How to Train a Pekingese

The Pekingese is a wonderful, small family dog that can also be a good watchdog for your household. But don't let the size fool you: These dogs are brave and independent. That means that, if you don't take control early in the relationship and establish yourself as the "pack leader," this little pet may try to take over your household. Read on to learn how to train your Pekingese and develop a long-lasting, healthy dog/owner relationship.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slip chain collar
• Leash
• Treats

1. Establish yourself as the pack leader with your dog, and make sure all members of the household do the same. The Pekingese is a very affectionate dog, and may demand your affection by jumping up on you or barking. It is important that you do not allow this. YOU decide when he gets petted, when he is fed and when he goes outside. When you do take him out, you should be the one who walks through the door first. Also, while you are training the dog, do not let him sleep in the bed with you. The pack leader sleeps in the bed, and the dog sleeps in his bed on the floor, or in a crate. Down the road, when your dominance has been established, you can bring your dog into the bed with you if you like.

2. Fit your dog with a slip chain collar (found at pet-supply stores). Make sure it is not too big or too heavy. It should be snug enough so that it will not snag on things and get pulled off, but loose enough that you can fit about two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. tThese collars do not hurt your dog, but merely give you the control you need so you can contain her and make sure she does not get away from you and get into a dangerous situation. Attach a very lightweight, long leash to the collar. It should measure about 12 feet.

3. Start socializing your dog. The socialization process simply means that you take him into different environments and get him used to meeting people and other dogs on a regular basis. He may be shy at first, but with your words of encouragement and praise, that timid attitude should dissipate rather quickly. You must make your dog comfortable with you and with various surroundings before you can begin to train him.

4. Begin obedience training by teaching your Pekingese to walk nicely on a leash. Let her walk ahead of you a bit on the long lead. As she begins to pull, pop the leash firmly (using the slip chain collar) to get her attention. Say the word "Easy" loudly and firmly, then change your direction. The idea is to get her to stop, look at you and then change direction with you. Be sure to praise her when she does this. This command also works in teaching her to walk slowly alongside you without pulling. Just use the same technique, but without changing your direction. It is important not to tug or haul her around with that leash. She should be learning to follow you with a very loose lead. Pulling will only cause more problems.

5. Use treats to teach the dog the basic commands. Sliced hot dogs are inexpensive, and all dogs like them. Slice them into very small pieces to train your Pekingese, and keep them in a pack around your waist for easy access. Have him sit for you, and reward him when he is sitting calmly, close to you and looking up into your eyes. This is called "focused attention." Keep repeating the "sit" command until he does this correctly without you having to push his back end down.

6. Teach the dog the "down" command when she is in the sitting position. Step to the side to give her room, then use your hand (with a piece of hot dog) to guide her down to the ground with a sweeping motion while you say "Down." She should follow the hot dog with her nose as you stretch your hand down to the ground and out in front of her. Push down between her shoulder blades to help her down. Then reward her by dropping the treat between her front legs. This will take a lot of repetition, but she will get it if you are consistent. This command comes with an "automatic stay," so she should stay in the down position until you release her with the command "OK!" Keep repeating the word "down" while she is in the position, so she will know you want her to stay until released. When you say "OK!" it should be in a very upbeat, happy voice.

7. Train your dog to come when he is called by using the word "Here!" (pronounced with inflection, like "HE -YER!"). Just take a handful of hot dogs, get his attention by calling his name and then say, "Here!" Back up and show him the treats as he comes towards you. Backing up makes it more enticing, and he is more likely to come toward you quickly. Continue to say, "Good boy" as he comes toward you, then give him the "sit" command when he is in front of you. Award him the treats when he is giving calm, focused attention. The "here" command should be used on-leash at first until he learns it well. Then begin to practice calling him from the yard when he is off-leash.

Tips & Warnings

• This takes a lot of repetition. Your training sessions should be short: about 5 to 10 minutes. You should initially train your dog about four times per day.
• Train your dog for about 7 to 10 days in the exact same location in your home. He will need this consistency in the beginning. Then you can move into different locations once he has it down.
• Once your dog has it all down, you can taper off the treats and simply use praise to let her know she has done well.
• Always give your commands firmly, with strong inflection. And always give praise in a very happy voice. Dogs pay very close attention to how words sound, and to our body language.