Doghouse UK

Training

As stated on the introductory page I am not concerned with high class obedience training, just enough to enable you to have a happy, secure, well-balanced family member in your home.

Training is a fairly long section and is broken up into separate pages. Links to the different training exercises are given at the bottom of each page.

Introduction.

All dogs are directly descended from wolves and are therefore primarily 'pack' animals. They function best and happiest when working within a structured group which has rules. The 'alpha' is the pack leader and there is a pecking order down the structure, the younger or newer members being at the bottom. When we take a dog into our homes we are inviting him into our pack, or family group. The dog owner, and trainer must always be considered as 'alpha' by the dog, who should be at the bottom of the pecking order - below the humans. Of course, as in the wild, a dominant dog may very occasionally attempt to upstage his companions, so proper training is a must. A new puppy will accept his rank, but as he grows more confident a potentially aggressive dog, or a dog showing signs of over dominance may make challenges. A dog must know his place in the pack! It is important therefore never to 'give in' to him or allow him to 'get away' with any misdemeanours 'while he settles in', or disobey commands during or after training.

Training helps to form a dog's character, and as his training sessions can often integrate with playtimes while he is very young he will learn new things without even realising that he is doing so, but your puppy has to realise that a direct command must be obeyed, and he will do if a few simple rules are followed.

Be consistent or he will become confused, and the only lesson learnt is that he can do as he pleases.
Be very patient. Never rush a puppy or expect him to know what you mean. He has to be shown, and to understand what you expect of him before he is able obey you.
Never lose your temper if things aren't going well. The puppy could become frightened and be reluctant to listen to you in future. It is not always easy for him to learn the meaning of words that are new to him. If he makes a mistake, ignore it and perform the exercise again. Do this until he grasps what is expected of him.
Never smack a puppy for not understanding you! It is not his fault and you must persist calmly.
A 'Training Voice' helps. Speak with a no-nonsense, clear, firm tone of voice (without shouting in temper) when giving any commands or when reprimanding your puppy for any bad behaviour.
Giving too many treats, or tit bits when training a puppy should be avoided. Dogs of all ages are very clever and will soon perform only if a treat is given. If an exercise is proving very difficult for the puppy to grasp, a small piece of cheese can be given, but only until he knows what is being asked of him.
Training must be consistent and all members of the family must uphold the 'rules'.

When your puppy has learnt and understands a few commands they can be exercised in every day life without the rigours of training. He will eventually automatically 'sit', 'lie down', 'stay' etc. when told to do so, but still, you must never allow him to 'do as he likes'. A command must always be obeyed.

Basic training begins as soon as you take your puppy home. The first words, and possibly the most important words he will ever need to know are - his name and 'NO'! These words can save his life or prevent him from doing something he shouldn't be doing. e.g. If he has broken loose and is running towards a busy road - call his name to get his attention and say, "No!" very firmly. If he truly understands the meaning then he should immediately stop whatever he is doing. Call his name again and if he associates it with the pleasure of being with you, (as he should) he will return to you and be safe.

When the puppy joins your family keep calling him by his name. When he comes to you praise him lavishly, telling him how clever he is. Use his name constantly - when calling him for his food or to play, when relaxing with him etc. He will soon associate it with love and kindness and come to your call. Never, ever call a dog or puppy to you and then reprimand him! Next time you call his name he may think twice about running to you, expecting a scolding instead of praise. If he runs off and it takes a long time to get him to return to you, never show irritability. Always praise him for returning - however long it has taken.

Whenever you see your puppy pick up something he shouldn't have, or be going somewhere he is not allowed to go, call his name and firmly say, "No!" Quietly give him a toy of his own, removing whatever it is he shouldn't have, or take him away from the area he should not be in. He will soon learn that 'No' means he is doing wrong and will begin to respond to the word.

If you feel your puppy is not progressing well with you please consider training classes. These are often advertised in local newspapers, or your vet may be able to give you a list of good classes in your area.
Classes can be very worthwhile in training an owner how to work with his dog as well as being beneficial to the dog, not only in learning obedience, but in socialising with other dogs and people not familiar to him.

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