Five Approaches to Puppy Training

What is an easy technique for training your puppy before it reaches the age of 3 Months?

It used to be common thought that dogs should not receive obedience training until they were at least 6 months old. Some trainers were even of the opinion that 12 months of age was a bit early. As of recently, many people believe that training a dog within the first few months of its life is rewarding and beneficial. Here are a few of the reasons why this is:

• Puppies learn new things very quickly.
• Expect them to be naturally receptive, even when you aren't intentionally teaching them.
• Puppies are fast learners because everything seems new to them.
• All puppies have a head start in learning obedience, because they are receptively intelligent.

There are different types of training, but I prefer what treats the dog most mercifully. We can't go into all aspects of training in this short article, but we will give a quick overview of some of the most important things that your puppy needs to know.

1) Opportunity Training. This is a fun way to train your puppy without him even realizing that he is being trained.

2) Attention Training. Before commanding the puppy to do the next thing, make sure he has followed your first command. While the puppy is watching and waiting to receive his reward or food tidbit, I introduce the dog to the command called "watch". Since puppies have a brief attention span, be sure to reward them promptly.

3) The Sit. You can seize control of the pup's attention by taking up a kneeling position, while holding the tidbit in your hands. Move your hand from above the puppies nose to back above his head. The puppy will move to the sitting position as it is easier to keep the treat in sight from that position. When the dog finally sits, praise him and say sit. Aim to do this 9-10 times.

4) The Down. Begin this command in the same way as "The Sit". However this time around, be sure to use your open hand to cover over the food. Your puppy will keep trying to get the food from you. He can have still smell it, even though he won't be able to directly see it. He will use his nose to try to get the treat out of your hand. He will discover that the easiest thing to do is to lie down. Immediately speak the command "down", reward him verbally, and give the tidbit when he lays down, while he is still in the down position.

5) The Recall. The recall or "come" command is a very important command for controlling your dog, and in some circumstances, a quick recall may be needed for your dog’s safety. You can make the dog learn this command if he is old enough to grasp the concepts of the "sit" and "down" commands. Have someone restrain the dog, in his or her arms, while squatting on the floor. Walk away from the dog a short distance and kneel or sit on the ground, as well. Attract the attention of your puppy by placing both of your hands before you. Ask him to "come". When he looks at you, tell your assistant to let go of the puppy. To get him to run to you, enthusiastically Say the command, "Come" and praise him. When he gets to you, praise him heartily, and give him his food reward. Do not try to make your puppy learn the commands sit or lay down all at once. A puppy must be taught a single exercise at a time, which must be repeated time and again until he is accustomed to it.

Don't be surprised by how much young puppies can learn at an early age. Proper methods of teaching and an affectionate demeanor help little puppies learn the commands with ease. Always remember that the ideas behind training are to instill confidence in the dog, as well as promote bonding between the owner and puppy. Training should be fun for you and especially for your dog. It should be carried out in a relaxed atmosphere. Thus, the puppy will WANT to go on obeying the commands and learning new things.