|
Home 
Dog
Training
Handling the Training of a Puppy
Handling the Training of a Puppy
Learn how to train your puppy to potty, respond to basic
commands, and how to make you happy.
by Brenda Burnett
contributing writer
July 17, 2004
Fundamentals: Don’t take good behaviors for granted.
The owner should actively watch for appropriate behaviors
and reward them. Much too often, the training is addressed
only when the pet does something wrong, then is dealt with
negatively.
You must set the puppy up to succeed. Don’t ask for more
than the pup is capable of. If you call a young pet to come
when he is barking at something highly distracting like a
squirrel or bird, you’ve asked for the impossible. It ‘s even
worse if you find yourself calling him repeatedly, you’ve
set him up for failure, and is now in the habit of ignoring
your call. Most puppy behaviors are fairly predictable. The
owner must think ahead and take precautions, which include
much supervision and confinement to safe areas when being
watched is not possible, to prevent repeated failure.
Be consistent. It’s only fair that the pup know what to expect
in the way of rewards or reprimands in each type of situation.
Remember that relying mainly on reprimands to shape behavior
doesn’t work any better than it does with humans.
Housetraining or Potty Training: There are two main
concerns to address. First, teach the pup where to eliminate.
Secondly, use close supervision or confinement to reduce opportunity
to do so in the wrong places. Maintain a steady flow of praise,
confinement and supervision until the habit of going only
in the correct place(s) is firmly established.
Someone must accompany the pet every time going out, and
use a leash to keep the pet in the appropriate area until
success is achieved. It is important to guide them along the
same path each time, and not distract them or allow them to
play until after the process is complete. The pup should learn
to expect to play only after taking care of business. Stay
out with the pup each time until it eliminates. Until the
puppy has completed 3 to 4 weeks consecutively, without mistakes,
it must be supervised or confined to a safe place or crate
all the time.
Try not to crate a young puppy more than 4 hrs. at a time,
if possible. After 6 to 8 mos. of age the pet may then be
able to reasonably tolerate being crated 6 to 8 hrs. maximum.
Feeding: As soon as possible, put the puppy onto a
twice daily feeding schedule (usually appropriate at 10 to
12 weeks of age). This will assist getting the puppy’s hunger
and elimination on a more predictable schedule, which will
assist in potty training, as well as set up a procedure for
feeding times, to train the pet to expect that you are the
resource from whence it comes, thus putting the human in control
in the pet’s eyes, for their safety and welfare. This assists
in developing mealtime manners and self control.
Chewing: Chewing is a necessary and natural behavior
among dogs. It serves emotional needs, in addition to physical
needs. It is a relaxation activity and an entertainment for
the pet when bored or anxious. It is easier to teach a pup
to chew a limited number of objects than not to chew thousands.
Encourage proper chewing by making their items enticing with
an inviting scent or flavor added with a tiny amount of peanut
butter, cheese, bacon grease, etc.. Give attention to them
when they mouth the appropriate items. Keep things that are
forbidden up and out of reach for now, and try to replace
things that you remove from them quickly with a more acceptable
choice. This really assists the pet in learning what is and
isn’t OK for them to touch. If you catch the pet “in the act”
use a sharp ”hey” or “drop” to get their attention for a couple
of seconds to get to them and redirect to a behavior you can
praise.
Jumping: Jumping up on people is the most common problem
with poor control in puppies. All household members must be
consistent in handling this behavior in the same way. Everyone
must remember not to give the behavior attention. Pushing
them off is interpreted as a play invitation, thus making
it impossible to extinguish. Try to turn away quickly, then
quickly back to the pet immediately, when the feet slide off
you to praise the pet for being on the floor. This and encouraging
the pet to sit before any treat is given will assist him in
learning that sitting always gets positive reinforcement (or
attention). If you must give a verbal correction, use “off”.
Try to refrain from using “no” to correct the pup. They only
get confused if we use “no” with more than one specific behavior.
Save “no’s” for later use as a Qualified “no” when needed
for chronic behaviors which are not responding so well to
more positive methods. For example: “No Bite” or “No Bark”.
It must be consistent and only with the one specific behavior.
Many times you can develop an “Enough” rather than a “no bark”.
Go to: http://www.ConnectThePaws.com
to find more helpful information for you and your pet.
- Brenda Burnett
Simple and Easy Ways to Improve Your life! Twenty-six
years experience in educating children and adults with a
variety of expertise and certifications, in General and
Music/vocal Education, Positive Dog Training, Color Analysis/Consultation,
and Small Canine Breeding, Brenda Burnett enjoys sharing
any information that can be helpful to enhance everyday
life for others. Go to: http://www.ConnectThePaws.com
for more assistance and helpful information on many dog
related topics, and to: http://www.JoySpringEnter.net
for other topics related to color, gifts, decor, etc.
|
