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Its Time To Start Training that Puppy |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 24 January 2006 |
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It's Time to Start Training that Puppy
By Shari Belden and Rodney Boettger
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Begin training your puppy as soon as possible. Keep in mind
that he will need some wiggle room until about 4 months old.
That does not mean letting your puppy run wild in public
places. It is very important to always keep a leash or
harness on your puppy in public places and where there is
danger from traffic. In many areas it is against the law to
allow a dog to run free, so be careful and know your local
regulations.
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. An energetic young pup of a larger breed
can also harm very young children or fragile 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 Your Pups Basic 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
enough. 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.
Instructing a Puppy to Heel
Training a dog to walk with you properly is one of the most
important and fundamental skills you must teach. This is
crucial if you have a dog that will grow very large as an
adult. Teaching him young will provide you with excellent
results as he matures.
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.
Show Your Puppy How 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.
Do not use too much force that could injure your pet. 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.
These were just a few tips to help you get started on
training your new puppy. Training you pet yourself can be
one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. It also
will help "man's best friend" create a strong bond with you,
so remember to always keep it positive and fun for you and
your dog.
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About the Authors:
Shari Belden and Rodney Boettger are both huge dog lovers
and wanted to help others enjoy "Man's Best Friend." They
have put together The Dog Care Hanbook website to
provide useful information relating to all areas of dog
ownership.
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