Dog Training Tips

It is important to devote a considerable amount of your puppy training to teaching your puppy not to chase. Aside from being great fun, chasing is a dogs natural instinct; however, unless your dog understands the command OFF it is not safe for him to be off the leash.

Heres one of the basic commands in puppy training. Teaching a dog OFF requires a controlled setting. The dog must be in an environment where he can concentrate. Start the training inside your home. Put the dog on a leash. While youre holding the leash roll a tennis ball across the room. After the ball is released you tell the dog OFF. If he starts after the ball give the leash a firm tug and command OFF. You mustnt ever let the puppy touch the ball or he may confuse the game with fetch. Practice often and always give lots of praise and treats.

When he begins to get the hang of it try the exercise in different rooms of your house and in the back yard. When youre certain he has a clear understanding of the command do the exercise without holding the leash. Keep the leash connected just in case. After the puppy masters the exercise remove the leash and try.

The next stage of puppy training the command OFF is to test the dog with a jogger. Employ a friend to be the jogger and practice the exercise. If cars are a problem take your dog to a safe street and have your friend drive by slowly and continue to practice. You must only practice this in a simulated way; it isnt safe unless youre absolutely certain the driver is aware he may need to stop quickly if the puppy were to pull away.

Continue your puppy training on a regular basis and remember that even the most well trained puppy has its weak moments. It is your responsibility to always use good judgment when allowing your dog off the leash outside of the safety of your home and yard.

The sooner you start leash training your puppy, the sooner he will be able to walk with you in a safe, happy environment. However, this isnt always an easy task. Puppies are often afraid of collars and leashes; and as such, should be introduced to them in a loving and patient way.

Before you start leash training your puppy, you should buy him a collar with an id tag, a leash, and some of his favorite treats. You need a regular dog collar, choke collars are not recommended for leash training. Start the training session by putting the collar comfortably, but securely around the puppys neck. He will probably paw at the collar and roll around at first. Dont laugh at him or encourage this in any way, but dont punish or scold him either. After a few minutes the puppy will forget its there.

Once the puppy accepts the collar, you should attach the leash. Dont pull him; just let him walk around wearing it for a while. Do this indoors with supervision so the puppy cant tangle the leash on something and become hurt. After a few minutes, take the leash off. Repeat this process several times while leash training your puppy. Attaching the leash to his collar at mealtimes will help him to associate the leash with something pleasant.

After he is comfortable wearing the leash, pick up the other end. Dont walk him; instead let him lead you around if he wishes. Try not to put him in a position where he wants to pull or strain against the leash. Try luring him towards you. If he comes, give him lots of praise and possible a treat; if he doesnt come dont punish or scold him because that will only make him more afraid of the leash. When he begins to walk praise him generously. Every part of leash training needs to be as pleasant for the puppy as possible. When the puppy is comfortable walking on the leash, practice in a familiar area without distractions. Gradually widen the walking area.

Once wearing the collar and walking on the leash are conquered, its time for you and your puppy to learn how to manipulate stairs. The same patience and encouragement required for leash training is necessary for training your puppy to climb stairs. You should find a wide, inviting staircase and sit at the base of the steps with your puppy. Go up one step and encourage your puppy to follow with your voice and a treat. If he follows make a huge fuss telling him how wonderful he is and give him the treat. Repeat this until he is no longer intimidated by the stairs. While leash training your puppy, never punish him for not climbing the stairs or try to force him. Forcing him will only impede the training process and give him something else to be afraid of.

Although leash training your puppy can be challenging it is absolutely necessary for his safety. Remember, new puppies are a great responsibility and this is only one small part of the training the puppy will need for a smooth and happy transition from a puppy to a dog.