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Training Info.

 

From 7 weeks to 4 months of age, your puppy goes through a socialization period that permanently

shapes their future personality and how they will respond to their environment as an adult.

Gently exposing them to a wide variety of people, places, and situations now makes a permanent difference. Proper socialization can prevent a dog from being fearful of children, for example, or riding in a car, and it will help them develop into a well-mannered, happy companions.

Socialization
Housebreaking / Crate Training

Always feed and water your pet at the same time everyday. If they eat at regular intervals, they will relieve themselves at regular intervals as well.

Even if you're in a hurry,  Don't bring the puppy back inside as soon as they have finished their business. By doing so, they will learn that the walk is over and they will start holding it longer

Crating your dog several times a day is an excellent way to housebreak them. This is because

dogs will try not to soil their "home"

Line the crate with washable material,(towels,blanket) to make it cozy.

Buy a crate that they can grow into. You can section it off as they grow or have become fully             housebroke.

Every time you take the puppy out of the crate, take them out so they can eliminate.

Never leave a puppy in their crate all day. They need several bathroom breaks, play, and feeding   time. Even though they won't want to soil their sleeping area, if left for long periods of time,             they may not be able to help it. If he does, it is because their owner has neglected that                         responsibility, not because the dog misbehaved.

Even if you're in a hurry,  Don't bring the puppy back inside as soon as they have finished their business. By doing so, they will learn that the walk is over and they will start holding it longer

Even if you're in a hurry,  Don't bring the puppy back inside as soon as they have finished their business. By doing so, they will learn that the walk is over and they will start holding it longer

The Process of Elimination

 

House breaking your new puppy need not break you. With patience, diligence,and a calm,authoritative manner you can teach your dog exactly where he should eliminate and where he should not.

 

 

1. The key to success is simple Timing and consistancy is everything.

2. Take your puppy outside immediately after eating, playing, or napping (approximately every two hours). Keeping this schedule will prevent them from making mistakes in the house.

3. Some trainers recommend giving your dog a command like "Potty time!" or "Hurry up!" at the moment your pup is correctly doing his business outside. Eventually, whenever you say that phrase, the dog will eliminate on cue.

4. A puppy's behavior will let you know that they need to go outside. If they whine, pace, or run in a circle, grab the leash and get them out the door.

5.  Mistakes happen. If you catch your puppy eliminating in the house, and he will, correct them with a firm, gentle  "No". Take them for a walk and praise them lavishly when they do their business outside.

Bell Housebreaking Training

1. Tie one end of the rope to the doorknob; make a knot at the other end. Bind a string of brass bells or chimes (commonly for sale at dollar stores) just above the knotted end so that it hangs loose to the ground and will jingle when tugged. Ensure the hanging rope can be reached by the puppy. Additionally, verify that your bells and rope are safely tied together.

 

2.  Choose a potty-training command. Each time you enable your puppy to relieve herself, speak a command that they can understand, such as "Go potty" or "Do your business." Verbalize consistent commands to help your puppy learn about the housebreaking process. When your puppy responds appropriately to the given command, reinforce their behavior with praise, affection and a treat or toy.

 

3.  Train your puppy how to use the bell. Every time you take your puppy out, grab the knotted end of the rope and allow the bells to jingle. Give the predetermined housebreaking command while the bells are ringing. Take the puppy outdoors; once they relieve themselves, give your puppy affection and verbal praise.

 

4.  Repeat this process every time you take your puppy out, and soon they will learn to tug the rope and jingle the bells by themselves. When they do, praise your puppy to reinforce the behavior, and take them outside.

 

5.  Be watchful of a puppy that may ring the bell to go outside to investigate a sound or chase after a squirrel. Follow a consistent, positive command-driven training regime so the puppy understands the proper reason for bell-ringing.

 

6.  Maintain a pack leader presence. To ensure housebreaking success with a bell, ensure you are present when you take the puppy outside (versus letting them loose in the backyard). Puppies need praise and encouragement from their pack leader to understand that they are doing something right; follow your puppy outside (or take them on a leash) to promote consistent behavior.

 

7.  Follow a consistent schedule. Take your puppy out as soon as they wake up, before bedtime and after meals, napping and play time. If you use a crate, take your puppy outside as soon as they are released from the dog crate.

 

8.  Take your puppy out if you see them circling an area or sniffing a rug, since this may signal they need to go to the bathroom. Following an easily understood, repetitious schedule will not only prevent in-home messes but also encourage your puppy to use the rope bell. Soon, your puppy will be able to communicate with you when they need to go outside.

The Four Commands

If getting 2 puppies, it is better that you get one of each gender. Housebreaking should be done separately as they will play and not get to the task. You may also find training the 4 basic commands easier if also separated.

The "basic four" commands will give your puppy a strong foundation for any future training!

Train your puppy with mild oral corrections, and lots of praise and reward!

Keep training sessions short and fun. End sessions on a positive note

                                                                                                                                                             1. Sit

                                                                                                                                                             2. Down

                                                                                                                                                             3. Come

                                                                                                                                                             4. Stay

 

Please try verbal praise for these 4 most important commands, you will not have treats all the time.Also while trying to housebreak him the more you feed him the more he will need to go out.

 

Sit.  Squat down next to the pup., place one hand on his chest and the other just behind

   his rear legs. Say "sit " as you apply gentle upward pressure to his chest and against his rear            knees, guiding  him into a sitting position. As soon as he is sitting verbally reward him.

   "Good boy/ girl."  Repeat.                                      

 

Down.  To teach your puppy to lie down on command, begin with him sitting next to him

    on your left side. Kneel down and place your left hand on his shoulders. Put your right

    hand just behind his front legs. Say "Down" while pressing gently on the puppy's shoulders;

    at the same time,scoop his front legs out until he is lying down. Stroke his back for a

    few seconds to encourage him to relax and stay in position. Then praise him.

    Use your release word, let him get up,and praise him again. Repeat by having him start

    in the sit position.

 

 Come.   This command could save your dog's life in an emergency.

    Start this command as you're playing with your new puppy say come with his name when

    he is walking to you. He will get the idea before the formal training of this command.

    Start indoors in a quiet place without distractions. Squat down, open your arms say "Come."

    then praise your pup as soon as he starts moving toward you. Use an enthusiastic tone

    to indicate that coming to you is the most exciting thing he could possibly do.

   Don't grab for the pup when he gets near you. Instead, let him walk very close, then

    reach out and gently rub his chest,praising him the whole time.

    Eventually you will teach him to sit when he comes, but for now just make sure he comes

    up close and stops direct in front of you.

    If your puppy doesn't come to you go slowly to him attach his leash,then guide him back

    to the spot where you called him.

    Never scold him for coming too slowly, and don't ever call him in order to punish him----

    you'll only teach him to avoid you.

 

Stay.  A puppy who knows the "Stay " command will remain until you let them get up

    by  giving them another command called the "release word." (Can be any word  Like "OK" or            "GO").

   Begin with your dog sitting by your left side. Keep the leash loosen while you pivot around

   to face the pup. Say "Stay" while holding the open palm of your hand in front of his face.

   Take a step or two away from your puppy, Keeping the leash loose. After a few seconds

   step back to him, puttingone foot on the leash----don't pull to tight, just enough to keep him

   from jumping up on you. Give your release word, and praise him.

   If your puppy gets up before you release him, just walk back calmly without saying anything.

   Use your hands to put him back into the sit position, then give the open-palm hand signal

   for "Stay" and walk away again. Don't repeat  the oral command ; it's important that

   your pup learns  to respond immediately to a single command.

   As your puppies learns to stay, you can gradually increase the distance between you.

    You can also increase the time he remains in the stay: Three minutes is a good goal to work

    toward. If the puppy repeatedly  breaks the stay,you're going to fast. Slow down,and work 

    on one thing at a time. Remember to keep the sessions fun, and always end with success for

    you pup.  

    Once these commands are learned, the sky is the limit.

What You Should Know

The period between 4 weeks and 4 months of age is a crucial time for socialization.

 

Chewing, barking, wimpering, jumping on people and of course, being endlessly curious about everything, are normal (though not necessarily desirable) puppy behaviors.

 

A well socialized and secure puppy is a happy puppy. This means helping them early on to feel that the world is fun and safe place to be. Whether encountering other dogs, children, or strangers on the street. Ideally, your pup will be content in any setting and even when you're not home. Give them plenty of stimulation, socialization, and encouragement or you will risk problems such as fearful behavior, excessive barking, and separation anxiety.

Remember, when it comes to puppies "out of sight" usually means "into trouble! Pay attention to what your puppy is doing and how they interact with their environment.

Biting and Nipping

For young puppies, nipping, biting and "mouthing" are normal behaviors and rarely cause serious harm. But it's important to stop these behaviors before your dog reaches adulthood, when a bite could inflict serious injury.

 

Begin your training early! Start when your puppy is 7 weeks old, if possible.

 

Teach your puppy that biting hurts you. When it bites, give a sharp "no!" or "ouch!", or even a yelp like a dog would make. This is the same reaction that your puppy would get from another puppy if they bit too hard during play. It teaches them that they have been too rough, and the odds are that they will be more gentle next time.

 

Remove your hand slowly - don't jerk it away - and give your puppy a toy that they can chew on without damage.

 

If your puppy ignores your reaction and bites again, repeat your "no!," "ouch!" or yelp, and leave the room for a few minutes. Let your puppy know that when they bite, they will lose their playmate. This, too, mirrors the reaction they would get from another puppy if they played too roughly.

 

Be persistent in your training. As your puppy's behavior improves and their bites are softer, continue to yelp or give a sharp "no!" or "ouch!" whenever they put their teeth on you. Make it clear that all bites are painful and unacceptable to humans.

 

Reinforce your puppy's good behavior. Whenever they lick you without using their teeth and whenever they play nicely, and appropriately, give them plenty of praise.

 

Begin teaching the "off" command after your puppy has stopped biting with any pressure. Hold a handful of the puppy's dry food, close your hand and say "off." After a few seconds, if the puppy has not touched your hand, say "take it" and give them a piece of food. You are teaching them that "off" means not to touch.

 

Continue to give a sharp yelp, "no!" or "ouch!" any time your puppy bites you unexpectedly. If you see the bite coming, give the "off" command.

 

Enroll your puppy in an obedience class where they can socialize with other dogs when they are about 6 months old. Their interaction will help to reinforce what you teach them, since rough play with other dogs will likely cause them to yelp and cut off play. At the same time, your puppy will learn the difference between people's limits and other dogs' limits - dogs will allow rougher play than people will.

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