A young puppy is like a clean, new chalkboard wide open,
full of possibilities and just waiting to be filled with information. Good early
training of your puppy when he/she is between six and sixteen weeks of age will make
future training much easier and teach your puppy good manners.
Puppy classes are
extremely valuable for proper socialization. It is much easier to teach a good habit
than to erase a bad one, so don't wait to begin your pup's education. Pups can be
taught good manners through simple, everyday steps that any owner can follow.
CHEWING
To avoid giving your puppy mixed messages do not give him or her old slippers or
shoes to chew on. They will not be able to tell an old shoe from a new one.
Instead, give your pup items that are approved for chewing and things that are unlike any
of your belongings. Give your pup a few toys of his owns (more than four may confuse
a young pup, making him think everything is a puppy toy). Rotate his toys frequently
so he doesn't get bored with the same toys week after week.
PLAY TIME
Do not wrestle with your puppy, this encourages nipping and biting. Puppies
wrestle with their littermates and think nothing of giving each other a playful nip.
Never allow a puppy to treat humans the way it would treat canine playmates.
A pup can get carried away with rough play and form the bad habit of competing with
humans. Once acquired these bad habits can be dangerous and difficult patterns to
break. Instead of playing hand-biting games, offer your puppy a toy to keep its
mouth busy. Instead of wrestling wildly and overstimulating the pup, try gently
stroking to calm him. Examine your pup everyday: look into his eyes, his
mouth, handle his feet and tail, brush him with a soft brush. As the pup gets used
to everyday handling, he will allow friendly touch without resistance or excitement.
OBEDIENCE TRAINING
Do not play chasing games. They will teach your dog to run from you.
Instead teach your pup to come when called. Hold a treat or special toy so your pup
can see it call "come" in a happy voice and playfully start to run away.
When the pup starts to follow you, simply stop and let him catch up. Praise the pup,
"good come" and give him the toy or treat. After a few rounds of this game
start teaching your pup to sit before he gets the goody.
GOOD DINNER MANNERS
To prevent your puppy from becoming possessive of his/her food bowl, which can lead
to growling, nipping and other aggressive behaviors, pick up the bowl after the pup has
eaten a little bit, add a tasty morsel (a small cube of cheese, or a healthy treat he
enjoys) give the bowl back to the pup and tell him what a good puppy he is. If you
do this three or four times a week, your puppy will be optimistic when someone reaches for
his food. Do not continually disburb a pup while he's eating, but do stay nearby and
interact occasionally. Your pup will learn that there is no reason to guard his
food.
GOOD LEASH MANNERS
When you take your puppy for a walk on a leash, he/she may start to pull ahead.
If the pup does this, simply stop, turn around and go the opposite direction.
Praise the pup with kind words as he turns with you. If he runs ahead,
stop, then turn again. You will have to repeat this lesson a few times, but soon
your pup will realize that you are the leader and will keep his eye on you instead
of racing ahead.
POLITE GREETING
Although it is tempting to pick up your pup and cuddle him/her, it can lead to
regrets later on when the dog grows bigger. It's better to get down to your puppy's
level than to lift the pup up. Puppies like physical contact during greetings and
learn to initiate it by jumping up on people's legs. If that behavior is rewarded by
petting or picking up the pup, he will think you enjoy being jumped on. As the puppy
grows, the jumping behavior will become a problem. While your puppy is still young
and small, teach him that a proper greeing begins with sitting, not jumping. This
will be much easier than trying to break the jumping habit in a big, rowdy adolescent dog.
HOUSEBREAKING
Potty accidents indoors can be avoided if you know that puppies usually have to
relived themselves shortly after resting, eating, drinking and playing. Young pups
up to 12 weeks old don't get much advance warning before they have to go. A puppy
that eliminates in the house is doing what comes naturally and deosn't know the house
rules. Shouting at the pup only confuses and frightens him. Make it a firm
policy tot take your puppy to an appropriate area at least once every two hours during the
day. as well as after eating, drinking, napping and play. Put your pup on a leash so
he doesn't run off to explore. Tell him "go potty" and then stand quiety
unti he does his business. It shouldn't take more than three to four minutes.
Don't play or take a walk. Calmly praise the pup after he's finished.
The positive messages
during everyday interactions will teach your puppy to be gentle and well behaved.
Teach good habits before bad habits can form. Your young puppy will learn fast as
you fill his slate with good training. He will get into less trouble as he grows and
you'll enjoy him so much more when you teach good manners as part of your daily routine.
POSITIVE DAILY MESSAGES PREVENT BAD HABITS:
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