PUPPY TRAINING INFO

Puppy training can start at any period after about 8 weeks, this period the puppy has established an understanding of the basic commands. For training to be successful it should be based on a correction and reward system, the correction does not have to involve any physical abuse but just a firm “NO” or “BAD DOG”. The reward system, on the other hand, should consist of any food or special treatment your puppy likes, the reward can be supplemented by praising the dog by saying “GOOD DOG” this acts as an incentive for encouraging better behavior and performance. Training sessions should take an average of 10-15 minutes and you should also check the moods of the puppy and try to engage them when they are playful. Ensure that the puppy stays focused the whole time if you sense some disconnection it indicates you should stop trying to force it would be counteractive.

Puppies have short attention spans they are like kids and always want to play. It is therefore advisable to teach them short obedience commands such as;

 Sit. You can teach a puppy to sit by putting one arm on their chest and another on its rear legs and gently applying pressure on the chest guiding it on the sitting position. While doing this make sure you issue the command ‘SIT’ and when it does reward it.

 Stay. This command is to teach the puppy to remain in the sit position until you say the release word like “GO.” This command is usually taught using a leash, once the puppy is in the sitting position bring your palm to its face and say “STAY”. Move a few paces away and release the leash but still instruct it to stay sited. Then you can walk back and issue the release word.

 Down. Once the dog is in the sit position put your hands on the back and the front legs applying pressure gently and say “DOWN”.

See puppy training for more information.