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Let’s
Train You Before We Train The Pup!
By: Debbie Boffa
Bringing a new puppy into your life is a big deal in my book.
It’s quite a responsibility and one that I take very seriously
(but then I am seriously dotty about dogs of any shape and
size…). I have some small experience training dogs and dealing
with their behavioral problems (having had dogs all my life,
several of which came from a rescue centre) a lot of it gained
from a now elderly Briard, rescued at 11 months. That juvenile
delinquent has now grown up, but not before he pushed me to the
limit of my patience (and still now has his moments…anyone
calling me on the phone will tell you about that; but more about
that another time….)
The thing is, to train a puppy or a more mature dog, requires
patience, forbearance, consistency and a rudimentary knowledge
of the commands and actions to use to get the desired result. If
you have no experience at all then my best advice to you is to
get some – and fast! Books are great sources of advice; I know
as I have written one myself, or take the pup to puppy classes
and gain it first hand. I think classes are great, especially
for socialization but getting a book on training and preparing
yourself will make the whole job easier.
Think about how to train a puppy first and foremost if you bring
a new puppy into your home. She's not a toy, so don't treat her
like one. Make your new puppy welcome. Her new home will have
strange sounds and smells, which she will have to get used to.
This takes time. Here are my 3 easy steps on how to start to
train a puppy with the least possible hassle.
1. Establish the basics first. Decide on her diet, the brand for
dog food she will have. You may have to change this, but choose
carefully and it will probably be alright. Decide on where her
bed is going to be. Don't change this location if possible. This
is her comfort place, just like your bed is to you, so choose a
quiet, peaceful corner that she can feel is hers.
2. Use the same words or short phrases for the same expected
results. For example, "go potty" for her toilet, and then always
take her to the same spot in the garden, and "here's dinner" for
her main daily meal. Repetition and consistency in the same tone
of voice, followed by the same action, is one of the keys to
getting the same result with a young dog.
3. Do not heavily chastise your puppy, or shout at her,
regardless of how bad a mess she has made, or how badly chewed
the carpet is. Show your displeasure by being cool towards her.
Frown and say little, turn your back on her, and no cuddles.
There’s no need to keep the bad vibes up for long – just a few
minutes whilst she realizes that you are not pleased with her.
This, coupled with lots of hugs and happy words when she does
something right, will usually get the message across to her.
Don't worry about how to train a puppy. It's not rocket science
but it is easier if you know how it should be done. Your common
sense and a good training guide will get you through most
situations and your puppy will grow up with the kind of good
manners that will make her or him a joy to have around. I
provide free training tips to lots of people who come on my site
looking for inspiration, so there’s a lot like me, who take
their responsibilities seriously. Keep up the good work!
Remember – there’s no such thing as a bad dog, there only bad
owners! And those are the ones who don’t train their dogs at
all!
About the author:
Debbie Boffa has
a rescued Briard called Arnie that has taken some real
dedication to get around his poor start in life. Her experiences
have lead to her new book ‘Dog Obedience Training’ and a new
website
www.trainingdogsrus.com. She’d love to see you there to get
your FREE dog training tips!
© 2006 Debbie Boffa |
