Puppy Training
I hope you’re ready to enjoy a fun experience. You and your puppy are about to become a team by learning just a few of the basics. You have to carefully mold your dog into the kind of dog you can be proud of. A well trained puppy is a joy to be around.
Training with the Reward System
The reward system is the most positive method of training. Food and treats will be the main reward in the beginning. Little cut up pieces of hot dogs treats are used most. A lot of praise and love is another reward that should be freely given. In order for it to stay fun for you and your puppy, stay upbeat and positive.
The Training
Your puppy will learn to sit, down and heel as these are three basic commands. Once your puppy learns these commands you will have much better control over him. Socialization of your puppy will be much easier when he begins to listen to you through proper training. Ten to 15 minutes sessions at the beginning will be enough because they are just puppies. As the puppy learns and grows, the training sessions can get a little longer.
Using The Leash
While holding the treat in front of your puppy’s nose with your left hand, and the leash in your right hand, leash training begins. Before you give the heel command, in a happy, upbeat voice, say the puppy’s name. As your puppy is walking beside you, begin giving him the food and lots of encouragement. Gently tug the leash if the puppy stops but you should still be holding the treat in front of him. It won’t be long and the leash and collar won’t bother the pup at all.
Teaching The Sit
Holding the treat in front of the puppy’s nose and then bringing the treat up and over his head, the pup should sit, this is the best method. Every time you practice this, use the word sit. Every once in a while, if you’re watching TV or reading a book, go ahead and take one or two minutes to practice the sit.
The Down
To begin teaching the puppy the down, he should first be sitting, then while holding the treat by his nose, bring your hand all the way down then forward. Say down every time you start to lower the food.
To train your puppy, you will need to stay consistant. Some puppies will pick things up quickly and some others will take a little longer. When your puppy is doing these things with the verbal commands and not treats, it will be time to learn more. Results will show up and it won’t seem like it took that long. A happy home equals a well trained puppy.
