Leave it! Gimme that! No! “Oh You…!” Get down! Supposing I were to tell you that the simple task of training your puppy to do all of the above could be accomplished by training him to understand that the word ’off’ means all of those things? Would that save you frustration and stop your yelling at the small creature who doesn’t speak English? OK, then. Let’s train your [...] Read more »
Train Your Puppy To Stay on Your Property
“How do I keep my puppy on my property? My yard isn’t fenced.” Teaching a puppy anything is easy using the lure/reward method. That is using the lure to indicate the required action and rewarding the pup when he complies. We start with using food and within 12 – 20 repetitions we switch to a toy or activity. The preliminary step to boundary training is a solid sit/stay. You will [...] Read more »
Training Your Puppy To Roll Over
“Bozo, ‘roll over’.” “But I don’t need or want to teach my dog party tricks,” you say. Fair enough but consider another view. ‘Roll over’ is guaranteed to bring “aahs” of appreciation when performed AND teaching Bozo anything is a fun activity for both of you AND whenever you or the vet or the groomer has reason to examine Bozo’s undercarriage, “Bozo, ’roll over’ “ makes it incredibly simple. Convinced [...] Read more »
Training Your New Puppy To Sit
We’ve talked about ‘sit’ quite a bit already. In fact, I have suggested that you teach Bozo to ‘sit’ even if you teach him nothing else. It is so easy to teach a young puppy, though, it seems crazy to me not to teach them lots more. It’s not only easy but fun and the benefits… limitless. But I digress… SIT Get your bag of kibble. Put a couple of [...] Read more »
Handling Your Puppy…Hugging & Restraint
Hugging and handling – sounds like a no-brainer, huh? Doesn’t everyone want to pick up a puppy and hug it? How about puppies? Do they love it? Can’t answer that one. Besides for the sheer joy of it, puppies need to be hugged and handled for their own future good, and yours too. Vet visits, grooming, & toenail clipping all require handling. Let’s get Bozo pup comfortable with the idea [...] Read more »
Why Bother With Training Your Puppy?
So far, we’ve talked about potty training, confinement, your homecoming at the end of the day, and feeding. Isn’t all that enough? Look at this cute little puppy. Surely he’ll grow up to be a well behaved dog if we’re nice to him, won’t he? Miracles happen, I agree. Unless you teach (train) your puppy to behave the way you want him to, it will take a miracle to have [...] Read more »
Watch Out For These Common Training Mistakes!
- It is important to have a plan i.e. what to do when Bozo jumps up and everyone including visitors follows it. Stay with it. - No puppy training. Regardless of the size of your puppy, he needs to be taught manners in order to be a well-behaved adult - Stopping training too soon. Training and reinforcement is a lifetime affair. It never stops. Read more »
Your Pup’s Safe Place… The Crate Part 2
Back in the post “He’s Here. The Early Days”, I suggested getting half a dozen or so stuffable chewtoys*. These are specific purpose toys. With these you will develop Bozo Pup’s acceptable object-chewing habit. Chewing is a natural behaviour for puppies. You will want to indulge that behaviour and enable him to form acceptable chewing habits. Squeaky toys, stuffed toys and balls are other use toys. Stuffed chewtoys are always to [...] Read more »
Your Pup’s Safe Place…The Crate
The crate. If you’ve done good homework and chosen a breeder who home-raised puppies, chances are good, Bozo will already be familiar with a crate. Many dogs I know will seek out a cave-like space under a desk or behind a chair next to a wall so we know the ‘cave’ concept is acceptable to them. The crate is Bozo’s moveable haven. Read more »
Puppies Pee. Puppies Poop. Where Do They Pee & Poop?
Not surprising at all, really. What goes in must come out. The problem arises when they eliminate in YOUR house, on YOUR rug and other inappropriate places. This is where YOU come in. It is absolutely 100% up to you to manage where your pup’s toilet is and to see that he uses it. One accident in the house, while only a tiny puddle or pile, is BAD NEWS. It [...] Read more »