break. Your dog can sense this and will start to associate
training with your unhappiness.
Some of the specific commands are "sit,"
"stay," "come," "down" and
"heel." When speaking the commands, say them loudly and clearly,
repeating them often. The dog may have to hear the commands over and over, but
will soon begin to associate the word with its meaning. Always remember to
praise your dog when it responds correctly. This will encourage your dog to
perform correctly the next time. You may either use food or a verbal praise as
the reward or both.
Tips on teaching your dog or puppy to sit:
When teaching your dog to sit, hold your hand high over its head with a reward
in it. Your dog will look up at the reward. Use your other hand to gently push
the dog's behind into a sitting position and say in a clear, firm tone,
"SIT" while still holding the reward in the air above the dog's head.
When your dog sits, give him the treat and verbally praise him. Do not allow
your dog to jump up and grab the reward out of your hand. Say firmly,
"NO." You will have to repeat this over and over. Eventually your dog
will associate sitting with the reward and will sit without your assistance.
Remember the training sessions should be short but frequent. Repeat this method
periodically throughout the day. If you get frustrated, stop and try again
later.
Tips on teaching your dog or puppy to stay and
come:
It is usually best to teach your dog to sit before you teach it to stay. The
reason is: your dog will have an easier time staying if he is in a sitting
position. After your dog has the sitting command down and has been correctly
sitting for a couple of days without assistance, it is time to teach your dog to
stay and come. Tell your dog to sit. Have two rewards in your hand. After your
dog sits, give him one reward. |
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Hold your empty hand up like a stop sign in front
of your dog's face and back up slowly saying "STAY" clearly, firmly, and
frequently. Be sure to stay facing your dog and remain looking at him. Go a
short distance and say with some enthusiasm, "COME." When your dog comes to you
reward him again. If your dog gets up and runs to you without the "COME"
command, say "NO" and start all over again. Remember to verbally praise him as
well as provide a food reward when he gets a new command right. Start off only
backing up a short distance from your dog. As he begins to understand what you
want of him, you may back farther away and eventually you may be able to walk
out of site and have your dog still stay until he hears the "COME"
command. Remember to be consistent and stop if you become frustrated. Your dog
can sense frustration and it will confuse him. He wants to please you. If he
senses frustration, he may learn to not like the training sessions.
Tips on teaching your dog to lie down:
After successfully teaching your dog to sit, stay, and come - without
assistance, it's time to teach it to lie down on command. Tell your dog to sit.
Show him the reward you have in your hand. Hold the reward up and then bring it
down in front of the dog to the floor and say "DOWN" in a firm clear
voice. Only give the reward if he lies down to reach it. Do not give it to him
if he stands up to reach his reward. Again repeat this throughout the day as
much as possible, keeping sessions short but frequent.
Each training session should include any new
commands you are trying as well as old commands the dog has already learned - so
the dog does not forget them. Always be consistent. Important:
If you become frustrated, stop and try again later.
