Things You'll Need:
- Play and chew toys
- Leash and collar
- 12 feet of rope, for use as a lunge line
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Step 1
Animal trainers recommend that one person conduct the basic training. This will provide verbal and physical consistency for the dog, which supports fast learning. Trainers also recommend that basic training should include positive reinforcement and patience.
Before implementing a basic training program, list the training goals desired. Your priorities may include training to prevent:
• Begging at the table
• Chewing on furniture or other valuables
• Digging in the yard
• Excessive barking
• Fighting with other animals
• Jumping on furniture or visitors
• Learning to heel, sit, and stay. -
Step 2
No abuse, period. This means no yelling, swearing, hitting, kicking, pushing away, or any other aggressive behavior toward the puppy. This is NOT to be tolerated from any member of the family.
Choose the right dog for your home. Take the size of your property and the people in your family into consideration before bringing a dog into the home. A large dog will feel confined if kept in a town home or apartment. Ask family members if they will help care for the dog. -
Step 3
The basic training activities and commands must be concisely worded and consistent. Dogs don’t understand English; however, they can easily understand single-word commands, kept simple and consistent. In addition, a concise, consistent approach will minimize any stress that a trainer may experience. Using “Heel,” “Sit,” “Come,” “No,” and “Stay,” followed by the dog’s name will work well.
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Step 4
A puppy must understand why it is being corrected. Any correction must take place immediately after the undesired behavior. If a period of time passes between the undesired behavior and the correction, the dog will not understand why it is being disciplined. Saying “No” and removing the dog gently from the area of misbehavior will work for many dogs. For strong-willed dogs, you may have to toss a beanbag at their hindquarters or squirt them lightly with water. Use a low, firm voice.
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Step 5
Praise the puppy immediately after it demonstrates desired behavior. It’s easy and rewarding for the dog to be praised for demonstrating desired behavior; give a small treat as well. For example, if the dog goes outside to urinate, it should be petted and praised right after it urinates. This way, the dog will associate the praise and the reward with the desired behavior. Use a high, happy voice.
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Step 6
Exercise and play with your puppy every day. This will help you bond and will tire him a bit. It will also help him avoid boredom, leading to problems such as digging.
Provide play toys and chew items so the puppy knows which are his and doesn’t chew up your belongings. Keep your belongings where the dog can’t get them. When the puppy starts teething, provide chew bones and chew toys. -
Step 7
Do not allow jumping up on people, digging, excessive barking, or begging at the table, from day one. Use the “No” command and remove the dog from the area of misbehavior. Consistency means that you may have to get up at 5 a.m. on Saturday morning to stop the dog from barking, but you won't regret it. Use a leash to stop the puppy from jumping on people. Fighting with other dogs must be dealt with firmly and immediately by a sharp “No!” and removal from the situation.
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Step 8
Teach your puppy to sit by giving the command “Sit, __________” and gently pushing down on his hindquarters until he sits. Reward and praise him. Do this 10 times daily and he will soon learn. Do not give the treat unless he sits. Teach “Stay” the same way, having him stand or lie down, give the command, and back away a few feet. Wait, return, praise, and reward. Do not reward if he gets up.
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Step 9
“Come” is so easy to teach! It is taught by saying "Come!" each time you feed him or give him a treat. If he doesn’t learn it by 6 months of age, use a collar, leash and a long line (12 feet of rope attached to his leash and held by you so he can't run off.) Give the command and pull the line to bring him to you. Praise and reward him.
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Step 10
“Heel” is taught by putting on his collar and leash and having him stand at your left side. Say “Heel, __________” and begin to walk drawing him with you (keep him close at your side). If he goes ahead of you, immediately turn right 90 degrees and walk in the new direction, drawing him with you. Stop, praise, and reward. Do this every day for 10 minutes or so. This takes a lot of practice.
