Heartgard

Housetraining a puppy follows simple rules. No punishment, only praise. Take him to relieve himself on the newspaper when he wakes up, after he eats and after playing. Once he use the newspaper, reduce the quantity of it on the floor and gradually move the paper closer to your back door. Each time he “performs” use a particular phrase like hurry up. And in a short time, all you need to give is the command and he will relieve himself.

Teaching any command to your dog should be fun for you and also for him. But, don’t let your democratic ideals get in the way of proper training. These aren’t party tricks you’re teaching. They are the basis for a successful and satisfying relationship. A dog enjoys following instructions and is happy and contented to obey your commands.

Training begins as soon as you get your pup, as early as seven to eight weeks of age. Get used to wearing a collar – a flat or rolled leather one is often best. Use a simple word to release him from his commands. The simplest word to teach is OK. And of course, the best negative word is NO.

Teach both verbal and visual commands at the same time. Never ask your dog to do something. Don’t issue requests with question mark endings. Always use commands that are given fairly and with confidence.

Here are the basics on how to make your pup “sit”:

1. Start training on the first day you have your pup.
2. Let him first sniff his food in the bowl. Then, each time he is fed hold his bowl above his head in such a way that he is most likely to sit down to keep his eyes on it. Say “sit” while he does so.
3. If he doesn’t sit on his own, use your hand and gently push him rump down.
4. Reward him for sitting by giving him his meal.

The command “sit” should not always be coupled with a food reward. Carry out this same simple training three or four times daily,. When there are no distractions, by offering praise as his reward:

a. Go to a quiet area and hold a toy or simply snap your fingers above your pup’s head while at the same time commanding him to “sit”.
b. When he does so calmly reward him with praise. Don’t wind him up with excitement because if he is too excited he will lose his attention.
c. Release him from his “sit” position by saying OK and always finish off a training session with praise and activity.
d. Once he has learned to SIT in quiet surroundings, move to different areas including indoors and outdoors so that he learns to obey commands in different situations.

Tags: Heartgard, Dogs, Pet, K9, Heartworm