Puppies: training basics

You will be training your puppy from the moment you bring him home and start to house train. Puppies start learning from birth. Responsible breeders encourage handling and socialization from birth. Some training can begin as soon as the puppy can open his eyes and walk. Young puppies have short attention spans but expect them to begin to learn simple obedience commands such as Sit, Down and Stay', from as young as 7 to 8 weeks of age.

Formal dog training has traditionally been delayed until 6 months of age. Actually this juvenile stage is a very poor time to start. The dog is beginning to solidify adult behavioral patterns, dominance behavior is beginning to emerge, and behaviors learned in puppyhood may need to be changed.

When training is started at 7 to 8 weeks use methods that rely on positive reinforcement and gentle teaching. Puppies have short attention spans, so training sessions should be brief, but daily. Puppies can be taught to sit, down, and stand using a method called food-lure training. The use of food treats is to entice the dog to follow his nose into the proper positions for sit, down, stand, and stay.

Small pieces of food or a favored toy can be used to motivate your puppy to perform most tasks. Provided the reward is sufficiently appealing, the puppy can be prompted to get the desired response by showing the puppy the reward, giving a command, and moving it to get the desired response. For example, food held up over the puppy's nose and moved slowly backwards should get a sit response; food drawn down to the floor should get a down response; food brought back up should get a stand response; food held out at a distance should get a come response; and food held at your thigh as you walk should get the puppy to heel or follow. By pairing a command phrase or word with each action, and giving the reward for each appropriate response, the puppy should soon learn the meaning of each command.

Ideally you should give the command phrase once and then use your food to move the puppy into positions. Once the puppy has performed the task, add in verbal praise and an affectionate pat which are known as secondary reinforcers. Some trainers also use clickers as secondary reinforcers. If the puppy does not immediately obey on the first command, then you are likely proceeding a little too quickly. If you keep repeating the command, the puppy will learn that several repetitions are acceptable before heneeds to obey. Keeping a leash attached can help to gain an immediate response if the puppy does not obey.

You do not necessarily need to train in a set session daily. Rather, integrate these tasks throughout the day. A goal to strive for is at least 15 minutes of training every day. These can be short 5 minute sessions spread throughout the day. Try to have all family members ask your puppy to do these tasks. Remember to try and train in every room of your house. You want your puppy to sit, lie down and stay everywhere, not just in the training location.